"The Lighthouse" is an exercise to help you unlock tension surrounding your spine and hips.

This is a Hanna Somatic inspired exercise. All movements emanate from the spine, so when your suffer from back tension and pain, your whole body is affected. Try this gentle sequence that will challenge your brain to connect with your body once again so that you regain freedom of movement in your shoulders, back and hips. This exercise is also good to relieve eye strain and coordination.
Please perform this movement flow on both sides of the body (this video only shows one side).
For more information on James Knight's work with Hanna Somatics and Yoga, visit www.GentleSomaticYoga.com.

[@kathyboyd3364]

amazing results, It has been so helpful....Thank You James for your work in this field.

[@joycelawrence1396]

Great presentation, James. I am a yoga instructor and have several students that are unable to sit in this position. Please send me some alternative positions. Thank you. I love the way you teach and thanks for making these amazing videos for all of us to learn from.

[@gentlesomaticyoga]

Hi Betty. I am hoping my next video will be available by the end of the year. It will be a continuation of my first DVD set, and will complete all of the exercises found in my Workbook. I will not be repeating what was covered in the first DVD, it will be new and complimentary exercises. My third DVD will be highlighting my Gentle Yoga Retreats abroad and will be completely different. It will be published next year. Feel free to call me or email me if you have any more specific questions.

[@wildrose3390]

that was incredible, I can't believe how much more range I got after that sequence. somatic yoga is bringing it!

[@gentlesomaticyoga]

Thank you! 💚

[@michellehalfordlesueur716]

Have to say this has been the most beneficial exercise I have ever done.... If I'd know about this exercise 10 years ago I wouldn't have half the issues. My back was going into complete spasm before I did the lighthouse once I had completed the full sequence the difference was mind boggling. Thank you James.

[@gentlesomaticyoga]

You're so welcome! I'm glad this is helping you! 💚

[@eileenleblanc7866]

Love it! Thank you

[@gentlesomaticyoga]

I can see where you are curious. I am also a yoga teacher and in my somatic yoga classes and workshops I focus on both pranayama (breathing) and meditation. Creating my first DVD was a bit of an experiment. I have a couple of new DVD's in the works, so your comments are helpful. I am always trying to find new ways to deliver the material. It is so much fun. You must be in the Bay area?

[@gentlesomaticyoga]

In our HSE training we were not taught to focus on the breath. It doesn't mean that you couldn't or shouldn't. Once you learn each movement safely, then It is important for the brain to muscle learning to keep things fresh. In other words, try using your breath in different patterns and see how you feel. The intention is to contract and slowly release targeted muscles slowly and smoothly. I appreciate your comments and questions. James

[@LdyLovebug28]

Thanks for your response. I had recently taken a class with Susan Koenig and she really stressed the importance of he breathing, so I was curious as to why you didn't. Your response makes sense to me though. I guess there are as many styles of teaching as there are instructors. Your DVD seems very interesting and soothing.

[@gentlesomaticyoga]

I'm glad this is helping you! 🙏

[@jillcooper2212]

This was really useful, but where is part 2 please?

[@Pieter-JanNotebaart]

James Knigghht 💪💪

[@femkekoene8293]

Hi James, such a beautiful method and beautifully delivered too, thank you - I have been using similar techniques in my practice . Are you able to share with me your understanding of the eye movement components of the sequence? From a neural & upper cervical mobilization perspective I find this most challenging to explain to clients in simple terms..

[@gentlesomaticyoga]

Thank you! ✨

[@LdyLovebug28]

No, I'm not in the Bay area. :) I live in Louisiana (in the heart of cajun country). Do you have any idea when your new DVD's might be available? I might wait if it will be in the near future.

[@gentlesomaticyoga]

Thank you!✨

[@verabiglione9124]

High James! i'm a flamenco dancer and i have frozen shoulders and tight hips, I mean I have busrsitis in my shoulders and hips....( in the join of the leg with the hip. ) .Do you think your exercises can help me with the pains? or as I have inflamation i shoud not do them now?

[@gentlesomaticyoga]

Hi Vera. Thank you for your interest and inquiry about this GSY flow. My apologies for not seeing your comment above until today. I have found this flow beneficial to students/clients that have a similar condition. You may have moved past your symptoms already? There is an important tip in GSY called "Feathering technique". Here is a link that will describe that. www.gentlesomaticyoga.com/tips-and-guidelines-for-somatic-yoga/ Thanks for taking the time to reach out. Blessings on your path towards health and wellbeing! James

[@judithsteger1204]

Wonderful exercise, thank you for sharing! Would you recommend doing this leaning to both sides, basically twice, or would one set be enough?

[@gentlesomaticyoga]

Hi Judith, apology for the delay in getting back to you. I just saw your comment. Yes, it is best to do both sides. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I will tell viewers in the description above to avoid confusion in the future. :) James Also, you might find this link helpful for a successful practice: www.gentlesomaticyoga.com/tips-and-guidelines-for-somatic-yoga/

[@judithsteger1204]

Thank your for your reply, James! Do you have a recommendation for how to modify when students are bothered by their wrists? I had students who seemed to lean a lot towards their hands, and put a lot of pressure on their wrists. Just thinking out loud whether a rolled blanket might help. Any idea would be appreciated!

[@LdyLovebug28]

I am surprised that you're not expressing the importance of inhalation/exhalation breaths through the moves.

[@gentlesomaticyoga]

Thank you!💚

[@rometube]

a m aaaa iiii zz ingggggg

[@gentlesomaticyoga]

Thank you!