Slower Than Slow

Dear Reader,

Years ago, I described Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement (ATM) lessons as a bit like a yoga class. After attending one class, my older daughter made it quite clear to me that it was not at all like her experience of a yoga class. It was slower than slow. You move your foot a little this way and that. Then you rest.

Why? Really. Why slow down, when the world is moving so fast, and there are so many things that we could/should/need to do?

Maybe because it’s a relief. A welcome change of pace. To catch our breath. To rest for a moment.

It’s also because we see and feel differently when we go slowly. If you move slowly enough, you might just notice when the level of effort changes. Maybe you can feel when the rhythm of your breath changes. Somewhere along the way, there might be a bit of “snap, crackle and pop”—or tiny scrunchy sounds.

Surprisingly, after a while, the movement gets bigger, and easier. And if you move faster—without hurrying—it’s still easy, and smooth.

It starts to feel like magic. How in the world did that get so much better? And now, movement can be not only faster, but also more powerful with the same amount of effort. Magic.

And the best part is that somehow this generalizes to what happens in our lives. Stuff gets more manageable. We’re stronger and more resilient. Life still has its challenges, but how we respond is more graceful. Magic.

Here’s what’s coming up:

Our weekly online Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lesson is midday on Tuesdays and it’s Free/Pay As You Wish. Most of the lessons are lying on your back, doing easy, gentle movements that create better mobility and ease.

More in-person events at the Jung Center of Houston. Felting on Friday, September 12 and Feldenkrais on Friday, October 3. Mark your calendars and watch for details.

If you’d like to work with me privately, you can Book an Appointment or reply to this email and let me know what you’re most curious about.

Have all the fun you can!