Dr. Ida P. Rolf originated the definitive and peerless approach to a new, yet plainly obvious way of looking at the Human condition. We operate physically under the constant and ever present influence of Gravity. Simply put, the Human body is like any structure on Earth. It behooves us to live in the kind of bodily balance we understand is correct and healthy from both Anatomy and Physics: stacked up vertically, all even and level. It's a big topic, for now that's enough to say.
This recollection is about a classroom experience.
Just a little more background. In order to practice the Ida P. Rolf Method Structural Integration you must be trained by a recognized school. Those that are recognized, at the core of their curriculum, are expected to be in line with Dr. Rolf's teachings. There are conceptual/intellectual "book learning" aspects to the curriculum, yet the main instruction is oral and demonstrated. In other words ... "See the potential for structural balance in the body; and, do this to get there." It's a transmitted, oral learning. It's not about acquiring knowledge, it's about becoming knowledgeable. Literally, learning to see what needs to be done; not following a formula as such.
So ... thinking recently about my own class experiences in the training for Dr. Ida P. Rolf Method Structural Integration.
“Come on in, Ida!”
It was a stormy day. A window in the classroom was open, shutters closed. Suddenly a gust of wind blew open the shutters with a crash. Most surprising. Everything stopped. Not skipping a beat, Neal says, “Come on in, Ida!”
At the time I took it mainly as a joke, a little something about how Taurus Dr. Rolf could be. "Pushy", that's a laugh; kind of what Rolfing is all about. Sculpting and nudging things toward the simple vertical line of balance Gravity suggests.
It seemed also that he was inviting her Spirit into our class. Like I said, it's a lineage teaching, passed down from Dr. Rolf to the generations of teachers who are following in her footsteps. Respect.
I’m now reflecting once again on that incident. There are layers of meaning at play. Just to look for them.
But, wasn't Neal also saying, in effect, “Come on in Ida ... [you’ll be pleased with what we’re doing]”. A confidence of being true to the school. Certainly, we want Dear Ida to approve.
That’s a conversation we each of us as teachers and practitioners can have with Dr. Rolf. Also, maybe it could be something we say in our heart when we teach, and when we work. Would Ida be pleased? What would Ida say? Inviting her into the work acknowledges the lineage connection with her ways and ideas.
That’s a conversation we each of us as teachers and practitioners can have with Dr. Rolf. Also, maybe it could be something we say in our heart when we teach, and when we work. Would Ida be pleased? What would Ida say? Inviting her into the work acknowledges the lineage connection with her ways and ideas.
I’m not suggesting that we should brown nose Dr. Rolf. Just to get her approval. No. Just that she might have something to say about how we’re working. Room for praise, also room for critique. This also includes how we’re moving as a professional group in the world. Are we "representing"? And, conversely, we might have something to say to her too. Something that is new to her. The work is about discovery, after all. Surely we've come up with a few ideas since she placed her work in our hands? And, if anything, she is a scientist of high integrity. She would listen. But, it better be good and solid. She isn't a push over. Not one to be buttered up.
Checking in with Ida seems like a good idea to compare notes. Are we — and the field is highly salted and peppered with "innovations" — connected? After all, the work is also about relationships. Would Ida Rolf recognize her intention(s), directions, and suggestions in the way we now work? The way we now teach? Reality check time.
Here’s an example from my own experience somewhere on the topic:
Here’s an example from my own experience somewhere on the topic:
From a vivid dream in which I was working with Dr. Rolf under in my hands. She persisted in telling me where to work. Always being the teacher, I suppose. My intention was to serve her personally; not impress her. This is not, after all, a procedure that you apply like a cookie cutter. You have your marching orders, sure. But, as Alfred Korzybski [General Semantics] so rightly put it, "The map is not the territory." You have to also deal with what and how things are present in the moment.
This is how I handled it. I kindly, but firmly told Dr. Rolf to be quiet. And confidently told her I would see what I can see and act in her best interest. I was not interested in covering ground she already knew. As one of her students — she insisted we were educators — in that inner dream dialogue I must’ve gone through a necessary door. A passage. Just another aspect of Dr. Ida P. Rolf Structural Integration: standing on your own two feet.
So, Ida ... come on in!
