In this episode, I continue my exploration of embodiment by interviewing two prominent figures in the field. First, Philip Shepherd, an actor and creator of the Embodied Present Process, shares his views on how embodiment involves joining the world through feeling and bringing the whole of one's intelligence into coherence with the present. Philip discusses how modern culture fosters disembodiment and offers insights into re-embodying through practices that enhance fluidity, groundedness, spaciousness, centeredness, and attunement.

Next, Claire Dale, a former dance company leader and co-author of Physical Intelligence, explains how she developed the concept of Physical Intelligence. Claire emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing the body's chemistry - hormones like oxytocin and serotonin - to achieve flexibility and resilience. She provides practical techniques such as the 'serotonin twist' to help listeners reduce anxiety and improve their Physical Intelligence.

The episode delves deep into how embodiment and Physical Intelligence can transform our experience and interactions with the world.

• Philip Shepherd: https://embodiedpresent.com/pages/philip-shepherd
• The Physical Intelligence Institute: https://physicalintelligenceinstitute.com/
• Books by Philip Shepherd
• Physical Intelligence. Harness your body's untapped intelligence to achieve more, stress less and live more happily

Join me on a transformative journey as we explore the multifaceted realm of embodiment with insights from thought leaders in the field. Mark Walsh opens the discussion with his nuanced definitions of embodiment, illuminating its role in our identity and relationships. Mark explores various definitions of embodiment, from the subjective study of the body to an intelligence that encompasses awareness, choice, self, and the other. He touches on embodiment as an umbrella term for body-mind arts, including yoga, martial arts, and somatic practices, emphasizing the distinction between physical activities and those genuinely embodied through awareness and self-development. Mark conveys the richness of embodiment, moving beyond seeing the body merely as a 'brain taxi' to appreciating it in its lived, experiential wholeness.

The conversation shifts as I welcome Rae Johnson, who offers an enriching dialogue on interoception and intercorporeality. Rae brings a queer-identified scholar's lens to the discussion. Rae explores interoception, proprioception, exteroception, and intercorporeality, showing how each offers unique insights into our relationship with our bodies and the world around us. They unpack the integral relationship between embodiment and activism, highlighting the significance of nonverbal communication in conveying messages that may not align with our spoken words. Rae examines the concept of implicit bias, how it leaks through our body language, and how it can impact trust and perception in interpersonal interactions.

Next, I introduce Olu Taiwo, a storyteller and scholar who masterfully weaves together personal anecdotes and academic knowledge. He draws parallels between the ancient wisdom of Tai Chi and modern neuroscience. Olu defines embodiment as the agency of being and knowing within one's body, which he illustrates with the idea of 'engrams' - habituated bodily knowledge. He explains how engrams can be beneficial for learning techniques but also responsible for negative patterns like poor posture or unhealthy habits. Olu also shares the wisdom he gained from his encounter with a life-threatening illness, underscoring the importance of gratitude and presence. He presents embodiment as a continual process, a journey rather than a destination.

The conversation concludes with Charlene Spretnak, who introduces dynamic interrelatedness, revealing how contemporary biology reveals our deep interconnectivity. She unpacks how recent discoveries in human biology challenge the mechanistic view of the human organism that has prevailed for centuries. Dynamic interrelatedness offers a radical understanding of the body-mind connection, human relationships, and our interaction with nature. The implications of recognizing our relational nature are vast, affecting personal growth, healthcare, education, and our response to the climate emergency. She considers how this knowledge could transform our approach to community preparedness, healthcare practices, and support for climate refugees, ultimately reimagining public policy and societal structures in harmony with our interrelated existence.

Featuring:

Mark Walsh
https://embodimentunlimited.com/mark-walsh-bio/

Olu Taiwo
https://www.winchester.ac.uk/about-us/leadership-and-governance/staff-directory/staff-profiles/taiwo.php

Rae Johnson
https://raejohnsonsomatic.com/

Charlene Spretnak
https://www.charlenespretnak.com/

In this episode, we step back and take a wider overview of what I call the embodied pathways: What connects diverse practices like Focusing, Rolfing, Authentic movement and meditation? Our guide on this exploration is Don Hanlon Johnson, who has spent over half a century studying how transformative body practices can enhance personal and social change. Don’s work takes cutting-edge theory and develops it through experiential practice. What emerges is a remarkable body of work on embodied consciousness and spirituality. Don is the author of numerous books and articles and is a Professor of Integral, Transpersonal, and Somatic Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies.

Don weaves together warm personal stories of his extraordinary life and profound insights into what it means to be fully human. He spent years at Esalen and has known many of the key figures in the world of embodied awareness, including Carl Rogers, Ida Rolf and Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen. Don has also had personal experience with many of the somatic practices that inspire people worldwide. Join us on a journey of discovery into the rich world of somatics.

https://donhanlonjohnson.com/