From Narcissism by Alexander Lowen, MD, "Dignity is a way of carrying oneself. The word stems form the Latin dignitas, which means "worthiness". This dictionary lists one meaning as ‘Character, which inspires or commands respect.' Character and carriage are related. Carriage and bearing express one's character...The straightness of a healthy body results from a strong flow of excitation or feeling along the backbone...this charge keeps the head high. The posture also expresses a sense of natural pride in oneself, which differs from narcissism in that it is based on the self, not the image. Such a bearing is possible only if the body is free from chronic muscular tension and, therefore, also free from suppressed conflicts stemming from childhood...The key to dignity is the sense of having one's feet firmly planted on the ground. Our legs and feet are like the roots of a tree that not only anchor the tree to its reality but also provide the base for the upward thrust of its growth. A persons legs and feet are his support system and provide the foundation for his sense of self. If one has a feeling contact with the ground through one's legs and feet, one is connected to the reality of one's body as an embodiment of his being. Lacking this contact, one is said to be ungrounded -- up in the air or in one's head and connected mainly to the images there."

In this exercise class bioenergetic exercises are taught. Each exercise taught has a specific psychological component and outcome. This exercise class has therapeutic value in both mind and body. It is different from other exercise like aerobics in that it is about restoring vital energy to the organism and self-possession rather than improving the image of a 'good body'. Other exercises should be used for that purpose.

Lowen, the father of somatic psychotherapy has been doing these exercises regularly for over 42 years and writes, "They have helped me greatly by deepening my breathing, reducing the tension in my body, and giving me a better since of who I am. My objective is not to improve my figure but to increase the aliveness of my body, which helps me feel better and consequently look better." This is exercise for the core rather than the shell

Casual and comfortable clothing you can move in is best to wear. Cost is $15 per class. If interested Call Dr. Pamela J. Bell to inquire about Class Meetings at 214-348-0561 or drpbell@qwest.net

Instructor: Pamela Bell, EdD, LPC, LMFT, Certified Bioenergetic Therapist, Certified EEG Biofeedback Provider–BCIA. Dr. Bell trained for five years in Bioenergetic Analysis and was certified through the Dallas Society for Bioenergetic Analysis in 1997, an affiliate of the International Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis. Dr. Alexander Lowen, from his earlier association with Dr. Wilhelm Reich, developed Bioenergetic Analysis, from 1940 on and in 1956 Lowen started the International Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis