Happy New Year Friends! I am starting of 2022 with some pieces on the middle of the body which is often a black hole for most, it definitely was for me. This is a region most would rather not think about, but there is power in this middle. This month we will bust open this black hole, demystifying the middle.
The middle of the body connects the upper body to the lower body making us whole. When we understand this and its relationship to arm and leg movement, we can distribute effort, uncover more dexterity, facility, and nuance for movement which in turn translates to interesting nuance in phrasing.
So what is the middle?
I define the middle as the area occupied by the pelvis. The pelvis consists of two pelvic bones that connect in front at the pubis symphysis, and in the back connect to the left and right sides of the sacrum, forming the SI Joints.
Let’s start by bringing clarity by mapping the height of the two pelvic bones. You can start by locating the top of the pelvis on each side. The ridge of bone can be found in the area often referred to as the waist, except it is not the waist, what you are identifying is the top border of the two pelvic bones, technically known as the illiac crests. Clarity is key!
Next, find the bottom. In a seated position you might feel your sitting bones contacting the surface of your chair. Whether or not you perceive this, place your hand, palm up, under your bottom, move around to feel the curved sitting bones. Congrats you have found the bottom of your pelvis, more than a butt!
With one hand under your bottom feeling the sitting bone place the other on the top of the pelvic bone (Most easily on the opposite side) notice the height of your pelvis. Is it what you imagined? I often am surprised at the height, a sign my map is not yet accurate.
When you roll on your sitting bones notice how the two ends move in opposite directions, as you roll to the back of the sitting bones the top of the pelvis shifts backward while the sitting bones move toward the front and vice versa. Tune into this relationship as you play in a seated position.
This week…
Remind yourself about the vertical dimension of your pelvis. The first step redefining the black hole of your body. As we progress you will find the power of this region that will help you move more efficiently, with more precision, breathe better and release tension among many other things.
Notice it as you work at your computer, walk, run, jump and climb or just play your instrument.
Notice habits, movement, & relationships.
Be curious…