Stephen Williams

B.A. M.A. LMT GCFP

Honolulu, HI USA

and thanks Dad, for everything !

I use the term "Somaticist" (not to be confused with "Somatist") to best describe those who work in the field of Somatic Awareness. Having come full circle to the behavioral and cognitive aspects that first interested me, I often use the term NeuroSomaticist. Regardless, it all begins with the sensing of movement, position, and feelings or emotions. Over the years, I've noticed the tendency to treat Somatics and Breathing separately. However, I see them as the same, and often present both within a session. For me, every aspect of breathing is somatic in nature, and every aspect of Somatics involves the breath. The two are inseparable.

My work with NeuroSomatics began obscurely with some post-graduate study in Neuro-Psychology, which I integrated into my practice as a Shiatsu Therapist. Truthfully, most clients had no interest in the somatic content. They just wanted their sore back or stiff neck fixed while they chatted or dozed off. But the few who came aboard helped grow my interest and understanding of what was possible.

In early 2007, a bike accident changed everything! A painful limp ended my physical activities for 18 months. Applying my knowledge of functional somatics at the time, I began to walk with focused attention, only to discover that jogging was less painful than walking. Thus, in August of 2008, I began running (sorry..." jogging"), something I hadn't done for 40 years. When I mentioned to several runners that it would be cool to "run Boston someday", they laughed at me! With strict qualifying times, the Boston Marathon often remains on one's "bucket list" for a lifetime. Having once been a runner, their response burned in me all the way home, so that very night I registered for a December marathon that could qualify me for Boston. I achieved that goal, and returned to Boston 5 more times, earning a silver medal in 2012. Each effort was intended to validate the effectiveness of the NeuroSomatic work I was doing. Sadly, I never again saw the trio who had laughed at me. But the real upside to those events lies in an account seen on the Stedawi story site (links).

As work demands grew, I moved to the track and shorter road events. On a hot July morning in 2015, I was able to present my father a second national title. Fifty years earlier, a newspaper had published a homecoming photo of him embracing his son, Quarterback for the 1960 Pop Warner World Champions in football. I had chatted with Walt Disney in his office as he lunched, and been kissed by teen heartthrob and film star, Annette Funicello. Does it get any better for a 12-year-old? Now it had all come full circle by gifting him with a USA gold medal on his 100th birthday. The following year, I happened upon a woman in Berlin who analyzed running form in major events, and whose comments were eerily like my own. Eventually, I connected with her and realized I had seen her methodology, "Feldenkrais", profiled in an article years earlier but had brushed it off. Had I read further, I would have seen how closely it resembled what I was doing at the time, and how genius the creator was. He had literally been a pioneer in Neuro-Plasticity, as much so as Paul Bach-y-Rita had been, just differing in approach. So a shout-out to Jae Gruenke for having given me a reason to look again.

sdw

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About Me A Personalized Profile

NeuroSomatic Educator / Practitioner

In 2017, I revisited the master's U.S. Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Baton Rouge, with the dream of winning two national titles. Over the course of four days, that dream, and more, was realized. The occasion had been the perfect "Field Test" for the work I was doing. In those few years, starting with 'unable to walk' and ending with a #3 World Ranking, I discovered what was possible simply by practicing what I was teaching, but the benefits went far beyond just physical. I began overhauling my entire practice, fully embracing NeuroSomatic learning and breath. It was clear what it had done for me, and I saw what it was doing for my clients. There were holdouts, and I respected that. Still, I'm sad to this day, seeing the condition some are presently in and knowing what could have been ... 'if only.' Sports accolades had felt great, but no greater than hearing the gratitude expressed by clients and seeing them improve in ways not seen before. In 2018, I chose to enter the Feldenkrais Professional Training, extended to six years by the pandemic. I added an Advanced Breathing Instructor certification during that period. Many of us faced hardships during that time ... I chose to embrace the challenges as opportunities, and do so still. As for the work itself, the physical and physiological benefits became obvious. But it's the profound links to recent neuroscience discoveries that now fascinate me the most. The path that leads to functional somatic awareness (breath included) does not end there ... interpret that as you will. I hope I've provided a bit of context and insight with this profile. View the introduction and explore the lessons to learn more.