About Continuum
Continuum brings to us a transformative, vast and ever-evolving practice inspired by the life and work of dancer and somatic pioneer, Emilie Conrad. From her studio in the US in the late 60’s, Emilie began exploring the interplay between breath, sound, movement and sensation through activating the fluid systems of the human body.
Water’s unique properties make it an exceptional vessel for storing and carrying energy and information.
Whether in the form of rivers, lakes, oceans, blood, tears, lymph, intracellular/extracellular fluids or cerebral spinal fluid - water is the medium in which all life began and is sustained. With the body’s high water content our inner ocean continually surrounds us with a flow of nourishing bio-intelligence.
When there is little movement, or a state of stagnancy, we gradually become distanced from this essential informing. However, if we can learn to keep our fluid systems vital we will be nourished throughout life. In Continuum the body responds with intrinsic, non-patterned, non-linear movements and we find ourselves moving as water moves - with waves, spirals and undulations.
“Moving fluidly increases our vitality, just as water in the natural world is vitalized by flowing freely.”
Water, of all elements, has the greatest capacity for resonance
Functioning as a whole this ‘organ of intelligence’ unites all fluid systems and creates coherence within the body, between one another, and with the surrounding environment. To me, this feels a little like a hidden secret or a promise - held latently until called forth. By enhancing the potency and aliveness of our fluid systems we initiate a stirring, an awakening to sensation and an invoking of the holy spirit of water, with its gentle but persistent signals to the body to reorganize and self-correct.
“The primary characteristic of any fluid system is its ability to keep transforming itself.”
‘Become the water’
Emilie Conrad
Continuum is an inquiry into our humanity
How do we engage with life through movement, breath, sound and sensation? Every inhale and exhale initiates a subtle wave motion in the fluid system. And each sound - the audible expression of breath - creates space and a different vibration in the body. In a physical sense sound moves body fluids, separates fibres, and allows for greater movement, fluidity and healing.
Compressed tissues (from injury, trauma, repetitive movement, stress or the aging process) become less rigid, allowing for more openness and vitality. Resonating sound sequences soften and open the tissues to what Emilie graciously referred to as the ‘Choreography of Life.’
“The fluid presence is, among many things, an atmospheric substance that supports and guides us via those gentle urgings that feel like a sweet knowing.”
What happens in a Continuum class?
Generally we work neutral to gravity, lying on blankets or floor mats. We start by taking a baseline, bringing awareness to breathing patterns and the body’s responses to gravity. What areas are engaged? Where is there isolation? We begin a sound sequence - often referred to as a dive. This may be something as simple as a hum in combination with a few other sounds.
After several minutes we move into open attention, noticing sensation and waiting for cues from inside the body. Subtle or larger movements may then arise following the wave motions of our fluid systems. As a somatic practice, our awareness is on internal movements, following the gentle wave motion as it brings new life to the fluid system.
“Continuum practice formally provides a container for us to enter the unknown and explore the possibilities that present themselves when we engage breath, movement, sensation, sounds and awareness that dwell at the still center of our turning worlds.”
Benefits of Continuum Movement®
* Increases vitality, health and healing
* Provides a spacious sense of well-being
* Develops core strength and flexible power
* Revitalizes bones, joints and skeletal health
* Releases, relaxes and realigns, much like receiving bodywork
* Heightens sensuality and increases receptivity
* Awakens innovation, creativity and play
* Facilitates trust in one’s inherent body wisdom
* Deepens spiritual connection
* Provides a safe environment for growth and renewal
Above taken from Continuum Movement® website