Sunday 28 June 2015
Friday 26 June 2015
Xbox Live Gold Members Get Even More With Two New Games Every Month on Xbox One
Xbox Live Gold Members Get Even More With Two New Games Every Month on Xbox One
This July represents two full years since we began giving Xbox Live Gold members access to amazing games to play with your friends. As a special thank you to our members and all Xbox fans, we’re announcing that starting in July, Gold members get more with two new Games with Gold every month on Xbox One! Each month Gold members will enjoy four new free games; two on Xbox One and two on Xbox 360; On Xbox One enjoy a new game on the 1st and 16th of every month, each available to download for a full month. There are no changes on Xbox 360 and games will be available to download from the 1st to 15th and from the 16th to end of the month. Being an Xbox gamer keeps getting better. Thank you for being part of the Xbox community and remember to come to the Gold members’ area on the 1st and 16th to get your awesome games and build your collection.
To start things off with a huge bang: July 2015 will see the release of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag via Games with Gold for Xbox One, for the entire month. This critically-acclaimed, swashbuckling adventure set during the Golden Age of Pirates puts players in the shoes boots of Edward Kenway, a pirate captain trained by Assassins. Gamers sail the high seas in the dreaded Jackdaw in search of adventure and treasure while embroiled in the ancient war between Assassins and Templars. assassin and pirate, as he sails the seas – exploring, taking prizes, and discovering the secrets of ancient civilizations. Also for Xbox One, you will see So Many Me, a charming puzzle-platformer starring Filo and his band of misfit clones, who must use their wits to overcome devious traps and a slew of evil minions.
Xbox 360 gamers will be treated to equally great titles: the incredibly addictive tower-defense extravaganza Plants vs. Zombies and the iconic third-person shooter Gears of War 3, both classics of their respective genres. As usual, all games are available only for a limited time, as part of the ongoing Games with Gold program.
* Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag ($29.99 ERP): Available from July 1-31 on Xbox One
* So Many Me ($14.99 ERP): Available from July 16-August 15 on Xbox One
* Plants vs. Zombies ($14.99 ERP): Available from July 1-15 on Xbox 360
* Gears of War 3 ($19.99 ERP): Available from July 16-31 on Xbox 360
While ship-to-ship combat was a small part of the action in Assassin’s Creed III, it was one of the most popular features in that game, and caused such huge fan clamor that Ubisoft was met with thunderous acclaim when it announced that Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag would feature it heavily. But Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag goes far beyond exciting naval battles. The massive game world hides bustling villages, dank grottoes, dense jungles, and buried treasures – all teeming with interesting things to do, enemies to beat, and stories to uncover. Set within the milieu of the Assassin’s Creed universe,Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag advances the storyline, but does plenty to catch newcomers up-to-speed quickly and easily, too. It’s got action, mystery, and a whole lot of sea shanties. What more could you ask for?
In the all-new puzzle-focused platformer So Many Me, blob-shaped clones with different abilities take on an ancient, evil by leveraging their ever-so-slightly different mutations. This game is about thinking laterally, looking cute, and asking yourself the key existential questions: Who are you? Why are there so many of me? And how can I get more of these sweet costumes? You get dozens of levels, hundreds of puzzles, thousands of ways to solve them. You’ll need to have good thumbstick skills and a sharp mind to take this one down!
We’re sure you’ve already heard of the original Plants vs. Zombies by PopCap Games. It’s only the multi-award-winning tower defense game to beat all tower defense games. The amazing title pretty much says it all: A bunch of not-too-frightening zombies are attacking a house, and that house has a garden in front of it. In that garden, you can plant a variety of different flowers, veggies, trees, nuts, you name it. The point is, they all have different powers, and they all really hate zombies. So plan correctly, use your limited resources to stop those pesky zombies from reaching your back door, and learn a thing or two about green thumbs while you’re at it.
Finally in July, Games with Gold is bringing Gears of War 3 to the Xbox 360. One of the best-reviewed action games of its time, and one of the most beloved shooters ever,Gears of War 3 puts you back in the boots of Marcus Fenix. He and his comrades have retreated to the relative safety of a helicopter carrier following an invasion by the Lambent, a new foe that mankind must face down after their attempts to destroy the Locust Horde. Marcus and his squad mates must use cover, crack shooting, and plenty of willpower to overcome near-impossible odds and secure a future for mankind in this white-knuckle thrill-ride of a game.
It’s been two years and we hope you’ve enjoyed playing all the amazing game as much as we have. We look forward to many more games to share with the Xbox community.Check out the full details on our Games with Gold program, and make sure you get in on the action while you can!
* Titles are available as free downloads for a limited time, for qualifying paid Xbox Live Gold members in all markets where Xbox Live is available. Some regions may offer different titles depending on market availability. See Major Nelson’s blog for additional details.
This July represents two full years since we began giving Xbox Live Gold members access to amazing games to play with your friends. As a special thank you to our members and all Xbox fans, we’re announcing that starting in July, Gold members get more with two new Games with Gold every month on Xbox One! Each month Gold members will enjoy four new free games; two on Xbox One and two on Xbox 360; On Xbox One enjoy a new game on the 1st and 16th of every month, each available to download for a full month. There are no changes on Xbox 360 and games will be available to download from the 1st to 15th and from the 16th to end of the month. Being an Xbox gamer keeps getting better. Thank you for being part of the Xbox community and remember to come to the Gold members’ area on the 1st and 16th to get your awesome games and build your collection.
To start things off with a huge bang: July 2015 will see the release of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag via Games with Gold for Xbox One, for the entire month. This critically-acclaimed, swashbuckling adventure set during the Golden Age of Pirates puts players in the shoes boots of Edward Kenway, a pirate captain trained by Assassins. Gamers sail the high seas in the dreaded Jackdaw in search of adventure and treasure while embroiled in the ancient war between Assassins and Templars. assassin and pirate, as he sails the seas – exploring, taking prizes, and discovering the secrets of ancient civilizations. Also for Xbox One, you will see So Many Me, a charming puzzle-platformer starring Filo and his band of misfit clones, who must use their wits to overcome devious traps and a slew of evil minions.
Xbox 360 gamers will be treated to equally great titles: the incredibly addictive tower-defense extravaganza Plants vs. Zombies and the iconic third-person shooter Gears of War 3, both classics of their respective genres. As usual, all games are available only for a limited time, as part of the ongoing Games with Gold program.
* Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag ($29.99 ERP): Available from July 1-31 on Xbox One
* So Many Me ($14.99 ERP): Available from July 16-August 15 on Xbox One
* Plants vs. Zombies ($14.99 ERP): Available from July 1-15 on Xbox 360
* Gears of War 3 ($19.99 ERP): Available from July 16-31 on Xbox 360
In the all-new puzzle-focused platformer So Many Me, blob-shaped clones with different abilities take on an ancient, evil by leveraging their ever-so-slightly different mutations. This game is about thinking laterally, looking cute, and asking yourself the key existential questions: Who are you? Why are there so many of me? And how can I get more of these sweet costumes? You get dozens of levels, hundreds of puzzles, thousands of ways to solve them. You’ll need to have good thumbstick skills and a sharp mind to take this one down!
We’re sure you’ve already heard of the original Plants vs. Zombies by PopCap Games. It’s only the multi-award-winning tower defense game to beat all tower defense games. The amazing title pretty much says it all: A bunch of not-too-frightening zombies are attacking a house, and that house has a garden in front of it. In that garden, you can plant a variety of different flowers, veggies, trees, nuts, you name it. The point is, they all have different powers, and they all really hate zombies. So plan correctly, use your limited resources to stop those pesky zombies from reaching your back door, and learn a thing or two about green thumbs while you’re at it.
It’s been two years and we hope you’ve enjoyed playing all the amazing game as much as we have. We look forward to many more games to share with the Xbox community.Check out the full details on our Games with Gold program, and make sure you get in on the action while you can!
* Titles are available as free downloads for a limited time, for qualifying paid Xbox Live Gold members in all markets where Xbox Live is available. Some regions may offer different titles depending on market availability. See Major Nelson’s blog for additional details.
Thursday 25 June 2015
What is the Xbox Preview Program?
What is the Xbox Preview Program?
What is the Xbox Preview Program?
Microsoft’s Xbox One sort of looks like an appliance. It’s not hard to mistake it for something that you can plug in and forget about, something that simply does what you need it to do and gets out of the way. That’s not by mistake, that’s what Microsoft intended. Here’s the thing though, the Xbox One is really a complex PC with a number of alterations and software changes. When Microsoft wants to improve the experience, it needs to test it widely, it needs to make sure that whatever new software upgrades it sends out to Xbox Ones around the world will work correctly. That’s where the Xbox Preview Program comes in.
Here’s what you need to know about the Xbox Preview Program.
What the Xbox One Preview Program Really Is?
Before walking you through joining the Xbox One Preview Program, it is very important that you understand exactly what it is and what it isn’t.
Broadly, the Xbox Preview Program is how Microsoft tests new Xbox One software ideas and services before they’re available to everyone else. It’s completely voluntary and users don’t get paid for joining. What they do get are early looks at features coming before anyone else outside of Microsoft does. Microsoft updated the Xbox One’s software in some form around 10 times last year at least; Xbox Preview Program members got those updates before they were made available to anyone else.
In exchange for getting new features before anyone else, Microsoft asks Preview Program members to test out new features and provide feedback. Usually, that’s through Xbox Preview Program forums, but last year Microsoft also launched a Preview Program app and dashboard that allows users to pass on their comments and critiques without picking up their smartphone or PC. Take this year’s first Xbox One update for example. Today, Xbox Preview Program members are testing transparent tiles that lets users see more of their backgrounds. In a survey about the feature Microsoft asks users to rate the feature and whether adding different levels of transparency might make it a bit easier to use.
So now that we’ve established what the Xbox One Preview Program is, let’s talk about what it isn’t. Sometimes Microsoft asks Xbox Preview Program members to test out new features. Other times, the company makes prerelease versions of coming multiplayer games available. For example, Xbox Preview Program members were able to try out Halo 5‘s multiplayer beta before anyone else. There hasn’t been a time yet when Microsoft simply game away a game to Xbox Preview Program members. If you’re looking for a free game, the Preview Program isn’t the way to get it.
Why You Shouldn’t Join the Xbox Preview Program
If you’re looking for an easy way to get the latest and greatest features without issues, the Xbox Preview Program isn’t for you either. Again, users who participate in the program are getting access to features that others don’t have yet. With that comes bugs. Last year, Xbox Preview Program members actually received an update that reset their console. Every game, every app, every setting had to be changed again. What’s more, Xbox Preview Program participants can’t decide that they don’t want an upgrade and still play online. The update needs to be downloaded or you’re forced to play offline until you’re ready to make the upgrade.
If all that wasn’t enough, you can’t easily get out of the Xbox Preview Program. When users decide they don’t want their console participating anymore, they have to wait until the next release to exit the program. Finally, there are a lot of updates involved. Usually, Xbox Preview Program participants only see one update a month. Other times, they could see a few in a week.
How to Join the Xbox Preview Program
If you’re still committed to joining the Xbox Preview Program then you’ll need to do a little detective work. Early on, the Preview Program was open to any and all who owned a console and wanted to join in. That isn’t the case anymore.
Sometimes Microsoft hands out invitations to the Xbox Preview Program at gaming events and trade shows. The only sure way to get in is to find someone who is already a member of the program and ask them for an invitation. They’ll submit your gamertag for inclusion and then Microsoft approves it. Once it’s been approved, you’ll need to download the Preview Program app and include your console in the program. It could be a few days before you receive the software update that’s currently available to Preview Program members.
Think long and hard about whether you’re really want to provide feedback before singing up for the Xbox Preview Program. It’s not a bad idea to ask your friends how they like participating in the program before you join too. Good luck.
See the original article for comments, and how to join the program.
Sunday 21 June 2015
Saturday 20 June 2015
Friday 19 June 2015
Thursday 18 June 2015
Every Picture Tells A Story Volume 2 by Beren Bladell | Free Listening on SoundCloud
Every Picture Tells A Story Volume 2 by Beren Bladell | Free Listening on SoundCloud
Every Picture Tells A Story Volume 2 Album. Distributed at the Warehouse Party upon release back in the late 1990's.
01 Hess Barber - Every Intro
02 Hess Barber - The Jungle
03 Dan Woodman - Respecting Danger
04 Sugar - Freaky French Fry
05 Natural 1, Charlotte S & Christia
07 Saucy Jack - Island Shell
08 Davide Carbone - SJay
09 Damo Diggler - Ho Down
10 TR Storm (Dan Woodman & D-Rek)
11 Hess Barber - Acid Orgasm
12 Kandyman - Funland
13 Natural 1 - Genesis
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Every Picture Tells A Story Volume 2 Album. Distributed at the Warehouse Party upon release back in the late 1990's.
01 Hess Barber - Every Intro
02 Hess Barber - The Jungle
03 Dan Woodman - Respecting Danger
04 Sugar - Freaky French Fry
05 Natural 1, Charlotte S & Christia
07 Saucy Jack - Island Shell
08 Davide Carbone - SJay
09 Damo Diggler - Ho Down
10 TR Storm (Dan Woodman & D-Rek)
11 Hess Barber - Acid Orgasm
12 Kandyman - Funland
13 Natural 1 - Genesis
Wednesday 17 June 2015
E3 2015: A Closer Look at the Insane $300 L.Y.N.X. Transforming Controller from MadCatz
E3 2015: A Closer Look at the Insane $300 L.Y.N.X. Transforming Controller from MadCatz
We posted a brief roundup of some of the crazy controllers and peripherals we've run across at E3 so far this year, but we took an extended look at the MadCatz L.Y.N.X. transforming controller just because it was so cool/absurd/expensive/crazy/etc. Check out the full video below.
I seriously love the idea of a collapsible controller that provides full-size functionality in a form that's easy to transport with you. The L.Y.N.X. is made of metal and feels very premium. It's got a nice heft and the buttons and analog sticks feel really good. It's just… 300 bucks? I don't know. I guess we'll see how the public reacts to that price point, but MadCatz did mention they have a similar controller in the works that'll be plastic and have less features but will be considerably cheaper than the L.Y.N.X. It's currently only for Android but an iOS version is planned.
Microsoft Press Conference - E3 2015 - Youtube
Microsoft Press Conference - E3 2015 - Youtube
Forza 6: 1:03.20
Dark Souls 3:
Bo3
Halo 5
Recore (Actually kinda interested in this)
The Division
Fallout 4
Rise of the tomb raider
Gears of war
Tuesday 16 June 2015
Monday 15 June 2015
Sunday 14 June 2015
Take the example of someone getting angry at you for no reason - Amma
“Take the example of someone getting angry at you for no reason. For a normal person it is difficult to remain calm and undisturbed in such a situation. But youshould use your discrimination in order to keep your mind well under control. For this to happen, introspection is needed. To accept the anger as a blessing sent by the Lord in order to test your patience, or to ignore and remain unaffected, one needs sharp discrimination. In both cases a sadhak (seeker) must make a conscious and continuous effort in order to proceed towards the ultimate goal.”
~ Amma
Love Includes - Chogyam Trungpa
“Love includes accepting others and being noble, reasonable, openhearted, resourceful, and free of possessiveness. With love, you are totally gentle, utterly kind, thorough, wise, fearless, and willing to commit yourself to any situation. You are warriorlike, industrious, tireless, and never take time off for yourself. I think that covers the Buddhist version of the word love.”
~ Chogyam Trungpa
About twenty years ago I read a Christian book entitled Thank You God - Hanuman Das
About twenty years ago I read a Christian book entitled Thank You God. Its basic thesis was that one should continuously thank God for the way things are rightnow, not petition Him for things to be different. That means thanking Him for all the terrible things that are going on in your life, not just thanking Him for the good stuff that is coming your way. And this should not just be at the verbal level. One needs to keep saying 'Thank you, God,' to oneself until one actually feels a glow of gratitude. When this happens, there are remarkable and unexpected consequences. Let me give you an example.
There was a woman featured in this book whose husband was an alcoholic. She had organized prayer meetings at her local church in which everyone had prayed to God, asking Him to stop this man from drinking. Nothing happened. Then this woman heard about 'Thank you, God'. She thought, 'Well, nothing else has worked. Let me try this.' She started saying, 'Thank you God for making my husband an alcoholic,' and she kept on saying it until she actually began to feel gratitude inside. Shortly afterwards, her husband stopped drinking of his own accord and never touched alcohol again.
This is surrender.
It's not saying, 'Excuse me God, but I know better than You, so would You please make this happen,' it's acknowledging, 'The world is the way You want it to be, and I thank You for it'.
~ David Godman
New Xbox One 1TB Console Unveiled, Xbox One 500GB Console Reduced to $349
New Xbox One 1TB Console Unveiled, Xbox One 500GB Console Reduced to $349
By Major Nelson posted June 09, 2015
Next week, Xbox is kicking off the biggest games week of the year as we head to Los Angeles for E3 2015 where we’ll showcase the best lineup in Xbox history. But before the lights go up and we take the stage for our media briefing, we wanted to share a few pieces of early news as we continue to put games and gamers at the center of everything we do.
Since Xbox One launched, one of the most frequent requests from fans is to add more storage to their consoles. Today, we’re unveiling the Xbox One 1TB console, with a new matte finish and more storage for your games and media, making it the best place to play the biggest blockbusters this holiday like Halo 5: Guardians, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Forza Motorsport 6. Only Xbox offers the most choice when it comes to storage options, now with increased on-board storage as well as the capability to extend game storage by adding an external USB 3.0 drive.
But that’s not all. We’re also including our newly designed Xbox One Wireless Controller that now comes with a 3.5mm stereo headset jack, and in select regions for a limited time, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, the definitive Halo experience on Xbox One.*
Xbox One 1TB consoles will start shipping to retailers June 16 in the United States and select markets later this month and will be available starting at $399 USD ERP.* We’re also pleased to announce that starting today, the $349 USD price on all standard Xbox One 500GB consoles will be permanent in the United States and select regions.**
Now let’s take a closer look at the new Xbox One Wireless Controller, shipping with future consoles moving forward, and now featuring a 3.5mm stereo headset jack that lets you plug your favorite gaming headset right into the controller. With the updated controller, in addition to the volume and mute controls on gaming headsets, you’ll also have the option to adjust headset volume, mic monitoring, and voice and game audio balance through the Settings menu on your console. We’ve also improved the quality of audio coming through the controller and increased the maximum audio volume on headsets used with this controller, based on fan feedback. All existing controller accessories will work with the updated controller, including the Stereo Headset Adapter for those who want the convenience of fingertip control for their audio. In addition to audio improvements, we’ve fine-tuned the bumpers for more consistent performance anywhere along the full surface of the bumper. And we’ve enabled wireless firmware updates on the updated controller which eliminates having to connect the controller via USB cable to receive updates. What’s more, fans will be able to purchase the new controller as a standalone item in black as well as a new camouflage design in silver and black with the Xbox One Special Edition Covert Forces Wireless Controller.
And finally, as we mentioned at GDC, we are committed to designing Xbox accessories to support both Xbox and Windows 10. We are pleased to announce that starting this fall, you’ll be able to purchase the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows to enjoy the freedom and convenience of the wireless controller on Windows 10 PCs, laptops, and tablets.*** With the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows, you’ll simply plug the Adapter into the USB 2.0 or 3.0 port of your Windows 10 PC and bind the Adapter to your Wireless Controller to enable the same gaming experience you’re used to on Xbox One, including in-game chat and high-quality stereo audio. The Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows will be available for $24.99 U.S. MSRP or bundled with an Xbox One Wireless Controller for $79.95 U.S. MSRP* and sold in most markets where Xbox accessories are currently available.
We’re extremely grateful to our fans for your continued feedback and the Xbox team is continually working hard to expand and improve the experience. 2015 is going to be a great year for gamers.
*Availability and pricing varies by region**Permanent price reduction applies to United States, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and India; Pricing varies by region***Not compatible with controllers designed for Xbox 360. Check game specifications for controller compatibility. USB 2.0/3.0 required.
By Major Nelson posted June 09, 2015
Next week, Xbox is kicking off the biggest games week of the year as we head to Los Angeles for E3 2015 where we’ll showcase the best lineup in Xbox history. But before the lights go up and we take the stage for our media briefing, we wanted to share a few pieces of early news as we continue to put games and gamers at the center of everything we do.
Since Xbox One launched, one of the most frequent requests from fans is to add more storage to their consoles. Today, we’re unveiling the Xbox One 1TB console, with a new matte finish and more storage for your games and media, making it the best place to play the biggest blockbusters this holiday like Halo 5: Guardians, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Forza Motorsport 6. Only Xbox offers the most choice when it comes to storage options, now with increased on-board storage as well as the capability to extend game storage by adding an external USB 3.0 drive.
But that’s not all. We’re also including our newly designed Xbox One Wireless Controller that now comes with a 3.5mm stereo headset jack, and in select regions for a limited time, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, the definitive Halo experience on Xbox One.*
Xbox One 1TB consoles will start shipping to retailers June 16 in the United States and select markets later this month and will be available starting at $399 USD ERP.* We’re also pleased to announce that starting today, the $349 USD price on all standard Xbox One 500GB consoles will be permanent in the United States and select regions.**
Now let’s take a closer look at the new Xbox One Wireless Controller, shipping with future consoles moving forward, and now featuring a 3.5mm stereo headset jack that lets you plug your favorite gaming headset right into the controller. With the updated controller, in addition to the volume and mute controls on gaming headsets, you’ll also have the option to adjust headset volume, mic monitoring, and voice and game audio balance through the Settings menu on your console. We’ve also improved the quality of audio coming through the controller and increased the maximum audio volume on headsets used with this controller, based on fan feedback. All existing controller accessories will work with the updated controller, including the Stereo Headset Adapter for those who want the convenience of fingertip control for their audio. In addition to audio improvements, we’ve fine-tuned the bumpers for more consistent performance anywhere along the full surface of the bumper. And we’ve enabled wireless firmware updates on the updated controller which eliminates having to connect the controller via USB cable to receive updates. What’s more, fans will be able to purchase the new controller as a standalone item in black as well as a new camouflage design in silver and black with the Xbox One Special Edition Covert Forces Wireless Controller.
And finally, as we mentioned at GDC, we are committed to designing Xbox accessories to support both Xbox and Windows 10. We are pleased to announce that starting this fall, you’ll be able to purchase the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows to enjoy the freedom and convenience of the wireless controller on Windows 10 PCs, laptops, and tablets.*** With the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows, you’ll simply plug the Adapter into the USB 2.0 or 3.0 port of your Windows 10 PC and bind the Adapter to your Wireless Controller to enable the same gaming experience you’re used to on Xbox One, including in-game chat and high-quality stereo audio. The Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows will be available for $24.99 U.S. MSRP or bundled with an Xbox One Wireless Controller for $79.95 U.S. MSRP* and sold in most markets where Xbox accessories are currently available.
We’re extremely grateful to our fans for your continued feedback and the Xbox team is continually working hard to expand and improve the experience. 2015 is going to be a great year for gamers.
*Availability and pricing varies by region**Permanent price reduction applies to United States, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and India; Pricing varies by region***Not compatible with controllers designed for Xbox 360. Check game specifications for controller compatibility. USB 2.0/3.0 required.
The Psoas: Muscle of The Soul | body divine yoga
The Psoas: Muscle of The Soul | body divine yoga
I was delighted when I first came across Liz Koch’s amazing work because it confirmed much of what I’d been intuiting on my own. I had begun to open and close my yoga practise with hip opening poses with the specific intention of releasing tension in my psoas and hip flexors. I’d breathe and imagine tension flowing out of constricted muscles to be released as energy into the torso.
The Psoas muscle (pronounced so-as) is the deepest muscle of the human body affecting our structural balance, muscular integrity, flexibility, strength, range of motion, joint mobility, and organ functioning.
A tight psoas not only creates structural problems, it constricts the organs, puts pressure on nerves, interferes with the movement of fluids, and impairs diaphragmatic breathing.
A relaxed psoas is the mark of play and creative expression. Instead of the contracted psoas, ready to run or fight, the relaxed and released psoas is ready instead to lengthen and open, to dance. In many yoga poses (like tree) the thighs can’t fully rotate outward unless the psoas releases. A released psoas allows the front of the thighs to lengthen and the leg to move independently from the pelvis, enhancing and deepening the lift of the entire torso and heart.
The Psoas: Muscle of The Soul
I was delighted when I first came across Liz Koch’s amazing work because it confirmed much of what I’d been intuiting on my own. I had begun to open and close my yoga practise with hip opening poses with the specific intention of releasing tension in my psoas and hip flexors. I’d breathe and imagine tension flowing out of constricted muscles to be released as energy into the torso.
It worked, I’d feel my body soften yet somehow grow stronger.
Reading Liz Koch I instantly realized what I was doing – by learning to relax my psoas I was literally energizing my deepest core by reconnecting with the powerful energy of the earth. According to Koch, the psoas is far more than a core stabilizing muscle; it is an organ of perception composed of bio-intelligent tissue and “literally embodies our deepest urge for survival, and more profoundly, our elemental desire to flourish.”
Well, I just had to learn more. Here is just a sprinkling of the research that Liz Koch and others have uncovered regarding the importance of the psoas to our health, vitality and emotional well-being.
The Psoas muscle (pronounced so-as) is the deepest muscle of the human body affecting our structural balance, muscular integrity, flexibility, strength, range of motion, joint mobility, and organ functioning.
Growing out of both sides of the spine, the psoas spans laterally from the 12th thoracic vertebrae (T12) to each of the 5 lumbar vertebrae. From there it flows down through the abdominal core, the pelvis, to attach to the top of the femur (thigh) bone.
The Psoas is the only ‘muscle’ to connect the spine to the legs. It is responsible for holding us upright, and allows us to lift our legs in order to walk. A healthily functioning psoas stabilizes the spine and provides support through the trunk, forming a shelf for the vital organs of the abdominal core.
The psoas is connected to the diaphragm through connective tissue or fascia which affects both our breath and fear reflex. This is because the psoas is directly linked to the re
ptilian brain, the most ancient interior part of the brain stem and spinal cord. As Koch writes “Long before the spoken word or the organizing capacity of the cortex developed, the reptilian brain, known for its survival instincts, maintained our essential core functioning.”
ptilian brain, the most ancient interior part of the brain stem and spinal cord. As Koch writes “Long before the spoken word or the organizing capacity of the cortex developed, the reptilian brain, known for its survival instincts, maintained our essential core functioning.”
Koch believes that our fast paced modern lifestyle (which runs on the adrenaline of our sympathetic nervous system) chronically triggers and tightens the psoas – making it literally ready to run or fight. The psoas helps you to spring into action – or curl you up into a protective ball.
If we constantly contract the psoas to due to stress or tension , the muscle eventually begins to shorten leading to a host of painful conditions including low back pain, sacroiliac pain, sciatica, disc problems, spondylolysis, scoliosis, hip degeneration, knee pain, menstruation pain, infertility, and digestive problems.
A tight psoas not only creates structural problems, it constricts the organs, puts pressure on nerves, interferes with the movement of fluids, and impairs diaphragmatic breathing.
In fact, “The psoas is so intimately involved in such basic physical and emotional reactions, that a chronically tightened psoas continually signals your body that you’re in danger, eventually exhausting the adrenal glands and depleting the immune system.”
And according to Koch, this situation is exacerbated by many things in our modern lifestyle, from car seats to constrictive clothing, from chairs to shoes that distort our posture, curtail our natural movements and further constrict our psoas.
Koch believes the first step in cultivating a healthy psoas is to release unnecessary tension. But “to work with the psoas is not to try to control the muscle, but to cultivate the awareness necessary for sensing its messages. This involves making a conscious choice to become somatically aware.”
A relaxed psoas is the mark of play and creative expression. Instead of the contracted psoas, ready to run or fight, the relaxed and released psoas is ready instead to lengthen and open, to dance. In many yoga poses (like tree) the thighs can’t fully rotate outward unless the psoas releases. A released psoas allows the front of the thighs to lengthen and the leg to move independently from the pelvis, enhancing and deepening the lift of the entire torso and heart.
Koch believes that by cultivating a healthy psoas, we can rekindle our body’s vital energies by learning to reconnect with the life force of the universe. Within the Taoist tradition the psoas is spoken of as the seat or muscle of the soul, and sur
rounds the lower “Dan tien” a major energy center of body. A flexible and strong psoas grounds us and allows subtle energies to flow through the bones, muscles and joints.
rounds the lower “Dan tien” a major energy center of body. A flexible and strong psoas grounds us and allows subtle energies to flow through the bones, muscles and joints.
Koch writes “The psoas, by conducting energy, grounds us to the earth, just as a grounding wire prevents shocks and eliminates static on a radio. Freed and grounded, the spine can awaken”…“ As gravitational flows transfer weight through bones, tissue, and muscle, into the earth, the earth rebounds, flowing back up the legs and spine, energizing, coordinating and animating posture, movement and expression. It is an uninterrupted conversation between self, earth, and cosmos.”
So, it might be worth it, next time you practice, to tune in and pay attention to what your bio-intelligent psoas has to say.
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