Pain Is Complicated

Dear Reader,

Pain. Big pains, little pains, chronic pain, “no pain, no gain”, “no pain, no pain.”

It’s an undeniable part of our human experience, but isn’t there something we can do about it? I have more questions about this than answers, but here are some things I’ve been considering.

Pain isn’t always simple.

Pain is a signal from our nervous system. Something isn’t right.

Everyone has their own unique way of responding to pain.

When we ignore pain, the source of the pain may or may not go away.

Sometimes pain jumps around. Maybe it starts in the toe, and then the knee hurts or the hip.

There’s something about the Feldenkrais Method that helps us deal with pain. Maybe it’s the gentle touch; maybe it’s new awareness; maybe it’s calming to the nervous system; maybe it’s distraction; maybe it’s moving a little bit more here and there; maybe it’s magic.

The “magic” of Feldenkrais isn’t guaranteed, but it surely makes a difference. Sometimes quickly, sometimes over a period of time.

And then there’s aging. If we’re lucky enough, we do age. As I observe “older” people experiencing pain, I’m more and more convinced of the importance of movement. Moving all the parts of ourselves. Moving in little ways and big ways, easily and gently, quickly and powerfully. Our bodies are made for movement, and if we stop moving, it just doesn’t work as well, and things start to hurt.

So, I hope you’ll move more than you have been. Sit a little less, and when you do sit, notice if you’re sitting on your sit bones, rather than your tailbone. Try bringing your fingers in the direction of the toes. Look up and down, and over your shoulder. Reach toward the sky. Stuff like that.

And if you’d like some support and guidance along the way, let me know. You can reply to this email, or Book an Appointment, or attend our Tuesday online Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement class.

I also have some special events coming up very soon:

Happily, I’m teaching a felt workshop and two Feldenkrais workshops through the Jung Center of Houston. They’re at the end of this month and early next month, so it’s not too soon to sign up.

By popular demand, Create a Nuno-Felt Scarf is back. A fun, hands-on experience of creating a scarf from fabric and wool fibers. I know I keep saying this, but it really is magical.

A rare opportunity these days, an in-person Feldenkrais workshop, Open Your Mouth: an Exploration of the Mouth, Tongue, Lips and Jaw will be Monday evening, February 6.

And for those who can’t make it in person, or would like to also participate online, the same class, Open Your Mouth: an Exploration of the Mouth, Tongue, Lips and Jaw (online) will be Tuesday evening, February 7.