Chapter 8 :: The Feminine Scroll Down >>>
Purpose The purpose of the eighth section is to release rotations in the lower half of the body - the legs, hips, pelvis - and balance the deep and superficial muscles of this area.
Theme The theme of this section is "The Feminine," and the theme of Section Nine is "The Masculine." Both principles are equally important in life and each exists within every person, male or female.
The pelvic girdle and the legs represent the feminine principle. The pelvis houses the womb - the ultimate symbol of nurturance - and the legs connect us to Mother Earth. The feminine principle represents the power of attraction. Where masculine energy works through action and directed effort, feminine energy radiates and draws in whatever is desired. The feminine way manifests through the medium of intention and receptivity, rather than form and activity. The feminine deals with beauty and well-being, complementing the masculine which deals with order and the law. How do you manifest the feminine style? Do you trust this approach to life and the power of being receptive? In this section, we explore how you use the feminine principle and how you can bring it into balance in your life.
Anatomy and Structure Anatomically, the focus of this section is the entire lower half of the body, including the legs, feet, and pelvis. The legs and feet are the support structures for the pelvis. In the illustration above, the pelvis is pictured as a bowl, a bowl which holds and supports the organs and structures of the abdominal cavity.
Structurally, the purpose of this section is to balance the rotations in the lower half of the body. A rotation and its impact on the body can be understood by looking at a towel hanging loosely and comparing it to a towel that has been twisted. In the act of twisting, the functional length of the towel becomes shorter, as shown in the illustrations to the left. In the illustration to the right, the result of a rotation in one leg of the body can be clearly seen. The right leg, which is rotated, is effectively shortened. This creates an imbalance in the base of support of the pelvic bowl. The pelvis, in turn, becomes an uneven base for the upper body that it must support. In this way a rotation in the leg can have an impact on the entire body.
Movement In movement, we work on applying what you have already learned to more complex activities. We also want to balance your core and sleeve movement, particularly in the lower half of your body.
Movement Lesson :: Moving from the Core Pick a complex activity that you do with your legs and pelvis - running, swimming, climbing stairs, etc.
Work with your Practitioner to integrate what you learned in earlier movement lessons - particularly Sections 2, 4, & 5 - with this movement activity so that it is performed with your body being balanced and aligned.
Now, repeat this movement as if it were coming from the sleeve, or outer shell of your body. How does this feel?
Next, perform the movement imagining that it originated deep in your core. Imagine a flow of colored liquid circulating throughout the deepest channel of your body. Feel the movement emerging from this liquid. How does this feel? How does it feel different than moving from the sleeve? Does moving from the core feel more fluid and integrated? This way of moving is illustrated in the drawing on the right. Between Sessions
Consider the role of the feminine principle in your life. Notice an area of your life where hard work is not getting results. This could be at work, in relationships, or in creative activities. Relax your effort, while maintaining your attention and intention on your desired results. Assume they will come to you. See what happens.