What is the Feldenkrais Method?
Moshe Feldenkrais, the developer of the method, said that trying to describe what his method is, is like trying to describe what a mango tastes like to someone that’s never eaten a mango before. The only way to know what a mango tastes like is by eating it. The same is true of the Feldenkrais Method. The only way to know what it is, is by experiencing it. So come check it out:)With that being said… in a few words… The Feldenkrais Method is somatic movement education. We are learning how to move all over again. The process we went through as infants/children to learn how to move is the same process we go through as adults to improve our movement. This learning process is hard-wired into our system. The Feldenkrais Method utilizes the brain and body’s innate ability of learning how to move and heal to create new neural pathways through sensory awareness in movement.Everyone has developed movement patterns and habits that influence their ability to move with ease. The Feldenkrais Method 1) creates a context for people to become aware of their movement patterns and habits through slow, mindful movement, and 2) enables people to discover easier ways of moving that reduce strain and effort. It is every person’s birthright to feel comfortable within themselves and to develop into their fullest potential. Our movement is meant to feel good and easy.
Because of this, Feldenkrais reaches nearly everyone of all ages and abilities- athletes, musicians, dancers, actors, infants, pregnant women, elderly, people with chronic pain, injury, a disability or degenerative condition and more. All of life is movement. That is what the Feldenkrais Method is improving- your ability to move.
In Feldenkrais, there are two kinds of lessons that facilitate one’s learning and healing. One is through verbally guided lessons called Awareness Through Movement (ATM) and the second is through private sessions with a practitioner called Functional Integration (FI). More on this below.
What are Awareness Through Movement & Functional Integrational lessons?
An Awareness Through Movement lesson (ATM) is when the practitioner verbally guides the class through a series of gentle movements. The series of movements are designed to improve a pattern of movement (ex. bending down, reaching up, twisting, finding better balance) by creating skeletal stability and bodily awareness.
Most ATMs are done lying on the back, but there are many lessons lying on your side, on your belly, sitting in a chair, standing, or some combination of these positions. You can attend a group class in person. There are also some free audio recordings online (The Feldenkrais Project has several free lessons or by donation).A Functional Integration lesson (FI) is a private lesson between the practitioner and student that provides the same context of learning and self-awareness of an ATM except the practitioner is the one moving the student instead of the student initiating their own movement.
Private lessons are tailored to meet the person's specific needs and can be done in any position the student feels comfortable- lying on the back, side, belly, sitting or in other positions. Private lessons are done fully clothed, on a table (a little firmer than a massage table), and last 55-60 minutes.I encourage everyone, if possible, to experience both kinds of lessons because each one offers a unique context of learning that expedites one’s development and healing. ATMs and FIs compliment each other.
Where are you teaching ATMs?
◈ ATM at The Birthing Tree
Saturday, February 7th at 12-1pm
-4001 Office Court Dr. Suite #703, Santa Fe
-ALL ages/abilities/genders welcome
-Bring your own yoga mat. This lesson is done in side-lying and you'll need something to support your head (ex. towel)
-Suggested donation of $5-15◈ Feldenkrais Workshop for Dancers
Sunday, February 15th at 1-2:30pm
YogaShift Studio
933 Baca St. Santa Fe, NM
$35◈Feldenkrais Presentation and Mini ATM at Travel Bug
Friday, February 20th at 5:30-6:30pm
-839 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe
-I'll give a short presentation of the method and explain how it enables people to develop into their fullest potential. Then, I'll guide everyone through a mini ATM.◈Free Workshop
Saturday, March 7th at 3-4:30pm
-The Buddhist Center: 130 Rabbit Rd,
Santa Fe
-Bring your own mat
-Donations appreciated◈4 week ATM Series
Saturdays, March 14th- April 4th from 3:30-4:30pm
-130 Rabbit Rd, Santa Fe
-Bring your own mat
-$20/class
How can I book a Functional Integration lesson with you?
To book a private session and to know my fees, please email me at [email protected]
About Me
MY APPROACH:
I am a certified Feldenkrais Practitioner dedicated to helping people discover their innate capacity for movement and healing.
You are your own best healer, but healing happens in relationship. My role is to create an environment where you can deeply listen to yourself. Your system has an innate intelligence and makes changes as it sees fit. I am here to give the support you need for your system to make those changes.
The body is always seeking to heal itself. All the aches, pains, and dis-ease we feel is simply the body’s way of saying it needs something- on a physical, emotional, mental, energetic and spiritual level.
In our time together, I am always listening. We can work together in bringing you into greater health, resilience, capacity, and thriving.ABOUT ME:
I love learning. Since I was a teenager, I’ve continually sought to understand human development and healing. I studied mental and emotional health counseling, nutrition, and now Feldenkrais.
I also love movement. I am a dancer and runner. But I’ve also had persistent pain since I was a teenager. I have joint hypermobility and other related conditions. Feldenkrais has been life changing for me because it is primarily what’s improved my pain and prevented my symptoms from worsening. It has revolutionized my way of thinking, feeling, and being. Above all, it has given me the tools to continually heal myself and placed the authority of what is best for me in my own hands.
Please contact me at [email protected] for any questions or to book a session.
I look forward to learning with you:)