This will be a practical workshop getting into a foetal position and rolling out of it into semi-supine.

I will first demonstrate with one or two volunteers and then I would propose that we work in pairs to accompany each other through the procedure. Anyone who feels uncomfortable working on the floor may prefer to explore a variation from being seated in a chair.

There is so much to discover in this part of the Dart procedures. Just as in other ‘positions of mechanical advantage’ there is a rich context for self-observation, for undoing and freeing up the breathing. In particular the foetal position, being at the same time non-habitual for an adult and also familiar in a primordial way as part of our developmental experience, can be a great support for re-integrating and re-educating patterns of use. The curves and the spirals become especially evident in this procedure.

There is also a significant sensory transition in moving from a place of safety with the senses oriented inwards and the limbs contained to then rolling over to find oneself belly up with the senses and limbs reaching out into an expanded space. This movement may trigger a fear response and a sense of falling even though we are fully supported on the floor the whole time and choosing our own pace.

I learned this procedure from Joan and Alex Murray, who always told the story about how Dart, already in his 80s by then, had jumped up onto the table to demonstrate foetal to them, saying that it was the most important position. Until that moment Joan and Alex had not been including it in the procedures as Dart had not written about it.

Exploring this procedure for myself over the years and observing my students on the training course work with it has yielded much insight into patterns of psycho-physical use.