Touching Into Presence

Today’s conversation is with Bill Smythe.William Smythe, M.A., is a pioneer in Somatic Psychology and Rolfing® Structural Integration with more than four decades of clinical practice and teaching. He has been a practicing Rolfer for over forty years and previously served as a Faculty Member of the Rolf Institute. He holds a master’s degree in Somatic Psychology.Bill was a protégé and early collaborator of Dr. Peter Levine and co-taught with him during the formative years of Somatic Experiencing®. His work is also informed by advanced training in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, including extensive teaching collaboration with Dr. Michael Shea.Central to Bill’s teaching is the cultivation of presence, perception, and relational attunement within the therapeutic field. These qualities have been deeply shaped by his long-standing practice of Aikido. A 5th-degree black belt, he served as Sensei and director of the Aikido Arts Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for a decade. He currently lives in South Florida with his wife, Kelly.In today’s conversation, Bill and I explored intersubjectivity, the therapeutic relationship, and what it means for two nervous systems to meet in a shared relational field.Bill reflected on his early years as a Rolfer, his training in somatic psychology, and how his work gradually shifted from a focus on technique toward a deeper appreciation of relationship, presence, and attunement. We discussed the role of transference and countertransference, practitioner self-awareness, and the importance of recognizing that healing unfolds not only through what we do, but through how we are with another person.Throughout the conversation, we returned to embodiment, phenomenology, and the felt sense. Bill spoke about the importance of helping people reconnect with a deeper instinctual vitality and inner knowing, while also exploring the ways attachment, boundaries, safety, and relational regulation shape our experience of ourselves and others. Together we reflected on the influence of Peter Levine, Jeff Maitland, and Ida Rolf, and on the idea that meaningful therapeutic work emerges from an ongoing practice of presence, curiosity, humility, and genuine human connection.You can learn more about Bill at: http://williamsmythe.com/If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we’d appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support.You can find more about Andrew at:http://andrewrosenstock.comandhttp://RolfingInBoston.comMany thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song “All In” from their majestic album Spheres. Please check them out here:https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today, I'm very excited to share this talk with Jörg Ahrend-Löns. Jorg is a certified Rolfer with over three decades of experience, having trained under esteemed practitioners such as Peter Melchior and Robert Schleip. He earned his certification in 1991 under Bill Smythe and Pedro Prado and completed his Advanced Training in 2002 with Jan Sultan and Michael Salveson. With a professional background in physiotherapy since 1982, Jorg brings a deep understanding of movement and structural integration to his work. From 2012 to 2023, he served as a faculty member at DIRI Europe before stepping into his current role as international representative and secretary on the DIRI Board. The week before this call, Jörg and I had a call, which unfortunately at the end I realized that it had not been recorded I was definitely bummed to have not recorded it, as it was such a great call, and I was really looking forward to sharing that call out to the public. However, that call is now lost to time. What you hear today is our second call, which was equally great or even better. You will hear us talking about our previous call as a reference point and also as a fulcrum for growth in quite a few dimension. I was just so very grateful for Jörg’s time and wisdom today and I am really excited to share this talk as there are so many wonderful nuggets of wisdom here which can really create a space for deeper embodied being. In today’s talk, Jörg and I dove into the art of presence, resonance, and adaptability in client interactions. We explored how staying attuned to our surroundings—and even knowing when to forget—allows for a more fluid, effective response to the moment. We also unpacked structural integration, not just as a bodywork practice, but as a framework for understanding how physical structure, movement, and perception intertwine. When these elements align, they create space to acknowledge and work with deeper emotions like fear and worry, rather than bypassing them. Our conversation wrapped up with a reflection on the value of collegial dialogue in professional growth—and an exciting possibility of collaborating on an article. You can learn more about Jörg at http://www.rolfing-goettingen.de If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today's conversation is with Zohrab Ajani Zo is a Certified Rolfer and Certified Ayurvedic Wellness Consultant, combining Rolfing with traditional Ayurveda therapies and protocols. He currently has a practice on the island of Kauai. Find out more about Zo at http://AZtribe.com In today’s talk we engaged in a wide-ranging conversation covering personal experiences, professional challenges, and approaches to therapy and bodywork. We discussed balancing work and family life, the importance of continuous learning and exploration in their our, and the value of connecting with clients on a deeper level through various techniques. The conversation touched on different modalities, including craniosacral therapy, Rolf movement, and meditation, emphasizing the importance of understanding underlying principles and adapting approaches to meet individual client needs. If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today's conversation is with Bonnie Gintis, DO Bonnie lives in in northern Vermont. She has taught worldwide, addressing physicians and all people interested in exploring embodiment. She retired from Osteopathic private practice in 2009 and now devotes herself to teaching, writing, and exploring new ways to foster health and wellbeing. She is the author of Engaging The Movement Of Life: Exploring Health And Embodiment Through Osteopathy And Continuum. She is a 1986 graduate of New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she has also taught Osteopathic Principles and Practice. She has been a faculty member with the Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation, the American Academy of Osteopathy, the European School of Osteopathy, The German Academy for Osteopathic Medicine, and Jim Jealous, DO. Bonnie has been a board member, faculty member and Course Director for The Osteopathic Cranial Academy, and was honored with Fellowship in the Osteopathic Cranial Academy (FCA) in 2015. Bonnie studied Continuum extensively with Emilie Conrad and taught in collaboration with her from 1997 until the time of her death in 2014. She was authorized by Emilie to teach Continuum, and now teaches a synthesis of all her areas of exploration and expertise. She has had more than 50 years of meditation practice, trained to be a teacher of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and has explored many approaches to mindfulness within and outside of Buddhist traditions. Bonnie’s innovative approach combines Osteopathy, Continuum’s fluid movement exploration, and mindfulness, expanding the possibilities for experiencing health and embodiment and allowing for the development of perceptual skills to more deeply care for ourselves and others. https://osteopathyunplugged.com/ https://bonniegintis.com/ In today’s talk discussed about what Osteopathy and Continuum are. We shared perspective on the importance of natural movement, meditation, and a holistic approach in professional practices. We also discussed ways to connect with Bonnie's work, including her wonderful book and her upcoming teaching schedule including a retreat at Kripalu in October. There was really so much territory we could cover her and I felt Bonnie did a great job to just scratch the surface without opening up too many wormholes to go down, as the topics are rather vast topics as we explore them more. I would highly recommend her book and her podcast to get a deeper sense into what Osteopathy and Continuum can be. They are practices which I am personally still so green about but have touched and changed me in profound ways. I hope if they can be supportive for you that you too can get more information to explore your inner workings through these ways of being. If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today's conversation is with Mike Williams. Since 2008 Mike has been honored to guide clients on their journey to becoming a Soma Sapien, a person living from the integrated wisdom of body, mind and spirit. Together he assists you to transform chronic pain into the doorway to the next emerging version of you. Through Pain Reprocessing Therapy, Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychology, Rolfing and decades of experience teaching and practicing diverse somatic and movement arts, your work together will help you learn how you operate physically, mentally, and emotionally, create new pathways forward that leverage both your innate gifts and your growth edges, and empower you on your journey forward through life. In today’s talk we discussed Mike's career journey, the concept of mind-body coaching, and the complexities of working with clients. We also explored the principles and practices of Hakomi, the importance of mindfulness, and the value of humor in therapy. Lastly, we discussed the challenges and rewards of our roles, the significance of emotional connections in business relationships, and our ongoing personal and professional development. Another really fun talk with a like-minded colleague. You can learn more about Mike at www.somamike.com You can find him on IG / FB / LI: @somamikewilliams and on Youtube: @somamike If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today's conversation is with Duffy Allen, MS. Duffy has been practicing Rolfing structural integration and Rolf movement since 1995. She was a faculty member at DIRI for fifteen years. She particularly enjoys teaching from a place of curiosity and affirmation. Prior to embarking in the field of structural integration, she was a scientist. Currently, she lives, practices, and teaches in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Her favorite word is ineffable. In today’s talk we had a comprehensive discussion about our personal and professional experiences, including teaching methods, the importance of relationship and connection in the practice of healing, and the evolution of their approach to client care. We also shared about the importance of integration in the work, emphasizing the need for a balance between reductionist and holistic approaches. You can learn more about Duffy at https://www.fifth-element.training/ If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

In today's conversation I am joined again by Ryan Hofer and Paul Wirth for a second round of a triad of introspection. We discuss and contemplate writings of the Osteopath Jim Jealous, the need for improved listening skills training, we also explored different pedagogical approaches, the role of the autonomic nervous system in manual therapy, and the concept of structural integration. We go into some really fun and exploratory spaces and I greatly enjoy being in conversation with these two. A note, this talk came at the end of a busy day for me and some of my cortical channels were not as up to snuff as they could have been. I lost my train of thought a few times and thankfully Paul and Ryan were right there with me to pick them up, expand or contrast them and continue the conversation forward. ‌ Ryan Hofer is fascinated by applications of body-based systems thinking and hands-on therapies. He graduated from the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute and was the chair of a Structural Integration certification exam program. He has completed a Masters of Teaching and a Masters of Communication, and he is currently pursuing a doctorate in naturopathic medicine. Paul Wirth is a bodyworker and movement educator, a Certified Advanced Rolfer® and a student and teacher of Tai Chi Ch’uan. His practice integrates Structural Integration, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, and various kinds of movement work. A guiding question for Paul is: “How does a person's innate capacity for healing make use of my presence and input, and what about that is up to me?” He endeavors to continually be surprised by the reality that each person he works with is a living, present being, and to undertake practices that remind him that he is, too. You can find out more about Paul at http://mosaicbodywork.com If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today's conversation is with Leslie Kaminoff Leslie is a yoga educator inspired by the tradition of T.K.V. Desikachar. He is an internationally recognized specialist with five decades’ experience in the fields of yoga and breath anatomy. He leads workshops for many of the leading yoga associations, schools and training programs in the world. Leslie’s book Yoga Anatomy, (co-authored with Amy Matthews), sold out its first print run of 19,000 within one month of its June 2007 release, and has been a top-selling yoga book on Amazon ever since. The book went on to sell over a million copies in 23 languages by the time the third edition of Yoga Anatomy was released in the Fall of 2021. Leslie also helped to organize international yoga conferences while serving as Vice-President of Unity in Yoga, and was part of the ad-hoc committee that established national standards for yoga teacher training. Prior to the formation of The Yoga Alliance, Leslie was a strong voice in the ensuing national debate regarding the application of those certification standards. This dialogue resulted in the creation of e-Sutra, pioneering e-mail list and blog with a worldwide readership. Leslie is the founder of The Breathing Project, a New York City based non-profit educational corporation and studio which ran highly respected year-long courses in yoga anatomy from 2003 to 2017. The courses taught at The Breathing Project in New York City have been available online to a worldwide audience at yogaanatomy.net since 2011, with thousands of students worldwide participating in this growing online community. Leslie has also partnered with Lauri Nemetz and Lydia Mann as KNMLabs.com to produce week-long human dissection lab experiences for yoga and movement professionals. In our conversation today we had a wide-ranging discussion about our work, life experiences, and shared interests in yoga and bodywork. We discussed the importance of adapting to each individual's needs in teaching yoga, the core principles of yoga, the therapeutic effects, and the mind-body problem. Towards the end, we touched upon the importance of emotional regulation and the role of a yoga teacher. It was a very enjoyable conversation and I wish it could have gone on for hours more. Leslie is a seasoned veteran in both the bodywork and yoga world and his experience, wisdom and compassion help make him a top leader in the field. You can learn more about Leslie at https://yogaanatomy.org If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support. You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g