Here's a quote from one of the participants in my Monday evening Feldenkrais Method, Awareness Through Movement class:
"Dear John,
I and especially my neck and upper back appreciated the work from yesterday very much. My head is able to move more easily, without pain and with a bigger radius. It would be great to continue with this kind of work. It is as if also my creativity and energy has got a push, not stuck any more. Thanks.
Have a nice day and warm regards"
C. K.
Of course I am pleased to hear that her neck is feeling better but what really interests me is the part about feeling more creative. This is one of the most interesting aspects of the Feldenkrais Method and if you've read my article, "Moving into Deep Practice," you will better understand what I'm talking about.
To briefly explain how this connection works, it's important to understand that all of our thoughts, feelings and emotions are expressed through movement* in some manner. Often, you can tell when someone looks happy or sad. How do you know this? If a person is smiling, that's movement and often there is a reflection of their emotional state in the way they stand and/or walk. If your feeling state effects how you move, then changing your movement can change your feeling/thinking state. That’s the beauty of the Feldenkrais Method.
In C. K.'s case, I wonder if the creativity block was expressed physically in her neck or if she felt blocked because of her neck being stiff? Well, I'll let you ponder that question and feel free to post comments.
*Movement can also mean muscle activity like holding parts of your body stiff. Of course that’s not “movement” per se, but rather muscle activity.
Thanks for reading (and listening)!
Be sure to check out the DMS podcasts, Feldenkrais mini lessons for musicians and speakers.
From iTunes
You can purchase the “Dynamic Musician Series: Dynamic Stability and Breath, Vols. 1 & 2” here.
Achieving Excellence.com
Chili notes (in Germany and Europe) Volume 1 Volume 2
If you have any specific questions or comments on breathing and posture, send me e-mail and I’ll try to respond in a future blog. Until then, breathe well!
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