Awareness Through Movement #416

Protruding the abdomen - CLOCKWORK

We will be exploring clocks this evening, in different configurations… which could answer questions about why Feldenkrais is so effective.

As has been said and heard many times, Feldenkrais is not about doing the biggest movement possible (unless stated), what we’re doing is improving the quality through smaller more detailed movement. And you might be noticing the pattern or sequence of these lessons.

First we ‘test’ a movement to get the ‘before’ comparison to check in to along the way, then we get into more specifics to feel the difference when our awareness is placed on different areas whilst doing the same movement. This way of learning has us more easily compare sides so that we can truly mirror the sequence and intercept habits that have been hidden from our conscience. Once our bodies learn these new/different sequences they can then return to them in the instance that pain arrives from the ‘old’ habit… choice is made available for the skeletal system to switch to.

Over time, the ‘old’ habits becomes so uncomfortable that the new, learned way is opted to move more efficiently.

What we do in each lesson is a micro-cosm to habitualise this way of learning.

In this particular lesson, the ‘arcs’ we draw in our circles are key… Moshe gives us a clue in to his way of thinking about a third of the way through when he says:

“Pay attention to how the elbows work in a harmonious way,
one bends and then the other at a speed
that in mathematics is called harmony,
a harmonious movement…
when you draw the curve,
aim to have it be exact.”

Many answers arrive once we learn how to keeping our curves rounded and smooth…. and that means drawing smaller circles until the pattern is established. Once those curves are drawn - THEN expand out, get bigger from a similar pattern!!

Grok summarised the benefits of this lesson with these words:

“Skeletal System:
The pelvis becomes more mobile and balanced,
reducing strain on the lumbar spine and hips.
The spine gains flexibility and alignment,
with the rib cage and shoulder girdle opening up,
improving posture and breathing.
Joints in our hips, knees and shoulders
experience an increased range and ease of movement.

Nervous System:
Proprioception and kinesthetic awareness sharpen,
refining the brain’s body map.
Neuroplasticity is engaged as habitual tension dissolves,
replaced by efficient,

integrated movement patterns.

The autonomic nervous system balances,
reducing stress and enhancing relaxation.”