YOUR PELVIC WINGS - THE "ALA"

"Ala" means wing in Latin. From it, we have gotten the naming of the "ala" of the ilium - the winging out structure of our pelvis. This is perfect because we already call shoulder blades, the upper body’s version of the pelvis, the scapulae, our “wings” - appropriately so because they are part of the structure of wings in birds. They are also similar in shape to the wings of butterflies.

So, when we consider this similar structure of the human ala, it gives us a new and exciting window into the nature and function of the pelvis as well. Because these also function like wings, in that the movement of the pelvis and its associated hip is the primary source of our forward propulsion. 

The center of the ala of the pelvis is so thin that you can shine a light and see through it. So let this image and actual lightness of the wings of your pelvis affect your sense of levity and grace as you walk and move in every step through your life.

"Your deepest presence is in every small contracting and expanding,
the two as beautifully balanced
and coordinated
as birds' wings."

• Rumi

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