One fact that we can all agree upon is that our physicality was our first experience on the planet. We were not born with a developed belief system or the ability to theorize based upon short-term and long-term memory association.
As a movement specialist using the learning style of the Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education I have found the largest obstacles I am challenged with are people’s tendencies to react, process and respond using only their short-term and long-term memory associations, and learned thought (thinking) process. Many go into long stories of self-diagnosis, comparisons, identifying and naming associations to what they have already learned and memorized. This limits the current experience and eliminates the potential for any increased insight.
My job as a practitioner is to distract this habitual behaviour of theory based observations by creating opportunities for cultivating awareness of exact inner observation experiences in the moment. This translates to what is being sensed (felt, smelt, tasted, heard and seen) in the exact moment of experiencing it.
This is the uniqueness of the inherent learning we were born with. I often share with students that if we couldn’t sense our shifting weight in our physicality as a baby we would never have gotten up off the floor, never rolled over, sat, walked or run. Arrested development!
The learning style we came into this world with is an intelligent way of exploring and increasing our capacity that does not have a limited focus. It includes a balance of physical, cultural, perceptive, emotions, mental and soul/spiritual functions.
In my last post I wrote about an actual observation using vocabulary versus a theory observation. What we say in outer and inner conversation has a direct link to our movement ability. What we say in outer and inner conversation creates false feelings that are not happening in the current moment. Rather they are created by memories and perpetuated by the retelling. This influences our emotions that has a direct link to our movement abilities.
Creating an empathetic experience through connection to thinking, words we tell ourselves, feelings and movement
The challenge can be creating an environment where the student can become curious and explore movement in a way that creates effective change in their movement behaviour versus their learned desires for finding solutions and ways to be fixed.
- Can your mind go to your posture and movement and not have your first thought be on yoga, the gym, or how much exercise you get?
- Can you focus your minds attention to your movement and not think about conditions or limitations?
- Can you focus your minds attention to your available movement and not compare yourself to who you were in the past, others or go to where you long to be?
One of the greatest gifts is listening to what is exactly in the current moment using one’s senses. Your senses aren’t constrained by rules, dogma, perspectives, beliefs and self-image. This style of listening moves past stuck ways of thinking into a fresh blank page of nothingness with an openness to exploring in an attitude of curiosity. Like that of when you were a babe beginning your movement journey. Guided into your own moves versus the demands of being told how, what, where.
In my practice I combine the understanding of an empathetic environment and lifestyle, empathetic speaking and listening with a movement style that is empathic. I also include this same understanding of each in my communication and life-style coaching and environment consultants.
Over the years the benefits of weaving these together through my different session offerings has become obvious in witnessing the lasting shifts that have taken place.
About Renee Lindstrom, GCFP
One important aspect of her practice is improving physical function. She has experienced how unresloved needs can restrict movement causing one to have less flexibility. The ability to refine and translate dialogue can help settle emotional fears, pain and anger, or improve one’s needs to be seen, heard and valued in relationships.
Awareness Through Living Mentoring Programs Available:
1st Level – Getting Started (Introduction & Pattern)
2nd Level – Getting Intouch (Experiencing & Connection)
3rd Level – Integration (Embodiment)
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As my practice matures, there seems to be more ease for clients & students to open to their sexual shame and deep-rooted beliefs that have been implanted by themselves and others that no longer serve them.
Center for Inside Awareness 