Full Circle - 4 - Looping Eyes, Knees and Head Together
Calligraphy by ThIch Nhat Hahn
Full Circle - 4 - Looping Eyes, Knees and Head Together
Align for grace
Based on “Integrating the Eyes, Jaw, Head and Knees” lesson as taught by Al Wadleigh GCFT®
Learning through the nervous system is core to the Feldenkrais Method®. One technique we use to facilitate that learning is disruption of habits and engrained nervous system patterns. And introduce alternative patterns. This lesson takes familiar - and natural - patterns of eyes leading full body movement and messes with them.
Tipping bent knee towards and away from the center line feels natural when the eyes and head are in sync. Even moving the jaw in sync feels natural. In this lesson, after establishing these coherent movements, Dr. Feldenkrais scrambles them up by asking our eyes and knees to move opposition to each other. Same with the jaw and head. It can be confusing and difficult to disconnect the habitual - and harmonious - patterns, but the challenge to the nervous system often highlights and even releases patterns that limit full movement.
Several of my Feldenkrais training colleagues use this lesson to diminish oncoming migraine headaches. For me, it’s a continuing reminder of how I grip and twist my right ribs, with moments of actual release that, one day I hope, will become the new, more fluid pattern. Thus, this series’ focus on the diaphragm and back ribs also comes into play.
This is a supine lesson that can also be done on the chair.
Science Nerd Candy Bowl: nothing new this week, but keep the diaphragm in mind as we breathe deeply in coordination with the legs, head and pelvic floor.
Set Up for a Supine lesson:
Lie on floor with support under head or legs as needed to keep the neck and low back long and relaxed
Sit on a firm, stable chair with knees and hips level
How you might feel after this lesson: Longer; Soft lips, eyes, jaw; Open; Breathing deeply; Aware of your back ribs and spine; Disconnected and reconnected; Calm;
“We have to continue to learn. We have to be open. And we have to be ready to release our knowledge in order to come to a higher understanding of reality.”
If you have a Wednesday 9:30 am or 6:30 pm class registration, keep using it. If you were registered for the 12:00 pm Wednesday session, you’ll need to register. Registered, paid students receive the lesson recording link on Thursday. $40/month; $15/single lesson. PayPal or Venmo to jackisue@aol.com. Or check to Jacki Katzman, PO Box 116, Bethlehem, NH 03574
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