Want to access the power to make the changes you desire for yourself this year? Want to feel better, look better, or reach goals that you haven’t? We all have the ability to create the life we desire as the ancient Vedic tradition teaches with its seven steps to harmonious living. Recently a man created the Feldenkrais Method® which allows one to move along that map of creation. Participating in Feldenkrais® work is a learning process. It gives one access to creating change though the awareness that is built and strengthened while practicing the method.
Moshe Feldenkrais, the developer of the Feldenkrais Method, would say, “When you know what you are doing,you can do what you want.” In essence he was telling us that it’s only when we first become aware of what we are doing can we then have the capacity to changewhat we are doing. If we want different results we need to change the actions we are taking. How do we know what we are doing in the now? This becomes clearer though the observations and explorations that are done in the Feldenkrais Method. It’s accomplished in one or a combination of two ways: hands on Functional Integration® or verbally guided Awareness Through Movement® Lessons. Here, our movement patterns become clearer as we also explore alternative options. This process helps us become more cognizant of our options and responses to movements we make. Oftentimes our actions are so compulsive and automatic that we miss seeing other ways of responding…emotionally, mentally, or physically to a given situation. The phrase “if you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep getting what you’ve always gotten” comes to mind. Through the Feldenkrais Method one opens themselves to new possibilities by exploring the known and unknown in their movement repertoire. We then create new patterns in the brain and body which expands awareness and flexibility in movement…and in life!
Doing various movements outside of one’s “norm” can lead to new ways of being, acting, and experiencing ourselves in the world. We have thoughts, both conscious and unconscious, guiding our movement choices. When we are limited or stuck in thought, we get into a mental rut, and similarly when we physically get into movement habits that are ineffective and/or painful, we get stuck also. Usually those ruts we dig ourselves into are accompanied by pain, fatigue, strain and frustration…and a longing to break free.
Our movement patterns and life reflect our mental patterns and vice versa. Feldenkrais, like the ancient Vedas, remind us that we have the power to shape our circumstances through our breathing, thoughts, actions, and habits. Similarly, Vedic teachings share that life is lived from conscious steps building on one another. Those steps are: breath, thought, action, habit, character, behavior, and circumstance. One example of how we might use Feldenkrais to enhance freedom would be in breath exploration. Breathing awareness can shift one’s thoughts,
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which can in turn shift one’s ability to take different actions. Different actions create new habits. With consciousawareness we can create new character, behaviors, and circumstances…moving all the way up the seven steps!
One profound example of Feldenkrais in action was from a woman with fibromyalgia. She was in a lot of pain beforebeginning the Feldenkrais Method and she never realized how she stood leaning backwards. Through the method she became aware of this habit and learned that it was formulated during childhood experiences where she would lean away from those who were continually “in her face.” It wasn’t until after working with the Feldenkrais Method that she was able to change this. Now aware of her old habit as well as new options, she has gained freedom not only physically, but also in how she relates to others. Now she feels stronger and better able to stand up to face the world…without having to lean away. She has less pain and can now consciously choose other ways to stand without being limited by what had been her automatic posturing response. When she feels a “flare up” coming on, she knows she can slow down, breathe, and sense herself. That allows her to not only take her power and control back, but also gives her the opportunity to move in ways which ease her pain, decrease fear, and increase her sense of pleasure. Those things were gained from rolling around on the ground observing herself doing the gentle, yet challenging movement explorations of the Feldenkrais Method! The investment of time was quite worth the happiness, freedom, and power that was gained, she says.
Consider doing something new and become more aware of yourself. Tune out the outer-world and tune in to what you are sensing and feeling inside. Discover your brain’s intelligence by working with the Feldenkrais Method and soon you will notice yourself automatically moving with more grace and power! Learn how movement awareness is healing and transformative. Trying on even one new pattern can give you a more youthful, joyful, and carefree sense of yourself. What Moshe Feldenkrais often said to his students, “Making the impossible possible, the possible easy, and the easy elegant,” can actually be reality. Your potential is limitless and the secret is out…life is ours to create. Dr. Feldenkrais spent his life passionately teaching his method which accesses the Vedic system in a tangible way. The heart of the Feldenkrais Method is freedom. The awareness that is born of that freedom is a beautiful gift to give oneself. Here’s to the life you desire being yours...this year!
Lisa Ponichter, MPT, GCFP is a Physical Therapist & Feldenkrais Practitioner. She has helped numerous people with pain conditions in SE Michigan. Recovering from chronic pain and now dancing again, she passionately shares this method with those seeking greater ease/performance with their athletic/dance/movement practices. Contact 248-321-0358, eternal_chi@yahoo.com and awakeningmovements.com |
