The Body-Mind Centering® Association, Inc. (BMCA) is an international membership organization for those who practice or are interested in Body-Mind Centering®, a somatic education and therapy modality developed by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen.

BMCA began in 1985 from an initiative by Ellen Barlow and Sara Vogeler. In subsequent years, it was developed into a professional organization through many generous hours of volunterism and financial contributions from many practitioners and supporters. BMCA is a creative community of individuals dedicated to exploring, sharing, and expanding upon Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen's work. BMCA offers:


* provides support and services to its members,
* promotes professional development,
* publishes a newsletter and journal,
* provides fiscal agency for somatic research grants for members,
* holds conferences, and
* is the conduit for communication and dialogue about Body-Mind Centering.

The thread linking this community is a dedication to Body-Mind Centering and its advancement in the world. BMCA's mission includes:

* maintaining high standards of professional competence and excellence;
* supporting research and publication of materials relating to the work;
* providing resources, information and avenues of communication about the work;
* improving access to the work; and
* educating the public.

You can locate a practitioner in your area or find a class or workshop nearby. All Body-Mind Centering practitioners and teachers have completed a rigorous, hands-on training which ensures a safe and consistent experience of the work for students and clients. Only people certified by the School for Body-Mind Centering are qualified to be Certified Practitioners or Certified Teachers. Our members live all over the world, including the Americas, Europe, the Middle and Far East, and Australia.

Answered by Jitendra , an ibibo Master, at 3:51 AM on October 06, 2008

Body-Mind Centering (BMC), developed by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, is the study of movement which supports the study of the mind. It blends traditional anatomy and physiology with actual physical and emotional experiences as part of feedback and growth processes. It studies the body as the most immediate and intimate living system we have contact with. Our bodies contain parts within parts and systems within systems, which are whole in themselves but also make up larger systems.

The muscular system allows for the development of strength and vitality, expression of power, and engagement in communication about boundary and resistance. The major fluids of the body set the ground for communication. The study of fluids helps us to learn more about contrasts, polarities and differences in the system. The nervous system is the major control centre of psychological processes in our bodies. By developing awareness we can learn how to record and integrate experiences, and in turn change, extend and transform how we live our lives. BMC invites us into our bodies in a very dynamic way that helps create intimacy and experience which facilitates healing of old wounds.(Bainbridge Cohen, 1997, & Aposhyan, 1998).

As part of the Body-Mind Centering work, the study and use of basic neurological patterns help to establish a base for learning, communication, and relationships. The basic neurological patterns are the automatic movement responses that underlie our voluntary movements. This work is based on the premise that universal patterns form the basis of individual patterns of movement and expression. The work stems from studies of the evolutionary origins of movement and early motor development

The neurological or vertebrate patterns are based on (a) spinal movement - head to tail movement, (b) homologous movement - symmetrical movement of two upper and/or two lower limbs simultaneously, (c) homolateral movement - asymmetrical movement of one upper limb and the lower limb on the same side, and (d) contralateral movement - diagonal movement of one upper limb with the opposite lower limb.

Movement can be considered in the context of five fundamental actions (1) yielding, (2) pushing, (3) reaching, (4) grasping, and (5) pulling. Any movement can be seen as a variation or combination of these basic actions. Susan Aposhyan describes the actions, as outlined below:

Yielding is a quality of resting in contact with the environment and underlies our basic relationship to the world. It is about the state of being versus doing, and forms the basis for the ability to act effectively in the world. In being in contact with the environment, discernment can be developed as to whether push, reach, or pull is desired or appropriate.

Pushing separates oneself from the immediate environment. The action contracts (shortens) all the musculature around the pushing limb resulting in the body becoming denser and more substantial. This action supports the capacity to psychologically feel, establish, and maintain boundaries, thus promoting an internal sense of support. It also supports the process of individuation and confidence building.

Reaching is an action that supports going beyond the sense of self. It is a way of extending out towards others or towards objects. Psychologically, reaching manifests curiosity, desire, longing, and compassion. This action may, however, expose one to risk taking and a sense of vulnerability.

Holding and Pulling allows for reaching out into the environment towards something/someone desirable and bringing it closer to oneself. Psychologically, the ability to hold and pull depends on the capacity to yield, push and reach. These actions provide the opportunity to reach out and take in from the external space.

Developmental movement is not linear, but occurs in overlapping waves with each stage containing elements of the others. The neurological actions f

Answered by Rajani , an ibibo Citizen, at 5:08 PM on October 03, 2008

Body-mind centering is a somatic therapeutic method of bodywork focused on creating awareness and integration between touch, movement, breathing, voice, and thought. Developed by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, a dancer, occupational and neurodevelopmental therapist, body-mind centering culminated from years of study of yoga, Laban Movement Analysis and the Japanese method of katsugen undo. Ms. Cohen has also worked extensively with children who have suffered brain trauma to help facilitate movement reeducation. In the early 1970s, she opened The School for Body-Mind Centering in Amherst, Massachusetts to train others in her techniques. Today, this modality is used in physical and occupational therapy, psychotherapy, athletics, and has many other applications.

Body-mind centering is based on two primary principles that embrace the theory of the body-mind connection. First, it holds that the mind is central to the functioning of the body as opposed to being isolated from it. Secondly, the mind may be explored and communicated with through the body. In addition, body-mind centering involves four areas of concentration: the body systems, developmental movement, movement reeducation (or repatterning), and expression through movement.

The first step to practicing body-mind centering is to study the body systems, including the skin, skeletal, nerve, muscle and endocrine systems. The tissue and cells that compose each body system are explored through a process called embodiment. First, tissue is studied through lecture and text and then recalled through imagery. The next step is somatization, which involves conscious movement to reveal the "state of mind" of the tissue.

The therapeutic aspect of body-mind centering comes into play when concentration is centered on the tissues and cells of a specific body system to effect movement within that system. This is accomplished by paying attention to occurring thought and inclination toward movement while concentration to the area is being applied. The practitioner facilitates this process by guiding the subject individually or in a group.

The study of developmental movement involves the recognition of learned patterns of movement and the development of subsequent patterns. This forms the three "Rs" of the movement: reflexes, righting reactions and equilibrium responses. Combined, these patterns contribute to the basic neurological patterns, from which cognitive thought, and physical and emotional balance is derived. It is believed that a mis-patterning or partial development of any of the basic neurological patterns may result in impairment of thought perception or movement.

Answered by Anju Singh , an ibibo Master, at 2:00 AM on October 02, 2008

Body-Mind Centering is a method that has been developed by the movement explorer Bonnie Bainbridge-Cohen in the USA and is based on anatomical, phy­siological and psychologi­cal principles. The ongoing centering of body and mind knows two main aspects:

The first one is „experiential anatomy“, a study of the body systems by personal experience of the different tissues which each correspond with our behaviour and thinking. You may, e.g., find the depth of emotions in your organs; in your skeleton: supportive structure and joint levers that give new directions to thinking; in your body fluids: the mobility between points of view, the balance between rhythms of excitement and calm. Once you have found a differentiated awareness and access to less familiar systems, you can always re-activate them. You win new qualities of movement, fresh impulses for be­havioural patterns and an expanded thera­peutic potential.

The second aspect is the early developmental patterns. Using these neuromuscular patterns of movement you can differentiate and assess your spectrum of movement. You learn to recognize movement processes more precisely and then re-establish them more efficiently. The body becomes more perceivable in its relation to space and gravity. And the patterns allow to assess and then facilitate specific re-patterning of difficulties in movement and development in healthy as well as ill people of all ages.

http://www.walburgaglatz.c om/2.html

Answered by Arle Rambabu , an ibibo Master, at 9:16 PM on October 01, 2008

Body-mind centering is based on two primary principles that embrace the theory of the body-mind connection. First, it holds that the mind is central to the functioning of the body as opposed to being isolated from it. Secondly, the mind may be explored and communicated with through the body. In addition, body-mind centering involves four areas of concentration: the body systems, developmental movement, movement reeducation (or repatterning), and expression through movement.

The first step to practicing body-mind centering is to study the body systems, including the skin, skeletal, nerve, muscle and endocrine systems. The tissue and cells that compose each body system are explored through a process called embodiment. First, tissue is studied through lecture and text and then recalled through imagery. The next step is somatization, which involves conscious movement to reveal the "state of mind" of the tissue.

The therapeutic aspect of body-mind centering comes into play when concentration is centered on the tissues and cells of a specific body system to effect movement within that system. This is accomplished by paying attention to occurring thought and inclination toward movement while concentration to the area is being applied. The practitioner facilitates this process by guiding the subject individually or in a group.
source:: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-bod y-mind-centering.htm

The study of developmental movement involves the recognition of learned patterns of movement and the development of subsequent patterns. This forms the three "Rs" of the movement: reflexes, righting reactions and equilibrium responses. Combined, these patterns contribute to the basic neurological patterns, from which cognitive thought, and physical and emotional balance is derived. It is believed that a mis-patterning or partial development of any of the basic neurological patterns may result in impairment of thought perception or movement.

Movement reeducation, or touch and repatterning, aims to identify and elevate the vibration frequency and resonance of tissue by directing focus to that specific area. The premise is to stimulate the tissue through vibration entrainment, much in the same way that an orchestra tunes up the vibration of a tuning fork. By utilizing this principle of entrainment, the movement and mind connection in tissues and cells become less stressed and available to reconditoning.

Answered by Tingtong , an ibibo Master, at 6:01 PM on October 01, 2008

The body is an under-utilized resource for learning and change. The practice of body-centered coaching is based on the premise that the body has a natural intelligence and wisdom that can offer coaches, and consequently their clients, a new depth of learning. It involves being curious and intuitive about the language and signals the body is sending. Interpreting the information and then integrating it opens many more creative pathways for both coaches and clients. You cannot talk clients out of their perspective; the change needs to be experienced through the body.

Your subconscious mind often speaks to you through your body. Your body’s wisdom can best be accessed by noticing - being curious about it and respecting that its language is different from cognitive and verbal language. Some expressions that are used to talk about the body’s language are “sixth sense”, “inner knowing”, “gut reaction”, “still small voice” or “somatic intelligence”.

The process of embodiment involves embracing body, mind and spirit to become a fully integrated person. The practice of body-centered coaching works with the inter-relationship of the internal and the external. The internal involves having your clients notice their internal experience: their body sensations and the signals and messages their body is sending. The external expands the internal experience to include external body experience in the form of posture, gesture or changes in body position. When clients move even slightly, the energy can shift to connect the totality of body, mind and, spirit - embracing the inter-relationship of all. By involving the wholeness of the body, there is more data available and the learning becomes more fully integrated.

The practice of body-centered coaching recognizes that body, mind and spirit are different aspects of your whole being, like different doorways into the same house. Sometimes your heart wants to go in one direction and your mind in another. When you pay attention to body, mind and spirit equally, you listen with all parts of your being - eyes, ears, heart, soul, body, mind – allowing for all parts to be heard and respected. The individual parts partner with each other for the greatest good - for you, those around you and for the environment. You need to listen to your heart’s wisdom, as well as your mind. Although you will be using the body as an avenue for insight and learning, the reality is that you are a whole person.

Embodiment of body, mind and spirit speaks to who you are BEING in the world: what you stand for - your values - your purpose - your passions - how you express yourself creatively - how you maximize your gifts, strengths, talents and creativity - how you express what you intend in each moment.

Who you are BEING as a coach is one of the greatest assets that you bring to your clients through the coaching relationship. You bring the true spirit of who you are: the essential, authentic, and unique aspects of you. You bring the part of you that can most effectively relate to others and to the world around you, feeling at ease and connected with your own body, mind and spirit.

As a coach, you have the wonderful opportunity to share in another person’s life. Consider for a moment all of your coaching skills - the concepts, ideas and strategies that you have in your coaching toolkit. The integration of all of these is vitally important. Who you are, however, is what brings your work alive and allows you to be yourself and be with your clients in a way that is fulfilling for both of you. It is the difference between doing coaching vs. being a coach. When being is in place, then doing can occur in a more meaningful way.

Sometimes people complain that we act as if we are human doings rather than human beings. This is a misunderstanding of your nature. You are a doer. You are designed to do. However, doing is not the opposite of being; you are a human being who does t

Answered by Vipan Thapar , an ibibo Master, at 1:08 PM on October 01, 2008

Body-Mind Centering ® (BMCSM) is an integrated approach to transformative experience through movement re-education and hands-on repatterning.

Developed by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, it is an experiential study based on the embodiment and application of anatomical, physiological, psychophysical and developmental principles, utilizing movement, touch, voice and mind. This study leads to an understanding of how the mind is expressed through the body and the body through the mind.The study of Body-Mind Centering® is a creative process in which we learn to meet and recognize ourselves and others through the exploration of embodiment. Each person is both the student and the subject matter. Principles and techniques are taught in the context of self-discovery and openness. We learn to engage ourselves and others non-judgementally starting at the place where we are and the place where others are. In this way we seek to find the ease that underlies transformation.

Answered by Ashish Yadav , an ibibo Wizard, at 7:36 AM on October 01, 2008