Awareness Through Movement #476

Long heels and arms - (the art of) LENGTHENING

Lengthening vs. Stretching: Understanding the Difference (a’la Grok)

“Stretching typically involves pulling or elongating a muscle or group of muscles
to increase flexibility, often with a focus on reaching an end range of motion.
It can sometimes involve force, discomfort, or a goal-oriented approach
which may lead to strain if done improperly.
Stretching often isolates specific muscles
and may not engage the whole body or nervous system in a coordinated way.

Lengthening, as emphasized in the Feldenkrais Method,
is a process of creating space and ease in the body by improving coordination,
alignment, and movement patterns.
It involves the whole body, including the skeleton,
muscles, and nervous system, working together
to allow muscles to release tension and extend naturally without force.
Lengthening focuses on awareness, gentle exploration,
and integrating movements to achieve a sense of elongation
that feels effortless and sustainable.

This lesson teaches us that lengthening is about
discovering ease and efficiency in movement
rather than pushing or pulling muscles to their limits.
They can only lengthen so far.” ←- (I added that last sentence - Dale)

John Starkey has a beautiful video showing how muscles spiral in and out
rather than getting pulled like how we are told elastic ‘stretches’.
It’s a very different way of thinking, imagining and BEing in our bodies.

I couldn’t find the video I was wanting to show here,
instead I found this article that may be of interest.
Somebody I’ve never heard of - Madeline Black - explains tensegrity
in a way that might provide a clearer comprehension of what it means.

For me, tensegrity gives a clearer picture of the way our bodies lengthen.

Enjoy learning more about, with and for your Self with tonight’s lesson :)