Judy will be offering all participants $25 off a private session.

The Feldenkrais Method® can be of benefit to all ages and physical abilities; those experiencing chronic or acute pain of the back, neck, shoulders, hips, legs, or knees, as well as healthy individuals who wish to enhance their movement abilities.  The Method has been very helpful in dealing with central nervous system conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and stroke.  Musicians, actors, and artists can extend their abilities and enhance their creativity.  Seniors enjoy using it to retain or regain their ability to move without strain or discomfort.Over the years we accumulate countless habits many of which are necessary for daily functioning and survival.  However if we never find a way to “mix it up a little”, some of these habits become significantly limiting, even debilitating.  On a neuro-muscular level, in other words in our muscles, brains and bones, we need to discover and experience new patterns and alternatives.  As human beings we thrive on this learning, it’s invigorating and revitalizing.  Many lessons are based on developmental movements and ordinary functional activities taken out of context like reaching, standing, moving from lying to sitting and looking behind yourself.  Some are based on more abstract explorations of joint, muscle, and postural relationships.  Because these movements are explored out of context the brain does not recognize them in the same way, thus avoiding the well worn tracks of our habitual neuromuscular patterns and rigidities, creating an opportunity for learning and improvement.Often people will have pain in one area, for example in the neck, thinking there is something wrong with that area.  After doing a lesson that awakens the movement possibilities in their rib cage and middle back, areas where many have “forgotten” to move, they may find that their “neck problem” has miraculously disappeared.  The body is like a mechanical system, overuse of one part leads to breakdown in another, when all our parts are movable and able to contribute, the whole functions much better.   We are designed for the brunt of the heavy work we do to be carried by the larger and stronger muscles of the body that are closer to the core, the neck and limbs are then available for finer motor controls.  We also need a movable skeleton to support and make room for this organization.  In our “neck problem” example the muscles of the neck no longer bear the burden of the work of turning, a maliable rib cage and middle back is now allowing the larger muscles of the back to do their part!

Group classes, called Awareness Through Movement lessons® (ATMs), are non-achievement oriented, emphasizing awareness, effortlessness and pleasure as you explore interesting sequences of movement.  This approach allows the student to learn to sense themselves in a safe and quiet environment where connections and clarifications can be made, gaining insight into their learning and movement habits and opening new doors.  Strategies for change then become more available as our actions, and often our thoughts and feelings as well, become freer, lighter  and more efficient.

Private Feldenkrais® lessons, called Functional Integration lessons® (FIs), are tailored to each student’s individual learning needs.  The teacher guides your movements through gentle non-invasive touching and words.  The student is fully clothed, lying on a table, or in a sitting or standing position.  At times, various props (pillows, rollers, blankets) are used in an effort to support the student, or to facilitate certain movements.