Over the last 15 years or so, through Robin, I became friends with Alice. Whether in person while visiting in NYC, or on the phone or over Skype, we would always have wonderful conversations, particularly about somatics – how the mind and emotions are interconnected in the body, for which she was a cutting-edge student and practitioner since the 1950’s.

Like my mother, Ann Friend, Alice marched for civil rights in Alabama in the late 1940’s.

In the early 1950’s, joined the NYC staff of Wilhelm Reich, revolutionary developer of psychosexual theories and practices on the orgasm.

In 1956, Alice helped Alexander Lowen, a protégé of Reich, to set up an institute on Bioenergetics – a somatic practice for healing the mind-body.

In 1959, Alice was one of the first to teach the Lamaze method of childbirth in the US, after learning the breathing and relaxation techniques in France.

In the 1970’s, her research and doctorate work on breastfeeding significantly influenced more women to breastfeed.

In 1982, Alice co-authored, “The G-Spot”, which sold over a million copies and was revolutionary for women’s sexual empowerment.

She was very progressive sexually, and rebelled against the rigidities of sexual norms of the mid-20th century in America. Her focus was always on civil rights, and empowerment to women and the disadvantaged. Her ideas of sexual freedom were consistently grounded in her concept of natural health and spiritual sovereignty.

Although she regularly practiced Bioenergetics and modern postural yoga for decades, Alice enjoyed the Bowspring and I would periodically give her some postural instructions over Skype, and a few times in person over the last 10 years. Although she used a portable oxygen machine for her last years, she would still get down on the floor from standing, gracefully roll around, and then mindfully maneuver back up to standing, doing her best to keep her natural Bowspring curves. Her energy level and bright attitude with an infectious smile were remarkable. I was endlessly inspired and thrilled to show her a paradigm-shifting alignment that helped her feel even more full of life!

Today is her memorial service in Santa Fe, led by her two daughters, Robin and Pamela, and her three grandchildren. Alice outlived her husband, lovers, and most of her old friends, yet she is still loved and admired by many, many friends, of which I count myself.

Alice Ladas was one of the last of what Americans call the “Greatest Generation” (born between 1900-1925). Tremendous honor and gratitude for everything that Alice Ladas did in advancing the wellness and goodness of humanity.