Let what you do not know come into your eyes.
In Ursula K. Le Guin’s poem Bring Strange Things, there are several gentle invitations to expand one’s perceptual horizons. What I find most compelling is the way the poem suggests that such knowledge must be deeply embodied—gained through the senses and experienced physically. I share with you here a few of my favorite lines:
Let very old things come into your hands.
Let the paths of your fingertips be your maps.
Let there be deep snow in your inbreathing.
May your mouth contain the shapes of strange words.
This idea of embodied knowing is echoed in somatic practice, which also invites us to open ourselves to new ways of perceiving and being. When we take time to slow down, to notice, to compare, and to experiment with new ways of moving or responding, profound physical and emotional shifts can occur. Our senses sharpen, we gain insight into long-held patterns, and forgotten memories may resurface. It’s all rich territory for growing our agency, deepening self-knowledge, and expanding perception.
Several participants in the Eyes and Feet intensive over the summer described their experience as “deep” and “profound.” When asked what they’d like to explore next, everyone wanted to continue working with the eyes.
The line Let what you do not know come into your eyes, also from Le Guin’s poem, will be our literal and metaphorical guide for a new class in the upcoming session: Eyes &. Sight is the dominant sense for most people, yet we often give little thought to how we engage our eyes. This class will offer the opportunity to explore the physical patterns in your eyes, and the connection—or lack of connection—between your eyes and other parts of yourself.
The Long and Strong Back Chain class is also returning this fall. When I do the sequence from this class regularly, I live without pain. When I skip it for a few days, my left hip gets cranky and tight—and so does my lower back. I recommend it as an essential part of maintaining postural integrity and joint health.
Classes begin next Wednesday, September 17th. I look forward to seeing you then if you’re able to join.
If class cost is the barrier keeping you from joining, please get in touch and we’ll work something out!
Warm wishes,
Rebecca