This course is offered by Ellen McKenzie Sensei for Zen students and instructors who are interested in deepening and refining their embodied awareness through Somatics. It is also intended for those who would like to support others in our community by learning to guide Somatics practices at sesshin and other intensives.

Over the course of this weekend training, you will be introduced to Thomas Hanna’s Somatics methodology. Learning will be primarily experiential, supplemented by functional anatomy lessons and pre-assigned independent reading. You will learn practices that address tension and movement patterns across the three planes of movement: sagittal, coronal, and transverse. You will also learn ways to modify practices to make them more accessible and inclusive.

This is not a professional training or certification program. The intention is to broaden our shared knowledge and experience of somatics so that more practitioners within the Chosei Zen community can experience its benefits in their training. 

Below is a basic schedule for the training. The dojo will be available to house anyone from out of town. Meals will not be provided for this training, but there are lots of nearby spots to eat. 

Friday, November 6th

• 6:30 - 9:00pm

Saturday, November 7th

• 8:00am Zazen

• 9:00am - 12:00pm

• 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Sunday, November 8th

• 8:00am Zazen

• 9:00am - 12:00pm

Reading List: Used copies readily available of all. 

• Somatics: Reawakening The Mind's Control Of Movement, Flexibility, And Health by Thomas Hanna

• Move Without Pain by Martha Peterson

• Trail Guide to the Body by Andrew Biel

  • Older editions (4th, 5th or 6th) may be less expensive. 

You can contact Ellen McKenzie Sensei for more information or register using the button below.