Here are some examples of how the various strands of Somatic Practices might be woven together to meet specific themes. Reading about these 9 Spirals may help further orientate you to the potentials of the material if you are considering an Origins Solo Retreat or joining an Origins Process Group gathering.

​

If you have never done this work before, then we would always start at the beginning, with the material in Spiral One.

 

SPIRAL ONE

THE GROUND OF BEING

​

This spiral covers the experiential anatomy of our cellular selves. Embryologically, we journey through egg and sperm energy, fertilization, implantation, gastrulation and the forming of the amniotic and yolk sac. We explore the developmental tasks of vibration, cellular breathing, sponging, and pulsation and we explore the perception of touch and movement.

​

SPIRAL TWO
 

ATTACHMENT

 

In this spiral, we look at the embryological formation of the heart and liver, as well as their function and form. Developmentally, we will explore the task of navel radiation and the umbilical cord around which we also organize our limbs. We also explore the fluid of blood and how it relates to the umbilical cord and the placenta. We deepen understanding of the perception of touch and movement as well as beginning the exploration of the different ways in which we bond or attach to our primary caregivers.

 

SPIRAL THREE
 

NOURISHMENT

 

Our organs and especially our digestive tract get special attention in this spiral combined with the developmental tasks of mouthing, sucking and swallowing.  The perceptions of smell and taste are also explored.

​

SPIRAL FOUR

​

PREPARATION FOR ENTRY INTO THE WORLD

 

The nature of bone, cranial sacral fluid, and joint proprioception can be experienced in this Spiral. The developmental tasks are differentiating the front of the body from the back, the ‘soft spine’ and the beginnings of the spinal cord or notochord. We return, in a slightly different way to the perceptions of touch and movement.

 

SPIRAL FIVE
 

BIRTH

​

Exploring the muscular system and sense of agency, we begin to discover the reflexes that allow us to bond to the earth and begin to move away from it.   The developmental tasks of physiological flexion and extension and the head to tail connection are experienced in some depth.  We look at muscle as a sensory organ with particular attention given to the psoas muscle complex, the pelvic floor, and the diaphragms. We re-experience and hopefully repattern our birthing imprints.

 

SPIRAL SIX
 

ONTO LAND

 

This spiral begins to explore the neuro–endocrine system. Developmentally we examine the differentiation of the upper and lower body and the homologous patterns of the infant, with its underlying reflexes. We also explore the movement dynamics of yield and push, reach and pull. We deepen our understanding of the development of attachment styles and the formation of the sense of self.

 

SPIRAL SEVEN
 

PERCEPTION

 

Spiral Seven deepens enquiry into the nervous system. In particular we explore the brain, cranial nerves, vestibular system (the system of hearing and equilibrium), the vagus nerve (a primary nerve of our autonomic nervous system), and the perception of sight. Our skin is the primary organ of exploration. This Spiral looks into the perceptual cycle, that is, how we perceive the world around us. The developmental tasks in this Spiral are of differentiating the right and left sides of the body in the locomotive creeping pattern of homolateral and its underlying reflexes. We continue to deepen our understanding and experience of attachment.

 

SPIRAL EIGHT
 

THE FLOW OF LIFE

 

This Spiral exploring the fluid systems of the body and the crawling pattern of contralateral.

​

SPIRAL NINE
 

AUTHENTIC MOVEMENT AS EMBODIED SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

 

Emerging fromthe work of Spiral Nine, Joan is now offering a Post Graduate Programme

 

ORIGINAL NATURE, A PRACTICE IN PRESENCE.  This programme is scheduled for 2018-21.