Touching Into Presence

Today's conversation is with Michael Shea Michael is one of the preeminent educators and authors in the fields of somatic psychology, myofascial release and craniosacral therapy. He leads seminars throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. Dr. Shea received his master’s degree in Buddhist Psychology at Naropa University, and a doctorate in Somatic Psychology at The Union Institute. In 1986, he was certified as one of the first Full Instructors of CranioSacral Therapy by the Upledger Institute. Dr. Shea has been a Florida Licensed Massage Therapist since 1976, and was an Advanced Rolfer for 20 years. He is a founding member of the International Affiliation of Biodynamic Trainings and the Massage Therapy Body of Knowledge task force (MTBOK). Dr. Shea brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to teaching health and healing, with a teaching style grounded in a spiritual practice of developing compassion with the use of manual therapy. He is a formal student of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and past apprentice with a medicine man on the Navajo reservation in Arizona. Because of the influence of the Dalai Lama, Dr. Shea’s clinical focus is on treating infants and children with neurological problems and developmental delays. This also includes teaching clinical skills for adults that carry pre and perinatal trauma. In today’s conversation, Michael Shea spoke about his new book, The Biodynamic Heart: Somatic Compassion Practices for a Clear and Vital Heart, and how it brings together his biodynamic work, Tibetan medicine training, and a call for deeper heart connection in what he calls “the era of grief.” He shared how heart health, metabolism, and spiritual well-being are deeply linked, introducing his biodynamic cardiovascular therapy—combining touch, primary respiration, and the five heart colors from Medicine Buddha practice. These visualizations, he explained, can help unblock pathways, support healing, and lead into dynamic stillness. Michael reminded us that stillness itself is medicine, and that healing is always here—what we meet in practice is not just tissue, but the living mystery of being. One of the things you’ll notice early on in this call was of a poor audio connection at times. Unbeknownst to me, my offices internet company was having area outages that day. I was also just back from time overseas and I was a bit jetlagged and you may be able to detect my presence being not as fully present as well as my speech a bit different. ‌ You can find his new book The Biodynamic Heart: Somatic Compassion Practices for a Clear and Vital Heart at https://amzn.to/3Uq4zFD You can also find more about Michael here at https://sheaheart.com/ If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today's Conversation is with the amazing and lovable Gil Hedley Since 1995, Gil Hedley, Ph.D., has been teaching “integral anatomy” in the dissection laboratory, via keynotes and speaking tours, online via his extensive website and membership portal, www.gilhedley.com and via his YouTube channel, "Somanaut." He is the producer of The Integral Anatomy Series, the Anatomy from A to Z Project, and The Nerve Project, as well as being the author of several books. He is based at the Institute for Anatomical Research in Colorado Springs, CO, where he teaches, films, and serves as Board President. In today’s conversation, we explored how Gil’s decades of dissection and inquiry into the human form have led him toward a deeply relational, perceptual approach to embodiment. We spoke about the evolution of his work, the ethics of language in somatics, and the importance of curiosity over certainty—especially when teaching or touching the living body. Gil reflected on the metaphorical nature of fascia, the seduction of technique, and the spaces in between structures where life often reveals itself most honestly. We also touched on his recent nerve tour—a unique journey through the often-overlooked pathways of the nervous system—and how it invited both reverence and humility. Together, we explored the interplay between anatomy and awareness, the practitioner as witness rather than fixer, and how real transformation requires not control, but presence. Gil’s work reminds us that what we touch isn’t just tissue—it’s mystery, history, and life unfolding. You can find out more about Gil at https://www.gilhedley.com/ If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

It was a pleasure to be Conversation today with Jussi Pellonpää Jussi is a certified Rolfer, physiotherapist, massage therapist and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner who specializes in looking at how the person’s deeply rooted “attitudes” manifest in all levels of body (-mind) functioning. And in using that understanding to guide interventions aimed at improving the client’s goals with the most precision possible. In today’s conversation, we explored how Jussi’s path bridges Rolfing®, physiotherapy, and Somatic Experiencing® into a deeply embodied, process-oriented approach to healing. We discussed the pacing of structural integration, the difference between neurophysiological and biological adaptation, and how true change often requires time, space, and surrender. Jussi reflected on the interplay between posture, safety, and pre-movement—the subtle ground where psychological and physiological patterns converge. Together, we examined the challenges of working with high-performing yet dysregulated clients, the ethics of force in bodywork, and the importance of practitioner clarity. Jussi’s work invites us to honor transformation not as something to impose, but as something to meet—slowly, relationally, and with deep respect for the body’s timing. You can find and contact him at, http://www.rolfing-helsinki.fi . If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

🎧 Podcast Update: A New Chapter for Touching Into Presence Hi everyone, Andrew here with a quick update from behind the scenes. Over the next few weeks, Touching Into Presence will be transitioning from Podbean to Spotify for Podcasters. This change is all about sustainability—making sure the podcast can keep growing without unnecessary overhead. 👉 During the move, you might notice: Slight delays in episode availability A few hiccups with older episodes on some platforms If anything seems off, no worries—things should settle soon. You can always check the [Facebook page] or message me directly if you can’t find something. ✨ I’m also excited to announce: I’ve been building a Patreon page to help support the show. Through it, I’ll be offering transcripts and other resources to make the conversations more accessible and meaningful. If the podcast has supported you in any way, Patreon will be a lovely way to give back and help sustain the work. And—if you have energy for things like social media, marketing, or just spreading the word, please reach out. I’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Thanks for being here. Your presence truly shapes this space. Much more to come. — Andrew

It was a pleasure to be Conversation today with Dr. Mark Olson. Mark holds an M.A. in Education and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Illinois, specializing in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuropsychology and Neuroanatomy. His research focused on memory, attention, eye movements, and aesthetic preferences. Dr. Olson is also a NARM® practitioner, aquatic therapist, former massage school director, and published author on chronic pain and trauma-informed care. He offers a variety of courses at http://Dr-Olson.com that provide neuroscientific insights into the human experience and relational skills training for professionals and curious laypersons. In today’s conversation, we explored how Mark’s path weaves together neuroscience, bodywork, and a deep inquiry into what it means to touch, heal, and relate. We discussed how his early fascination with human behavior led him to neuroscience, and how a later immersion into massage revealed dimensions of psychological and relational change that traditional explanations couldn’t fully capture. Mark shared insights on interoception, the role of C-tactile fibers in creating felt safety through human touch, and how neuroscience reframes concepts of trauma, posture, and therapeutic presence. Together, we questioned common narratives around “deep pressure,” “releasing trauma,” and “letting go,” highlighting the need for more nuanced, embodied, and trauma-informed approaches. Mark’s work offers a bridge between hard science and heartfelt presence—a call to understand the nervous system not as a mechanical system to be fixed, but as a dynamic expression of relationship, history, and possibility. A thoughtful and integrative teacher, he invites us to move beyond surface models and into a richer, more compassionate way of seeing and supporting human experience. You can find out more about Mark at http://www.Dr-Olson.com If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

It was a pleasure to be Conversation today with Konrad Obermeier. Konrad is a Certified Advanced Rolfer™ and Rolf Movement™ Practitioner based in Munich, Germany, where he also teaches anatomy for the Rolf Institute and offers advanced training in visceral and neurovascular work. Deeply influenced by the developmental movement of the embryo, Konrad’s approach blends structure, intuition, and a reverence for the body’s formative intelligence. He has spent over 25 years immersed in the work of Erich Blechschmidt, including a decade-long friendship with Blechschmidt’s widow, Traute, who entrusted him with access to the original scientific writings. In today’s conversation, we explored how embryology has shaped Konrad’s way of seeing—less as a set of techniques and more as a perspective on life, development, and relational presence. We discussed how environment—not just genes—guides growth, the philosophical roots of structural understanding, and how concepts like pressure, tension, and form help reframe what it means to touch another human being. Konrad shared his views on morphology, modern science, and the joy of being in lifelong study. A humble and passionate teacher, he offers a way of thinking about structure not as fixed anatomy, but as movement shaped by relationship. You can find out more about Konrad at http://www.konradobermeier.de If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today, I'm very excited to share this talk with Jörg Ahrend-Löns. Jorg is a certified Rolfer with over three decades of experience, having trained under esteemed practitioners such as Peter Melchior and Robert Schleip. He earned his certification in 1991 under Bill Smythe and Pedro Prado and completed his Advanced Training in 2002 with Jan Sultan and Michael Salveson. With a professional background in physiotherapy since 1982, Jorg brings a deep understanding of movement and structural integration to his work. From 2012 to 2023, he served as a faculty member at DIRI Europe before stepping into his current role as international representative and secretary on the DIRI Board. The week before this call, Jörg and I had a call, which unfortunately at the end I realized that it had not been recorded I was definitely bummed to have not recorded it, as it was such a great call, and I was really looking forward to sharing that call out to the public. However, that call is now lost to time. What you hear today is our second call, which was equally great or even better. You will hear us talking about our previous call as a reference point and also as a fulcrum for growth in quite a few dimension. I was just so very grateful for Jörg’s time and wisdom today and I am really excited to share this talk as there are so many wonderful nuggets of wisdom here which can really create a space for deeper embodied being. In today’s talk, Jörg and I dove into the art of presence, resonance, and adaptability in client interactions. We explored how staying attuned to our surroundings—and even knowing when to forget—allows for a more fluid, effective response to the moment. We also unpacked structural integration, not just as a bodywork practice, but as a framework for understanding how physical structure, movement, and perception intertwine. When these elements align, they create space to acknowledge and work with deeper emotions like fear and worry, rather than bypassing them. Our conversation wrapped up with a reflection on the value of collegial dialogue in professional growth—and an exciting possibility of collaborating on an article. You can learn more about Jörg at http://www.rolfing-goettingen.de If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today's conversation is with Alan Richardson Alan is a Certified Advanced Rolfer and Rolf Movement Practitioner with a private practice in London, UK since 1998. He is also qualified as a craniosacral therapist. Richardson is passionate about knowing other cultures and languages, having lived in Japan, Taiwan, Australia, and Brazil. He has just returned to London after practicing in the south of Brazil for one year. Find out more about Alan at http://www.rolfing-london.co.uk Today’s conversation was incredibly enriching for me and marks another episode in the Colleague’s Corner branch of our podcast. Alan and I delved into our shared interests in embodiment, phenomenology, and trauma work, exploring how these concepts shape our practices as Rolfers and movement therapists. We examined the importance of considering the whole person—integrating subjective experience and lifestyle—while recognizing the potential for self-healing. Additionally, we discussed the challenges of conveying the value of embodiment and the need to balance intellectual inquiry with physical activity and emotional regulation. If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today's conversation is with Zohrab Ajani Zo is a Certified Rolfer and Certified Ayurvedic Wellness Consultant, combining Rolfing with traditional Ayurveda therapies and protocols. He currently has a practice on the island of Kauai. Find out more about Zo at http://AZtribe.com In today’s talk we engaged in a wide-ranging conversation covering personal experiences, professional challenges, and approaches to therapy and bodywork. We discussed balancing work and family life, the importance of continuous learning and exploration in their our, and the value of connecting with clients on a deeper level through various techniques. The conversation touched on different modalities, including craniosacral therapy, Rolf movement, and meditation, emphasizing the importance of understanding underlying principles and adapting approaches to meet individual client needs. If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

It’s been a while since the last conversation, so I wanted to share a quick update about what’s been happening behind the scenes and what may be on the way. With significant personal life changes and a full practice now established in Boston, time has become more limited, but this podcast remains close to my heart. I discuss some upcoming changes, including a broader range of topics, potential new formats like “Colleagues’ Corner,” and even exploring respectful disagreements with guests. I also share plans for transitioning older episodes to Patreon to help support the podcast’s sustainability. Thank you for being part of this journey—your support means the world!

Today's conversation is with Bonnie Gintis, DO Bonnie lives in in northern Vermont. She has taught worldwide, addressing physicians and all people interested in exploring embodiment. She retired from Osteopathic private practice in 2009 and now devotes herself to teaching, writing, and exploring new ways to foster health and wellbeing. She is the author of Engaging The Movement Of Life: Exploring Health And Embodiment Through Osteopathy And Continuum. She is a 1986 graduate of New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she has also taught Osteopathic Principles and Practice. She has been a faculty member with the Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation, the American Academy of Osteopathy, the European School of Osteopathy, The German Academy for Osteopathic Medicine, and Jim Jealous, DO. Bonnie has been a board member, faculty member and Course Director for The Osteopathic Cranial Academy, and was honored with Fellowship in the Osteopathic Cranial Academy (FCA) in 2015. Bonnie studied Continuum extensively with Emilie Conrad and taught in collaboration with her from 1997 until the time of her death in 2014. She was authorized by Emilie to teach Continuum, and now teaches a synthesis of all her areas of exploration and expertise. She has had more than 50 years of meditation practice, trained to be a teacher of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and has explored many approaches to mindfulness within and outside of Buddhist traditions. Bonnie’s innovative approach combines Osteopathy, Continuum’s fluid movement exploration, and mindfulness, expanding the possibilities for experiencing health and embodiment and allowing for the development of perceptual skills to more deeply care for ourselves and others. https://osteopathyunplugged.com/ https://bonniegintis.com/ In today’s talk discussed about what Osteopathy and Continuum are. We shared perspective on the importance of natural movement, meditation, and a holistic approach in professional practices. We also discussed ways to connect with Bonnie's work, including her wonderful book and her upcoming teaching schedule including a retreat at Kripalu in October. There was really so much territory we could cover her and I felt Bonnie did a great job to just scratch the surface without opening up too many wormholes to go down, as the topics are rather vast topics as we explore them more. I would highly recommend her book and her podcast to get a deeper sense into what Osteopathy and Continuum can be. They are practices which I am personally still so green about but have touched and changed me in profound ways. I hope if they can be supportive for you that you too can get more information to explore your inner workings through these ways of being. If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today's conversation is with Don St John. Dr. Don St John is a psychotherapist, Continuum Fluid Movement teacher, author of the award winning Healing the Wounds of Childhood, and the revised Healing the Wounds of Childhood and Culture. He has been immersed in the psychological, somatic, relational, and spiritual worlds for more than fifty years. Dr. St John has a unique perspective on healing and human potential, having constructed a view that includes four essential and interrelated components: the Somatic (Body), the Psycho-Emotional, the Relational, and the Spiritual. Don and I had a lovely discussion where we shared our backgrounds, interests, and personal journeys. We spoke about an underutilization of resources that could benefit people, such as clinical treatments and philosophical and psychological concepts, how Hellerwork began, Continnum, Hannah Somatics, the importance of Dr Rolf’s work, and a little discussion about the usage of the trademark of Rolfing. You can learn more about Don at www.pathsofconnection.com And find him on social media at the following locales. LinkedIn URL https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-st-john-36636a55 Facebook URL https://www.facebook.com/don.s.john.90 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drdonstjohn If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today's conversation is with Mike Williams. Since 2008 Mike has been honored to guide clients on their journey to becoming a Soma Sapien, a person living from the integrated wisdom of body, mind and spirit. Together he assists you to transform chronic pain into the doorway to the next emerging version of you. Through Pain Reprocessing Therapy, Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychology, Rolfing and decades of experience teaching and practicing diverse somatic and movement arts, your work together will help you learn how you operate physically, mentally, and emotionally, create new pathways forward that leverage both your innate gifts and your growth edges, and empower you on your journey forward through life. In today’s talk we discussed Mike's career journey, the concept of mind-body coaching, and the complexities of working with clients. We also explored the principles and practices of Hakomi, the importance of mindfulness, and the value of humor in therapy. Lastly, we discussed the challenges and rewards of our roles, the significance of emotional connections in business relationships, and our ongoing personal and professional development. Another really fun talk with a like-minded colleague. You can learn more about Mike at www.somamike.com You can find him on IG / FB / LI: @somamikewilliams and on Youtube: @somamike If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today's conversation is with Will Johnson. Will received his B.A., magna cum laude, in Art and Archaeology from Princeton University in 1968. After graduation, he worked for several years as an art critic in New York before moving to the west coast of North America where he began actively exploring gazing, moving, and sitting meditations. He became a Buddhist practitioner in 1972 and was trained as a Rolfer™ in 1976. He began the formal sharing of the practices of Embodiment Training in 1995. he’s the author of 15 books (two of which won awards as “Best Spiritual Book of the Year.”) on the role of the body in spiritual awakening which can be ordered through your local bookseller or online at Will Johnson's Books . He and his wife (and partner in the practices) Coco live in Delicias, Costa Rica, just outside the little bohemian town of Montezuma at the southern tip of the Nicoya peninsula where they have created Bambu Hueco, the Hollow Bamboo Retreat Center where they welcome serious meditation students to enter into intensive 7-21 day self retreat. During these retreats, people have the opportunity to work closely with Will in their meditation practices and receive deep bodywork and dream sessions as support for their intensive practice. In today’s talk we talked about Will’s view of the state of SI schools today and the losing of a piece of the mystery that Dr Rolf alluded to. We discussed various aspects of the body, breath, and consciousness, including the potential benefits of meditation and body awareness practices. They also explored the importance of maintaining a meditative aspect in their work, the potential for holding space for others, and the importance of ongoing dialogue and mutual learning. You can learn more about Will at https://www.embodiment.net/ If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today's conversation is with Duffy Allen, MS. Duffy has been practicing Rolfing structural integration and Rolf movement since 1995. She was a faculty member at DIRI for fifteen years. She particularly enjoys teaching from a place of curiosity and affirmation. Prior to embarking in the field of structural integration, she was a scientist. Currently, she lives, practices, and teaches in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Her favorite word is ineffable. In today’s talk we had a comprehensive discussion about our personal and professional experiences, including teaching methods, the importance of relationship and connection in the practice of healing, and the evolution of their approach to client care. We also shared about the importance of integration in the work, emphasizing the need for a balance between reductionist and holistic approaches. You can learn more about Duffy at https://www.fifth-element.training/ If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today's conversation is with Raja Selvam, PhD. Raja is a licensed clinical psychologist, is the developer of Integral Somatic Psychology™ (ISP™), an effective somatic therapy that helps clients achieve optimal mental health by fully embodying their emotions. His book The Practice of Embodying Emotions: A Guide for Improving Cognitive, Emotional, and Behavioral Outcomes is currently being translated into several languages. Dr. Selvam is also a senior trainer at Dr. Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing® International. He has taught for twenty-five years in over twenty countries in North and South Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Far East. Dr. Selvam’s work is informed by older body psychotherapy systems of Reichian Therapy and Bioenergetic Analysis, newer body psychotherapy systems of Bodynamic Analysis and Somatic Experiencing, and bodywork systems of Postural Integration and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy. His work is also inspired by Jungian and archetypal psychologies, Kleinian and intersubjective schools of psychoanalysis, affective neuroscience, quantum physics, yoga, Polarity Therapy, and Advaita Vedanta (a spiritual psychology from India). Dr. Selvam’s work also draws upon his clinical psychology PhD dissertation on Advaita Vedanta and Jungian psychology, based on which he has published an article titled “Jung and Consciousness,” in the international analytical psychology journal Spring in 2013. In today’s talk we talked about what brought Raja to where he is today. We discussed topics from Raja’s book “The Practice of Embodying Emotions,” the interconnection between the mind, body, and environment in the context of psychology. We explored the complex relationship between pain and pleasure in the human brain, the role of defenses in shaping emotional experiences, and the effectiveness of Somatic Experiencing as a trauma modality. We also discussed the importance of accepting and managing life's difficulties, the integration of Eastern psychology into our approaches You can learn more about Raja at https://integralsomaticpsychology.com/ If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

In today's conversation I am joined again by Ryan Hofer and Paul Wirth for a second round of a triad of introspection. We discuss and contemplate writings of the Osteopath Jim Jealous, the need for improved listening skills training, we also explored different pedagogical approaches, the role of the autonomic nervous system in manual therapy, and the concept of structural integration. We go into some really fun and exploratory spaces and I greatly enjoy being in conversation with these two. A note, this talk came at the end of a busy day for me and some of my cortical channels were not as up to snuff as they could have been. I lost my train of thought a few times and thankfully Paul and Ryan were right there with me to pick them up, expand or contrast them and continue the conversation forward. ‌ Ryan Hofer is fascinated by applications of body-based systems thinking and hands-on therapies. He graduated from the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute and was the chair of a Structural Integration certification exam program. He has completed a Masters of Teaching and a Masters of Communication, and he is currently pursuing a doctorate in naturopathic medicine. Paul Wirth is a bodyworker and movement educator, a Certified Advanced Rolfer® and a student and teacher of Tai Chi Ch’uan. His practice integrates Structural Integration, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, and various kinds of movement work. A guiding question for Paul is: “How does a person's innate capacity for healing make use of my presence and input, and what about that is up to me?” He endeavors to continually be surprised by the reality that each person he works with is a living, present being, and to undertake practices that remind him that he is, too. You can find out more about Paul at http://mosaicbodywork.com If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today's conversation is with Pierpaola Volpones. Pierpaola graduated as Physical Educator (1976) and in Sociology (1982). She taught physical education in public schools and applied kinesis therapy in private centers for more than ten years. After having attended a Rolf Movement™ Workshop, she started Rolfing® education. She certified first as Rolf Movement™ Practitioner (1986) and then as Rolfer (1988). In 1996 she became a Certified Advanced Rolfer™. Since 1986 she runs her practice in Italy, as a full time profession. In 2006, the Rolf Institute certified Pierpaola as International Rolfing® and Rolf Movement™ Instructor. Outside of Rolfing, Pierpaola has continued to deepen her studies in Visceral Manipulation and Somatic Experiencing. In today’s talk we discussed Pierpaola's journey through Rolf Movement, her teaching style, and the importance of cross-cultural communication. We also touched upon the challenges and responsibilities of teacher training, the significance of adaptability and finding alternative approaches, and the concept of tonic function. Our conversation emphasized the importance of self-awareness, understanding personal space and proximity in client interactions and much more. You can learn more about Pierpoala at http://www.volpones.it If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today's conversation is with Leslie Kaminoff Leslie is a yoga educator inspired by the tradition of T.K.V. Desikachar. He is an internationally recognized specialist with five decades’ experience in the fields of yoga and breath anatomy. He leads workshops for many of the leading yoga associations, schools and training programs in the world. Leslie’s book Yoga Anatomy, (co-authored with Amy Matthews), sold out its first print run of 19,000 within one month of its June 2007 release, and has been a top-selling yoga book on Amazon ever since. The book went on to sell over a million copies in 23 languages by the time the third edition of Yoga Anatomy was released in the Fall of 2021. Leslie also helped to organize international yoga conferences while serving as Vice-President of Unity in Yoga, and was part of the ad-hoc committee that established national standards for yoga teacher training. Prior to the formation of The Yoga Alliance, Leslie was a strong voice in the ensuing national debate regarding the application of those certification standards. This dialogue resulted in the creation of e-Sutra, pioneering e-mail list and blog with a worldwide readership. Leslie is the founder of The Breathing Project, a New York City based non-profit educational corporation and studio which ran highly respected year-long courses in yoga anatomy from 2003 to 2017. The courses taught at The Breathing Project in New York City have been available online to a worldwide audience at yogaanatomy.net since 2011, with thousands of students worldwide participating in this growing online community. Leslie has also partnered with Lauri Nemetz and Lydia Mann as KNMLabs.com to produce week-long human dissection lab experiences for yoga and movement professionals. In our conversation today we had a wide-ranging discussion about our work, life experiences, and shared interests in yoga and bodywork. We discussed the importance of adapting to each individual's needs in teaching yoga, the core principles of yoga, the therapeutic effects, and the mind-body problem. Towards the end, we touched upon the importance of emotional regulation and the role of a yoga teacher. It was a very enjoyable conversation and I wish it could have gone on for hours more. Leslie is a seasoned veteran in both the bodywork and yoga world and his experience, wisdom and compassion help make him a top leader in the field. You can learn more about Leslie at https://yogaanatomy.org If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today's conversation marks a departure from our usual format. Today I am joined by Ryan Hofer and Paul Wirth. In mid 2023, Ryan organized a discussion among a small group of us on the topic of embodiment—a conversation I found particularly enriching, especially as it introduced me to Paul for the first time. The depth and content of that conversation seemed too valuable not to share on the podcast. The original call included four or five participants, which, while enjoyable, might not translate as well in an audio format for our listeners. A trio, however, makes for a more accessible listening experience. Paul, Ryan, and I share several overlapping interests, creating rich intersections of dialogue where two can engage deeply while the other listens in. My hope is to turn this into a semi-regular series with both of them, discussing various topics as they arise and providing value to our community. This episode is the first realization of that vision. Ryan Hofer is fascinated by applications of body-based systems thinking and hands-on therapies. He graduated from the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute and was the chair of a Structural Integration certification exam program. He has completed a Masters of Teaching and a Masters of Communication, and he is currently pursuing a doctorate in naturopathic medicine. Paul Wirth is a bodyworker and movement educator, a Certified Advanced Rolfer® and a student and teacher of Tai Chi Ch’uan. His practice integrates Structural Integration, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, and various kinds of movement work. A guiding question for Paul is: “How does a person's innate capacity for healing make use of my presence and input, and what about that is up to me?” He endeavors to continually be surprised by the reality that each person he works with is a living, present being, and to undertake practices that remind him that he is, too. You can find out more about Paul at http://mosaicbodywork.com If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g