Saturday, December 02, 2006

101 Things in 1001 Days ~ #89 Take a Feldenkrais Class

A Feldenkrais class is on my list because it is one of the nine disciplines that Nia draws on, so I really wanted to have some first-hand experience with it. Today I was quite lucky that one of my Nia buddies, Samantha, was having a substitute for her class and booked in Maria, a Feldenkrais instructor. I had to shift a few things but since it was close, affordable, at a really good time and on my list, I just had to. And I'm glad I did.

Feldenkrais uses slow and gentle movements to bring greater awareness. We spent an entire hour on a combination of 4 moves and the time just melted away. When I mentioned that to the instructor she said, "I think so many of us are aching for an opportunity to just slow down." Ahhhh..... yes.....

And the practice was beautifully about paying attention - not judging, not pushing. And I felt relaxed and peaceful at the end, with a noticeable difference to how I was inside my body. What a pleasure.

I'm a little embarrassed by this pic I took of me at the end of class. I look a little ragtag and a little zoned out, but at least you can see that I was relaxed.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Jamie,

Yes, slowing down! Less is more. Thanks for taking us to class with you. I'm inspired. Feldenkreis is very smart. I only took one class many years ago, but I retained some of the principles.

Jessie said...

Dang Jamie...lately I feel like I learn something every time I you post. Your teacher said: "I think so many of us are aching for an opportunity to just slow down."...and oh, I agree too. Your experience sounds wonderful. And the photo of you is proof! It is beautiful, btw.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely fascinating, this sounds like something I might actually be able to do and I've never heard of it before. I like that picture of you! Here's to bravery!

liz elayne lamoreux said...

i have had the experience of a feldenkrais class as well - it was incredible. you have described it well. it invited a total new understanding of body awareness...

i love visiting you jamie...i always come away with a slightly different understanding and a reminder that i am not alone in my own search for things.