I’ve been a student of the human body since I donned my first dancing shoes at age six. After receiving an MA degree in Dance from UCLA, I was privileged to study with Ida Rolf, originator of a type of body therapy known as Structural Integration. I’m proud to have been certified as a Structural Integration practitioner by Dr. Rolf herself.
Rolf’s understanding of the body went beyond anything I’d learned during many years of movement training. She taught that gravity organizes human structures and that people can achieve an optimal relationship with this determining force through bodywork and education.
I began teaching movement and bodywork courses in 1994 and am currently Chair of the Movement Faculty of The Rolf Institute® of Structural Integration in Boulder, CO. I also teach workshops tailored to the needs and interests of various groups such as runners, dancers, Pilates and yoga instructors, and massage therapists.
My articles have appeared in magazines such as Massage, Shape, Men’s Fitness, Somatics Journal, and Massage and Bodywork. My first book, Balancing Your Body: A Self-help Approach to Rolfing Movement, was published in 1993 by Healing Arts Press. In it I offered a self-help version of Rolf Movement® therapy.
My book, The New Rules of Posture, presents new developments in movement education. It evolved out of my wish to share the legacy of Ida Rolf with the general public. While this legacy includes the understanding of posture and movement, it also has philosophical implications. The deeper message is that the way we inhabit our bodies affects the ways in which we perceive the world and behave toward one another. My 2012 DVD, Heal Your Posture, further elucidates this message.
During the ensuing decades I deepened my understanding of the body through studies in craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, somatic psychology and movement therapy.My bodywork practice has always emphasized movement education.
It has been my experience that people who understand and respect their bodies tend to have an open and compassionate perspective on life. My mission, as a writer, teacher and Rolfer, is to help people further that understanding and respect. I believe that becoming more attuned to our physical experience affects the choices we make in relation to ourselves, to our fellow human beings, our environment and to our planet. My mission, then, is to contribute to humanity’s deeper embodiment.
" Very interesting. I\'m considering buying Mary Bond\'s book to learn more. "
Terry P (Gravity Perception )
" Super happy that I purchased these workshops. Super useful learning and skills. Thanks Mary. "
Uyen V (Gravity Perception )
" I loved this workshop. The main lesson I learned is how we as teachers can encourage students to focus on different ways of perceiving the body and their relationship to the body and the space around it. "
Ancelyn A (Face/Spine Relationships )
" Clear, beautifully embodied teaching, inspiring and extremely informative. I loved this workshop - thank you! "
Fiona M (Face/Spine Relationships )
" Wonderful. Great contrasting of the effects of perception on movements... "
Rupert H (Face/Spine Relationships )
" Great workshop - thank you, Mary, for a lot of good, usable information! "
Andrea S (Face/Spine Relationships )
" Really enjoyed the integration of \"yielding\" from basic practice, to Pilates movements and to everyday activities! Very useful ideas! Thank you! "
Kamryn S (Gravity Perception )
" Thank you for this video! I certainly learned and was inspired by it. I especially love that a movement improvisation was included. "
marlo f (Face/Spine Relationships )