Awareness Through Movement #421

Toes and stepping - THE KINETIC CONNECTION

In this 41-minute exploration, we’ll be exploring the intricate mechanics of the feet, starting with the big toe flexing and extending while lying on the back. We’ll trace how these small actions ripple through the foot’s joints, right through to the skull so that we can compare our sensory perception with anatomical reality.

this weird image gives me comfort in knowing these intelligence systems really are… ARTIFICIAL.

In true Feldenkrais fashion, we experiment with a couple of positions, from kneeling to ‘all sixes’… two hands, two knees and two feet = six… connected WITH the ground - to ground us! Then we changing position to assist us analyse how toe movements influence the ankle, pelvis, and spine, which then activates the kinetic chain of smaller bones driving the larger bones. By adjusting breath and tempo, we get to observe how the diaphragm and intercostal muscles interact with the musculoskeletal system, and optimise efficiency.

This lesson breaks down habitual patterns—exploring ways to tilt the pelvis, find it’s connection to the shoulders, and knee trajectories—so that we can investigate our maps and feel, sense, tap in to the ways our bodies organise themselves for doing what we very commonly do in the upright position in stepping, standing, and walking.

Exploring these movements horizontally gives us more ground coverage. By feeling a direct connection with a hard surface it more easily enables ways to explore options in a relaxed state, which is less taxing on our systems for learning.

Grok says some of the benefits you might feel are:

• Developing a detailed understanding of how toe articulation affects the entire skeletal, muscular and nervous systems… which can then satisfy our curiosity about the biomechanics of movement.

• An improved proprioception and control over fine motor skills, to enhance physical precision and coordination.

• Clarity on how the breath regulates effort, assisting us find a way to refine movement efficiency and reduce strain… sharpening our tools for awareness.

Enjoy developing your awareness as you learn more about your Self,
through movement.

I forgot to mention, the duration of this lesson originally was 41 minutes.