As I ever explore how to feel more alive, I dance and play. Nia is my practice that brings great joy to my being. Nia is made up of three groupings of movement. And within each movement grouping are three parts. In the Dance portion are aspects of Modern Dance, Jazz Dance and Duncan Dance. In the martial arts portion there are T'ai chi, Tae kwon do and Aikido. In the healing arts portion there is Moshe Feldenkrais, the Alexander Technique and Yoga.
I found this article about Feldenkrais to be something to ponder. Hope this brings you some insight in your own movement.
Move better, feel better, be better in 2018 with the Feldenkrais Method
- November 30, 2017|
- By Carole Bucher, BA | Reno Feldenkrais Integrative Movement
Increasing body awareness can help update your "brain map"--so you're move alert and connected. If you've heard lately that increasing your body-awareness increases brain power, this article will tell you more about it.
Basically, awareness strengthens your neural pathways, and your
nervous system updates your “brain map” — so you’re more alert and
connected to yourself, brain and body.
Body-awareness means being in your body more intentionally: sensing
where you are in space, how you move and feel, and being more present
and mindful. This gives you amazing, wide-reaching results.
Studies actually show that you unlock creativity, increase
self-confidence, and boost productivity and well being; you feel more
relaxed and effective, and can communicate and relate better. All this
starts to happen naturally when you pay more attention to your body,
movement habits and patterns.
Here’s how to start the process, but remember — reading won’t
change a thing. You actually have to DO it to become more aware and
get the benefits. So here you go!
First, notice what you already know about yourself and your
movement. If you’re not sure, make your best guess, then check it out:
- Which foot do you start on when you walk?
- Do you always use the same hand to open a door, scroll through your phone or use your mouse?
- Do you feel your back or bottom when you sit down or drive?
- Which leg/foot do you stand on more?
- When you walk, do you look at the horizon, or toward the ground or sky?
Intentionally noticing what you do with yourself is simple, fun
and, hopefully, non-judgmental. Best of all, it activates
body-awareness, and you can start right here, right now: you’ve already
got everything you need — you don’t even have to buy special clothes!
The very cool part is as soon as you start noticing yourself like
this, you turn your awareness switch ON! You’re paying attention to
yourself in a new and different way; you’ve taken the first steps on an
exciting and transformative path, no matter what your age or condition.
Throughout 2018, we’ll focus on something special every month to wake
up the brain, improve movement, feel better in our bodies and help us
to be more vital, creative and aware human BE-ings in everything we do.
Have a great holiday! See you in the New Year!
Carole Bucher, BA, is a Guild-Certified Feldenkrais
practitioner/teacher and owner of Reno Feldenkrais Integrative Movement.
Visit renofeldenkrais.blogspot.com to learn more.
This article can be seen directly on-line Healthy Beginnings at
Move Better, Feel Better, Be Better in 2018 with the Feldenkrais Method.
If you're curious about how more movement in your life may bring you more joy and energy, come to one of my
Nia classes. Or type in your own location and find a Nia class near you.
Here's to more joy in 2018.
