Humans are one of the best species at receiving new information, digesting it ,and changing what we do. That’s the definition of learning of course. In Feldenkrais’ words: “Thinking leads to new action, anything else was swilling around of the brain”. Which always puts me in mind of someone swilling a wine glass before sniffing it. It might sound a little blunt, but as with many things, he’s right.
If we’re not re-looking at what we’re doing at least some of the time, we’re re-enacting habits. Some of which serve us well of course. Others don’t, they limit us, our thinking as well as moving.
How to continue to evolve, adapt and learn whilst we’re in the midst of life? It’s a question I get asked often. My answer would be to set some time aside each week to spend learning. Exploring and learning for it’s own sake, as we did when we were children.
This term I’m doing a lino/wood cut class. I’ve wanted to for some time now, and going to a class helps me set the time aside to do it. Even if I don’t get to it the rest of the week, I have 2 1/2 hours where I can focus on learning and exploring. I’m so pleased I have. Partly because I’m not as good at putting the time aside at home for it as I’d like. Partly because its easier, with a tutor, and surrounded by other people doing the same thing.
No-one’s asking me what’s for dinner, to do something for them, or anything else of me. My phone is off. A little oasis of concentrating on me. So I can replenish my energy bank. If I’m running on empty, I don’t have much to give. Self-care is not selfish. It’s part of growing our self esteem. Important anyway, but especially important when we’re looking after others.
I can recommend it as an idea. Taking time out, and ringfencing it. So if you want to change something about the way that you move, do the same. Come to a class.
They’re online, so it only takes you the time of the class. No having to travel to get there. It can be your oasis in the week where you get to concentrate just on you. On learning how to move more easily. How improve your relationship with your body. Improve your self image. When that shifts, so much changes. We tend to think of ourselves as something static. When in a class, we realise we can feel something new about ourselves, in an hour. Our idea of ourself can change.
One hour, one week at a time. And over time, things will change. Your life will softly change. How people respond to you changes. I know this from personal experience. And I’ve seen it in my group class students and 1-to-1 clients time and time again over the last decade.
Feldenkrais is a practice. It’s designed to build and improve your self-knowledge cumulatively over time. Using our primary language of movement, of sensation, to do so.
If you’ve not been to a class, your first is on me, to see if it might work for you. And then there are different ways of joining us after that.
Perhaps you’d like to talk to me first, to answer more questions?
PS It’s half term this week, so there’s a lesson on Sunday the 11th, and then I’ll see you Monday the 19th.
the Feldenkrais Method with Emma Alter 