It’s a phrase that has many meanings, of course, but I was thinking in the literal sense. Often when we spend a lot of time on computers, screens, or simply sightreading or reading, we take our head forwards in space, like a turtle.
But it’s not designed to stay there! Our head is optimal when supported stacked up on top of the spine- when it’s forwards of the chest we have to use our flexors right down to the pubic bone, and the neck muscles too! It’s a very inefficient way of doing things.
Feel it for yourself.
Slowly, gently, slide your head forwards like a pigeon. Further than normal, but only as far as reasonable. At the same time, sense down to your pubic bone at the front, and down the back – where can you feel the extra work? Slide your head to return, and feel the difference!
Try it a few times, so you can build up a kinaesthetic picture for yourself of this movement. You might even find that at the end your head is resting differently, and you breathe a little freer! Your awareness on its own can be enough to make a change.
the Feldenkrais Method with Emma Alter 