Finding Our Strength

Dear Reader,

A while back, a client mentioned that her left leg felt week, and she wanted to work on making it stronger. So, how to do that? During our Feldenkrais Functional Integration lesson, we did a number of movements—some verbally guided and some guided by my hands. At the end of the session, I asked how she felt. She casually mentioned that her leg felt strong. Um, would you mind saying that again? Sure. Her leg felt strong. But we didn’t do exercises. We didn’t work the muscles of her leg. We did some small, simple movements, many of which didn’t even involve her leg.

I like to tell my clients that Feldenkrais was sneaky, or at least surprising. If you complained about a pain in your shoulder, he might work with your feet or hips. If your knees were cranky, he might work with your ribs. How does that even work?

Human movement comprises a rich and complex system, including the nerves, muscles and skeleton. Many elements; one complex system. When we organize these and other elements, just right, movement gets easier, stronger, and more efficient. It’s not magic, but it can surely feel magical.

Some of the same ideas apply in coaching as well. When we face challenges, it’s easy to spot weaknesses. However, if we look at ourselves as a rich and complex system, we can start to identify the inner resources that allow us to stand in our own power. One of the most rewarding aspects of coaching is finding strengths that are so easy to take for granted. When we shine a light on those strengths, our perspectives change, and new possibilities emerge. As if by magic, we can begin to feel stronger, more resourceful, and more energetic. Again, it’s not magic, but it can surely feel magical.

If you’d like to join me in exploring your hidden strengths, check out my Free Initial Consultation for Feldenkrais or Coaching or Bones For Life.

My Free/Pay as You Wish Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lesson> is online on Tuesdays.

You can also reply to this email or text me at 713-213-7643.

Happy Passover, Happy Earth Day—aren’t we lucky to have such a beautiful planet?—and, of course, have all the fun you can!