|
A paradox of modern life: Do you feel that you have to work harder and move faster in order to improve? This is what most exercise modalities teach us: Run more miles. Run faster. Swim harder. Lift heavier weights. Actually, speed and strength are important. But, they aren’t everything, and when we’re trying to learn to move more efficiently, gentle movements are often best. When we move gently, we can recognize small changes. A reduction in effort provides our brain with the space to sense and incorporate new movement patterns. In the Feldenkrais world, we often say “Less is more” just for this reason. Moshe Feldenkrais said: “More delicate and improved control of movement is possible only through the increase of sensitivity, through a greater ability to sense differences.” So when we’re preoccupied with working hard and fast, our sensitivity reduces and we can’t discern differences in our movement patterns. Here’s an analogy to help us understand this concept: If you were holding an armful of bricks, and someone placed a feather on top of your pile of bricks Probably not. But if you held out your hands, and someone placed a feather in your hands – would you be able to feel that? Most likely, yes. In both cases, you’re holding a feather. But in the first situation, you are so preoccupied with the force necessary to hold the bricks that you can’t sense the feather.
In the Feldenkrais Method® sensing small changes provides our brain and nervous system with the ability to make the neurological changes that radically improve our daily functioning. And isn’t this what we really want to achieve? Fuller,happier lives and more ease of movement regardless of whether we’re watching Netflix, running a marathon, or playing with our grandkids? If you’re ready to find new ways to lead a healthy life, and to actually feel pleasure when you move, I invite you to join one of my weekly classes. I teach an ongoing Awareness Through Movement® class on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM. This class is taught in a 6-week series, although “drop in” is available. This class is online or in person. I am reopening my Wednesday Awareness Through Movement® class at 12:00 PM on May 4th. This class is for people who are interested in learning more about the Feldenkrais Method,® who have pain and issues with balancing, sitting, walking, etc. This is an online class. It’s structured mainly as a “drop in” class, although a discounted 6-week series is available. I am also available to see you individually. If you have never experienced this hands-on work, sign up on my website for a consultation first, and then we’ll do an assessment of your individual needs. See you soon. Beth |
|
|
|
|
