Ecumenical

During the first Strasbourg International Feldenkrais Training (1993 to 1996), Elizabeth Beringer, the program’s educational director, mentioned that perhaps one day we would have a school of somatics. The trainees would start by studying the overarching precepts of the body studied from within and then specialize in the Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Method, etc.

Whether such an institution will come to be or not, the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association, better known by its abbreviation ISMETA, recognizes that the educational moving arts and sciences share a common perspective expressed in an impressive array of approaches.

Suppose you are the least bit curious about what is happening in somatics these days and developing your skills. May I suggest you check out ISMETA’s upcoming Professional Pathways in Somatic Movement online conference? It looks to be an insightful and inspiring event — and I’m not saying that just because I am on the program. Over 60 top teachers of contemporary embodied practices from around the world will be giving experiential workshops, participating in panel discussions, and more. One of my favorite teachers, Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, the founder of Body-Mind Centering, is on the program. Among the other presenters, more than a handful of colleagues graduated from Feldenkrais training programs, including Candy Canino, Daniel Burkholder, Sondra Fraleigh, Paul Linden, Ray Eliot Schwartz, and Elinor Silverstein. Early registration discounts are available until 15 March 2022.