Head & Neck Release

Another Insight from Parkour

Here is a change I am fascinated by, the release of holding tension in my upper spine (aka the neck) and head.  I am going to try to put this into words.  The feeling is vivid and clear, articulating it is another story, but let’s try.

The idea that the head leads the spine is part of the Body Mapping course I teach.  You can experience this by walking across a space in one direction, then shift your eyes (and head) to look to the right.  You will find that all of a sudden you are walking to the right without even thinking about it.  The direction you looked changed your direction.  Voila!

I also learned that you can change the direction you are looking from your base.  In sitting this is the sitting bones at the bottom of your pelvis.  Simply shifting your weight to one sitting bone and tracing that sitting bone front to back on your seat will change the direction you are looking if your spine is free to adjust in response.  I think of this as the sitting bones and spine shifting where you look.

Both of these motions depend on the spine and its flexibility.  If you are tense in your upper spine and head (or any part of the spine for that matter) then the fluidity of the motion is limited.

In my Parkour practice, I recently stumbled on the release of the upper spine and head.  It first came in balance practice.  Standing on a rail with one or both feet depends on organizing the center of mass of the body over the feet.  Too far in either direction sends you flailing off the bar.

I began looking for ways to release holding tension, to allow the subtle weight shifts of balance to ripple through my structure (the bones).  I gave myself the instruction “release into the foot.”  For me, this feels like I am releasing tension that allows the bones of my skeleton to support me.  I feel the bones in my foot magically connect more to the bar and holding tension in my upper spine and head let go!  While this is still a brief experience for me, the important thing is that it is accessible. I can recreate it!

Next, I discovered a similar release when moving forward, striding, rolling, cartwheeling, QM-ing. I think of the head and upper spine as “falling forward.”  Magically movement fluidity and precision increase with this intention.  

This uncovers propulsion from by base, the feet and almost magically I am gliding longer and more easily, with more spring in my step and a softer body. 

In contrast to this, I believe that I often tighten my upper spine and head in an effort to “try” to do something.  This is a thinking based attempt.  Releasing allows me to access the felt sense, trust my skills, and take advantage of the AMAZING intrinsic design of the body for movement.

Here is a place for you to start exploring this movement possibilities and encourage release in your spine and head.

Why is this important for musicians?  The same tension that inhibited my balance and locomotion inhibits finger movement, breathing, embouchure movement, expression.

Be curious…

Here’s a chance for you to learn more. Today’s Body Mapping Drop-In class is all about Awareness, including the senses in your music-making for better movement and expression. Check it out! 3pm ET