“Awareness through Movement”
Many people find themselves gradually stiffening up through the stresses of work and the general demands of life, or because of accidents or injuries. The Feldenkrais Method®, created by Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-1984), a physicist and Judo expert, is a system of gentle, enjoyable ‘exercises’ and stretches to address this – they are designed to help people increase their flexibility, ease and range of movement, and to reduce habitual patterns of muscular tension.
The classes are relaxing and refreshing in themselves – a rediscovery of flexibility and the pleasure of moving more freely. For those who wish, the specific ‘exercises’ and fresh awareness can be taken into everyday life – to minimise the unconscious accumulation of physical tensions and to have ways to relax and release when stressed.
Although there are common threads running through the classes, each session is self-contained. This works well if you are unable to attend every week. New people are always welcome to come to a single class for a ‘taste’ (for free).
Please wear loose comfortable clothing (e.g. a track suit).
Feldenkrais Flexibility – ‘Relaxercise’
Everyday life pushes us towards restricted patterns of movement, which lead to habitual tensions. This has been compounded in the modern sedentary world of computers, mobile phones, etc.
Doing activities which require and promote flexibility is a way of countering this. Darien teaches weekly sessions for regaining flexibility based on the Feldenkrais Method® in which he trained in the 1980s. These consist of easy, non-strenuous ‘exercises’ done without strain to increase ease and range of movement. They can always be adapted to suit each individual’s comfort and ability. The idea is to work/’play’ in a way that’s comfortable for you.
Much of each session is done lying (on your side or back) or moving on a yoga/camping mat or folded blanket on the floor, but some are done sitting and standing. You won’t be trying to copy anyone else, but focusing on your own movements. I ask people to wear loose, comfortable clothing that won’t restrict your movements.
What is the Feldenkrais Method,?
The founder, Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-84) had a practical interest in self defence from his youth, and in the thirties practiced and then taught judo in Paris, while studying engineering at the Sorbonne. A potentially crippling knee injury inspired him to apply to his own body many of the action principles that he’d discovered through judo teaching, developing and extending these ideas, which he later applied to other people’s physical problems. In his 40s, he expanded his ‘hobby’ into a new career. As Feldenkrais developed his methods of loosening the body, changing habits of tension and poor bodyuse, extending and refining physical skills, and learning new bodyuse after an injury or trauma, many ‘themes’ emerged in his work – the basis of the group lessons that I teach.
Feldenkrais work
It has forms – group classes (which is what I teach) and individual treatments. As Feldenkrais worked with individuals, many common elements became clear to him. He found that many people shared the same types of habits, tensions and restrictions in movement, and put together procedures that addressed these – which from the basis for the group lessons that I teach.
There’s two parts to this – initially expanding flexibility and relaxation and softening tight areas of the body; and then taking this into movements which combine ease with effectiveness.
I don’t demonstrate very much, but mostly talk you through movements while you focus on your own body. However, I need to be able to see you (on camera) so that I can coach you. I keep the class small (maximum of 11 people) so that I can provide individual coaching, when needed, for each participant.
The flavour of the class – looking after yourself: In this class, I’m NOT interested in taking exercise to extremes. I want you to work in ways that are comfortable for you. Therefore, I encourage you to give me feedback, if necessary, as there are easy ways for me to adapt everything that we do to make it more suitable for you.
I rely on you to LOOK AFTER YOURSELF in the class – NOT to push yourself too much, particularly at the beginning, especially if you’ve not been moving much recently. It’s much better to do a little and get moving, and slowly feel your way into your present capacities and develop them.
There are ‘rest’ times built into each session – resting from doing and from focusing, which gives your brain time to catch up with what you’ve been doing.
If you’ve not done Feldenkrais work before: please contact me before the class on 07788 966050 to talk about this method of flexibility, and to let me know about any health issues, injuries or physical restrictions.
If you have any injuries, persistent pain, please contact me about attending the class – this class may not be suitable. (The Keep Moving class, which is mostly done sitting, and a little standing, might suit you better.)