Thoughts on Primal Movement

I was recently interviewed by Nate Summers for his book Primal- Why we long to be wild and free which is now available everywhere and is an important and well timed book telling the story of the primal movement that is awakening in wild humans and communities everywhere.

Here is part of my interview with Nate, some of which you can find in the book, which was around the theme of movement. (Questions by Nate Summers with responses by Ben Sanford.)

1) What movement art do you teach and why?

There are several elements to the movement arts I teach. The first is called Anima Sporta and is a Primal Movement/Wellness/Fitness modality, another is combative Martial Arts (Filipino Kali & Indonesian Pentjak Silat, with an influence of Bujikan Budo Taijutsu). The final element is the influence of the earth and moving within the rest of nature as a human animal with the deep nature connective practice of stalking. Anima Sporta which is Latin for “Basket of the Soul”, is the current evolution of a wholistic (yes, with a W) health and fitness model I have been developing for about 20 years. It is a systems-based modality which fuses awareness, conditioning (resilience), and movement together as a useful, healthy and fun expression of being human. Connection with self and environment are fundamental to the practice which includes a yearlong training course called Humanimal- the way of the human animal. Anima Sporta is honoring of the self and environment which makes it accessible to humans with varying needs and has something for everyone from young to old, sick to well, injured to peak performer.

2) Why do you think it's important for modern humans to have movement in nature in their life?

We are nature. The more we can experience direct contact with the wild world, the more we can know ourselves. We have been moving within [the rest of] nature with a purpose for hundreds of thousands of years and have co-evolved with a world as a moving organism. Movement informs our perception and brain patterning in ways we are just now catching up to. Moving in nature leads to cleansing our body-mind, natural patterning and a relationship with nature that builds respect and trust and even love of the earth (and self- we are nature) that can awaken care-taking and protecting instincts.

3) What is happening to us do to our sedentary life-style?

We are experiencing a “separation sickness” as a culture and witnessing the symptoms of this illusion of separation. As we seek comfortable, protected and easy lifestyles, we are changing the course of our evolution. Much like wearing thick shoes or heavy protective clothing, we end up with a “proprioceptive lag” or sensory distortion which leads to numerous problems as our perception and behaviors become in-congruent with our reality. With distorted senses, we misinterpret the honest feedback that the laws of nature give to us through the simple sensations, feelings and instincts that we fail to notice.

4) How can we remedy this?

Educating from a systems approach, and simple, small actions and inspired play with a perspective of connection can make a huge difference. Taking movement practices into the real world, even just going outside to practice- not just using nature as a jungle gym or trying to tough it out and push to the limits, but actually connecting with it as a teacher and source of guidance and reflection of self. This is best done in a sustainable, and incremental progression that establishes familiarity and gives one permission to remember what they already know.

5) What happens when people learn to move differently and connect to nature?

When people tap into this way of being, they have a sense of going home- both within themselves and the earth. There is a deep sense of safety, peace, fulfillment and a sense of knowing one’s place in the scheme of things. As fun as tree climbing and all kinds of gymnastic, parkour- like, flow producing movements can be, I think stalking may be one of the finest expressions of human movement because of its fusion with nature. Stalking is an ancient movement pattern which has been part of our direct survival and thrival since our origin and can be a practical meditation which quickly dissolves our limited sense of self into the present moment. With the practice of stalking, people can make sense of the microcosm-of-the-macrocosm concept by experiencing their own movement and life process as part of the whole. There can be an alignment and a trust of one’s body wisdom as it is the same wisdom as that of great nature.

6) What's your latest project?

After years of trying to explain what I do, I have realized that the best way to describe my specialty is that I train heroes. My latest project is called Human Hero Lab which provides physical and ethical training for humans that activates a healthy life value and a perspective and capacity to be ready, willing and able to take effective action in challenging situations and help others in their time of need. Human Heroes is not about being a “superhero”, rather it is about being an ordinary person living an extraordinary life and following our instinct to live and care for ourselves and others. From there it is not such a great leap to supporting and protecting all life and remembering our role as caretakers and protectors of the planet. Offering daily training for our local members and courses and seminars for visiting heroes, Human Heroes provides training in awareness, movement, martial arts, tactics, ethics and other life supporting skills at our Hero Lab.  

7) Can you include a bio and how you created/got into this work?

I have spent a over 30 years deeply pursuing fitness, martial arts, healing and the skills of nature connection. In that time, I have experienced both invincible vitality and devastating illness, profound resilience and significant injury. My fascination with the mystery of life, being human, and the spectrum of human health has led my curiosity and passion down this path. By studying with the masters and examining my own experience, I now coach and train others in the life supporting principles of movement that are universally accessible to everyone. (If you want more specifics, you can read more at Ben’s bio.)