Sensing Through Movement &
The Feldenkrais Method
“What I'm after isn't flexible bodies, but flexible brains" - Moshe Feldenkrais.
From my perspective there is purpose to movement. We move to act in the world, to take action or respond meaningfully. An important aspect is ensuring we match our intention with an action that is both sustainable and effective.
Our human body is designed for movement, but in our culture of sitting and sedentary behaviour, it is easy to acquire patterns of muscular holding that limit free, easy action. Whether you have had injury, illness or just wear and tear of life, your body has probably learnt to do less than what is possible
Indeed many people tolerate aches, pains, stiffness and decreasing performance because they have the believe that it is a part of aging. What is more accurate however, is that everyone can improve. Indeed the science of neuroplastic change indicates that your brain and nervous system can continually learn and relearn.
The Feldenkrais Method is a movement based therapy that works with the nervous system and facilitates neuroplastic change. Not only can it improve body movement, it can change our psychological state by enhancing the connection between the brain and body. The method uses gentle movements and directed attention to increase awareness, develop efficiency in movement and improve overall functioning.
There are two main techniques:
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Awareness Through Movement (ATM): Group classes where participants follow verbal instructions to explore movement patterns
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Functional Integration (FI): Individual sessions using touch and verbal guidance to address specific needs
"Move through life more fully, efficiently & comfortably ."
The Method however, is more than movement. It is a process of developing self-awareness, cultivating mindfulness through movement practice. Central to this is discovering and disrupting habitual patterns that may not be serving you, finding more efficient and effective ways of functioning. A central tenet of this process is the integration of mind and body, and as such, improvements in function go beyond the physical, including the mental and emotional. The process involves attending to self, with the focus on how we do what we do. In a nutshell, we are learning how we learn. By cultivating awareness we learn to create a space between intention and action, interrupting habitual patterns, creating more choice in how we respond and move through life.
Discover how by smoothly coordinating all the parts of your body you can feel and be more balanced. Explore how to let go of habitual overuse or protective patterns and learn how to move in a more grounded and integrated manner. With greater balance and awareness, you will be better able to meet the demands of your daily life.
Use small, gentle movements with guided awareness to discover how to incorporate more of yourself into your movement. Discover comfort, ease, elegance and efficiency of movement. Learn to move through life more fully, efficiently, and comfortably.
Jason Nikakis is currently completing a three and a half year Feldenkrais Practitioner Training Program. Improve ease of movement and optimal wellbeing with a tailored sensing through movement session.
