Megan MacCarthy

Hello YouTube Community,
Today's video is short and may seem simple, but it is highly beneficial for your proprioception. And it is fun!

One of the biggest fears as we age (for a good reason) is falling. Increasing proprioception decreases your injury risk by 45% in one study; FYI the same study notes that stretching only decreases injury risk by 4%. I am know to make the argument that yoga balance poses are a waste of time if you are doing them for balance (they are fantastic for strength building, bone density, and inner focus). Of course we may find balance in a tree pose when we are completely still and our drishti (gaze) is focused. But what if our tree starts to sway in a high wind? In the real world, if we are going to lose our balance, it is typically not while we are standing still and focused. That is just the way it is with the patch of ice, hole in the lawn, or the dog toy I just tripped over in the dark.

Below, I am sharing a bit of the course content from my Somatic Yoga Training to give you a deeper understanding.

Proprioception is sometimes referred to as the 6th sense in human movement. It relies on receptors in muscles, tendons, and the skin (if compression/tension in joints), and the inner ear. It can be conscious (correct the posture) or unconscious (from habituation, desensitization and adaptation). Simple states like being tired or impaired by substances, decreases proprioceptivity.

We can improve and retrain our proprioceptivity by cognitively moving in unfamiliar ways like in this Somatic Yoga movement. Increasing proprioception expands the safety net for the the physical body to stay upright.

ABC’s of Proprioception - Ability, Balance and Coordination

- joint position, awareness of body relative to other parts of itself

- lets us perceive location, including position, action and motion in the body, and balance

- involves your brain, eyes, balance system, and stretch receptors in the skin. Specialized nerve endings are present in the soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system which interact with the central nervous system and coordinate body movements, postural alignment, and our balance.

- proprioceptive sensory organs are found in two distinct groups: muscles and tendons, and others are within the connective tissues (ligaments and capsules) of joints.

- three anatomical regions contain more receptors or have distinctive nerve circuits: the foot; the spine (particularly the para-spinal muscles); and specifically, the upper cervical spine.

So that's a lot of intellectual information. Now put on some dance music and have fun!

Peaceful Holidays and Merry Christmas,
Megan

14 hours ago | [YT] | 4

Megan MacCarthy

Dear YouTube Yoga Friends,
It is great to be back with (almost) weekly videos. Thanks for your continued support.
If you are interested in more Somatic Yoga, I offer 75 minute Zoom classes on select Fridays from 4-5:15 Dublin Time. Above is a photo of the list of the classes through the end of the year with class subjects. And here is a link to the sign up:
embodywithmm.com/somaticyoga-2/

I also want to offer appreciation to my student teachers and Patreon community! If you enjoy the free YouTube classes, join Patreon and support the continuation of new content. Try sponsoring my content at the Patreon $15 a month "JOY" plan, and my Friday Somatic Yoga classes on zoom are free! If you cannot make it live, you still get the class recording:
www.patreon.com/meganmaccarthy

Let me know what practices you want in the next few months and I so appreciate your comments.

Peace, Megan

1 month ago | [YT] | 15

Megan MacCarthy

youtube.com/shorts/vutQ420eSZ...

1 year ago | [YT] | 4

Megan MacCarthy

Today's video has a blog that goes with it. Sending safety and strength to those in the path of Helene.

As I sit and write this from the safety of my home, I think of all who have lost so much from hurricane Helene. My generous prayers go out to you – including my sister in Florida and my dear yogi friend Rhonda in Asheville. The irony is that I am looking out my big studio window watching our pond overflow from the buckets of rain coming down, in anticipation of hurricane Kirk and tropical storm Lesley hitting Ireland. We are supposed to be filming this morning, but the storm is too loud to compete with my microphone. So I just watch in wonder and worry. The rain and wind continue to intensify. I am forever grateful that I feel safe and can stay warm and dry, but also recognize how powerless I am in the face of the the monster storm that has been brewing in the Atlantic.

This is my yoga today. The yoga of life, death and rebirth at play. The cycles that we have no control over – any more than we have control over our own impermanence. Blame climate change, living in a vulnerable place like a small island, whatever you want; it is easier to accept the trees dropping their leaves, or the new flowers opening as change because we are not afraid. And we celebrate birth in the spring lambs and humans alike, as they go unrecognized as change. But when transition is destruction, we are hardwired for fear and non-acceptance. Yoga is my path to acknowledge that something is dying and, therefore, changing, morphing, transitioning. I recognize it in every savasana.

There is also synchronicity in the yoga world in that we are celebrating the 9 nights of Navaratri. The past few nights are dedicated to the goddess Kali, “the black one”; arguably the most misunderstood goddess. Though there are numerous depictions of her, my go to is the four armed mother goddess sticking out her red tongue, wearing a garland of heads and a skirt of limbs. In tantra, she is the force that transcends life and death. She smashes things and protects at the same time. She is disorder and end but also stays within the lines. Having grown up Catholic, when I was first introduced to Kali, I thought of her as a kick-ass Mother Mary.

Maa Kali is a strict, focused business woman, but doesn’t put up with anyone hurting you. I think of her as the mother bear that goes about her day, unless you mess with her cubs. She may not be the soft, huggable type, but she is strong in her guidance to teach you use your energy wisely. And she wants you to feel safe. She can help you to release emotions like fear and anger.

Her job is to help you to do away with polarities – the epitome of the non-dual – to stop labeling emotions as good/bad, thoughts as positive/negative, the environment as change/stability, political beliefs as right/left, spirituality as dark/light, and transition as birth/death. In all depictions of Kali, the message is similar – we are dualistic by nature. The symbolism of her oddly chosen attire represents all the demons she kills to bring order back to the universe. She needs four hands to hold all that we are – creation and destruction. The left hands hold a sword and a severed head. The sword symbolizes higher knowledge. The head is the human ego that must be severed in order to accept the cycle of life and rebirth. Her right hands are often in a mudra of fearlessness and a gesture of blessing.

One of the meanings of Kali’s name is “force of time”. In this way, she is considered Mother Nature – creative, nurturing, destructive, and devouring. Most things in nature are capable of regenerating. A dying oak tree regenerates itself by dropping acorns. Wildland fires regrow woods faster than humans can plant them. The water of the seas, rivers and oceans continuously regenerates itself. A hurricane is a catastrophic force, but it is part of the water cycle. In tantra, the soul regenerates itself by assuming numerous earth suits again and again in what is called karma. In all cases, time is the ultimate destructor and creator and spares none. Time decays, destroys, takes lives, and invites us all to new beginnings.

Thank you for joining me for this practice to settle down and find strength in the recognition of the cycles of life and loss. It is dedicated to all who are suffering losses from hurricane Helene and those involved in renewal. You may chose to send them your thoughtful vibes, keep the practice to build your own strength, or send it to another.

Peace and Light, Megan

1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 39

Megan MacCarthy

Here is the latest blog I wrote this week about starting a journey into Somatic Yoga. Enjoy and I hope it is helpful.

I often get asked how to start or establish a regular Somatic Yoga practice – what movements to start with, what order to do them in, how many repetitions, and how is Somatic Yoga its different from “regular” yoga. Last week we launched a free “Learn Somatic Yoga” video series on YouTube. It is an invitation for you to begin a regular practice. Each video is just one movement, and the videos do not need to be done in any specific order. Choose what sounds interesting!

Let’s be honest – somatics and somatic yoga has reached celebrity status. It is because it works! After practicing, evolving with and teaching Somatic Yoga for 14 years, I was thinking about what to share with each of you starting Somatic Yoga, (and wishing the conversation could be in person – preferably with a hug). Then I thought of a way to sum it up that comes straight out of one of my favorite books. Despite having shelves full of yoga, meditation, spirituality and the usual laundry list of self help books, this quote comes from John Steinbeck’s Travels with Charlie.

“Once a journey is designed, equipped, and put in process; a new factor enters and takes over. A trip, a safari, an exploration, is an entity, different from all other journeys. It has a personality, temperament, individuality, uniqueness. A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing and coercion are fruitless. We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip, a trip takes us.” – John Steinbeck

Before starting each Somatic Yoga practice, consider it a journey in itself TO YOURSELF. Each practice starts with “landing”. Simply put, landing is noticing where you are in the room and what parts of you are physically touching the ground. I refer to “landing” as setting your internal GPS. When you start a trip, the first instruction in setting the GPS is to “Tap Security & Location.” With eyes opened, you initially notice the room around you – walls, ceiling, sounds, smells, and anyone else in the room. Familiarize yourself with the outer environment. It is the unchanging and predictable component; like knowing the color and make of your car. Then feel and adjust the “seat”. Like putting on a seat belt, create safety by finding a supportive position for your body. Observe how the body is positioned. If it is agreeable, close your eyes. Ask the brain to perceive the body’s location and accept the support of the ground.

In Somatic Yoga, we work with the nervous system. The nervous system is more responsive and self-regulating when it recognises that the body is secure in gravity. The sympathetic and parasympathetic systems operate in harmony. When you know what is outside of you and feel the ground underneath you, there is balance maintained between the body’s fight-or-flight response and its rest-and-digest functions. Now just like any trip, this doesn’t mean there won’t be bumps in the road…It is just that you will be able to handle them with more ease and grace.
The next part to setting the internal GPS is location – where does the rubber meet the road in your body?

With a familiarity of your external environment and the ground (the road), send an invitation to venture inward. This is the moment of truth. Your inner reality (the rubber) can include difficult emotions, pain or discomfort in the body, or a lack of connection to the body. This can be a tough place. It is a different messy every day. You are not trying to “fix” your vehicle: just acknowledge what is – sadness, frustration, anger, grief, fear. Get a baseline on physical sensations in the body. By accepting what you feel – not denying it or becoming it, the “rubber” is where intention and implementation start.

Remember how in “landing’ you work with the brain? Leave the brain out of this one. Consider your accepting heart. Set labels aside. There is nothing “bad” or “good” about your inner experience. The rubber wheels keep on turning. If there is something you “see” in your minds eye or feel in your body that you like, be grateful for the view but know it may vanish. If there is something difficult, that too will disappear from your vision. The somatic road map inward is non-dualistic and impermanent. Please pack an available snack of self kindness to make the ride smooth. 😘

If you have been my student for some time (thank you!), 😍 you can bloom bigger and play with new ways to initiate a familiar movement and deepen your sense of Self on your ride inside. Beginners mind is always best policy in Somatic Yoga anyway; because you are constantly transitioning and new to yourself every day.

This series of shorter videos (I’m aiming for 15-30 minutes) will make it easier to find time for yourself on a regular basis. When it comes to daily rituals, they are never about HOW LONG or HOW MUCH TIME you have; it’s just that you do something every day (or almost?) to bring you into your light center. Think of it like brushing your teeth. It is not the duration, but will know when you did it.

Somatic Yoga is very forgiving, flexible and safe. There is no right or wrong order of movements, no alignment or end pose. It is a playful way of using movement as medicine for the body, mind and spirit. The more curious you are about what is going on in the body, the easier it will be to decide what to do and how long. Over time, your inner voice of intuition will strengthen. You will hear your body ask for a little of this a little less of that. Maybe one day you are a spitfire of energy, and the next, you are on the ground like a rock, (yes – some days I mainly lie still with my tire deflated). Sometimes the mind will constantly check out. Other days, emotional release will make you want to check out. Normalise it.

Remember to celebrate the innate satisfaction of noticing when a full body yawn happens. You are one with your dogs and cats who pandiculate every time they get up!

Peace and Light, Megan

1 year ago | [YT] | 61

Megan MacCarthy

Hello Students, I just had another question about what my "Namaste" banner says...so here it is! But you won't be seeing it in the videos anymore; it was moved to another wall to make space for the altar I made out of discarded live edge ash this week! Looking forward to sharing it with you and firing up the new stove for some toasty winter ambiance. XOXO Megan

1 year ago | [YT] | 57

Megan MacCarthy

Dear YouTube Yogi Friends,

If you enjoy our Somatic Yoga class videos, it's better in person - with daily hugs! Join Megan and Michael at Cocoon Portugal March 15-22 for double daily Somatic Yoga classes and a sound healing each night. Celebrate yourself each morning in a gentle practice , explore the property on bike, hike the ocean cliffs or soak up the sun at the beach, and go to sleep with a sound healing.

FINAL WEEK FOR SOMATIC YOGA RETREAT DISCOUNT! Come with a friend or make a few by sharing a room:
€1,250 for a triple with en-suite bath and private patio
€1,550 for a double with en-suite bath and private patio
1 private room left with en-suite bath €2,100

Our philosophy on facilitating retreats is to meet all of your daily needs so that you have an opportunity to taste self-love and nourishment in a caring community. When your basic needs are being cared for, the fluid response is to follow your heart; without external expectations, pride, or fear of failure or change.

As our world changes, we are asked to continually redefine, respond and adapt our inner landscape to external surroundings. A retreat can serve as the anchor for when the storm hits. And you are gratefully tethered to the support of community and ritual!

We unconsciously live in the results of other people’s thinking, particularly now with social media and the constant barrage of information and over stimulation. Retreats are pattern disruptors. You are afforded still and quiet to find your unique voice, beliefs and purpose. The focus is not on “doing” or “having”; it is on “being” and “feeling”, and the subsequent expression of such. In the retreat state of refuge, you remember who you are in your un-struck/un-hurt heart (Anahata Chakra). Learn to bring the true version of you to the planet every day!

Peace and Light, Megan

More info:
embodywithmm.com/portugal-2024/

1 year ago | [YT] | 3

Megan MacCarthy

Hello Somatic Students,

Do you find joy and healing in my Somatic Yoga videos? I will be offering my 50 hour Somatic Yoga Training soon. It gives you the opportunity to commit to yourself for 11 weeks. You work through different layers of your being including the physical, energetic, mental/emotional and spiritual to reestablish a kind relationship with yourself.

The course was created as a celebration of over 10 years of sharing somatics and yoga therapy with students, teachers and body workers. It is for students who want to utilize somatic movement in private therapy sessions, teach Somatic Yoga classes or simply include somatic movement in their yoga classes or as life long self care.

The first zoom live session is March 4 at 6 pm Dublin time, but the live sessions are recorded so if you miss one or want to do it at your own pace, you can. The pre-recorded video and PDF manual for lesson 1 will be available on Tuesday, February 27.

Here are a few comments from students who completed the course with me:

"Very valuable Somatic Yoga teaching and resources for everyone interested in connecting more deeply into their body and looking for pathways to work through trauma and chronic pain for themselves and their clients." --Stephanie, Australia

"The Somatic Yoga Teacher Training Online, Level 1 was amazing. Mind-blowing yet gentle. Well-rounded and thoughtful. Robust yet digestible. I absolutely adored the pace and the format. Megan managed to keep a wonderful sense of community, even though we were all remote. Somatic yoga changed my life, and I can't imagine a kinder, gentler or more playful instructor" - Anna, California

The cost is €790 if paid in full or a 3 payment plan of €280

I hope some of you can join me! Here is the link with more information: embodywithmm.com/online-trainings/

Please feel free to contact me for a free consult if you want to know if the training is suitable for you.
info@embodywithmm.com

Peace and Light, Megan

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1 year ago | [YT] | 25

Megan MacCarthy

Hello Somatic Yoga Students,

Our 10 day YouTube Live Event is scheduled to start this Friday January 12th. It would be lovely to be with you in practice! It has been quite a few years since I offered a live event; but I remember my favorite part is knowing that you are with me and the smiles and spontaneity it feeds into my teaching.
From my YouTube homepage, scroll down to where you see "Upcoming Live Streams", then click on "Notify Me" on any or all of the 10 day live practices to be reminded to join in live. Please leave yourself 5-10 minutes before it starts to get set up with your camera, props (have a few blankets, a pillow, your mat, a strap...all the usual playtime stuff).

And please comment and let us know where your are in the world. In the words of Ram Dass, "we are all just walking each other home"; from wherever and whoever we are, and however we choose to meet each day in our earth suits.

On behalf of Michael and myself, peace and joy in 2024
Peace and Light, Megan

January 12 - 21, 4 PM Dublin Time, approximately 30minute practices with chat after
I did my best to accommodate different time zones, but recordings will be available if you cannot join live.
12 - Connect Feet & Legs To Pelvis
13 - Hello Luscious Low Back & Happy Hips
14 - Legs & Hips Make Friends With Torso
15 - Freedom From Feet To Neck
16 - Supple Shoulders and Uninhibited Neck
17- Find Your Body In Gravity
18 - Somatic Yoga For A Strong Back & Spacious Heart
19- Play In Your Intuitive Core
20 - Succulent Psoas Saturday
21 - Sunday Funday: Body Spirals In The Subtle Body

1 year ago | [YT] | 40

Megan MacCarthy

Dear YouTube Yoga Friends,

My next online Somatic Yoga Training is coming up soon, in case you or someone you know is interested in joining me. The course is professionally designed for Yoga Teachers, Yoga Therapists, and Somatic Educators. But you don't have to be a yoga teacher!!! Students have taken it just for themselves to deepen their somatic experience and gain lifelong self healing tools. I have also had other body workers, healers and professionals take it including a dance instructor and massage therapist. As you may know from my videos, thanks to my incredible teachers and educators, I have developed a unique way of blending yoga and somatics. Somatic Yoga is an accessible practice that can reduce pain, heal trauma, improve sleep, increase vitality and balance the subtle body.

This course is a 10 week commitment and I recommend putting aside 5-8 hours per week, but you can also do it at your own pace. Either way, it is an opportunity to commit to yourself and potentially transform; and for us to get better acquainted!

Please message me if you have any questions about how this course might benefit you. And thank you for growing our global community!

More information can be found on our website: embodywithmm.com/online-trainings/

Choose Love, Megan

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2 years ago | [YT] | 13