Dynamic Sitting - This Thursday
Walking Better - Earlybird Rate Ends Today! 
In This Issue
This Thursday!
Dynamic Sitting
Earlybird Deadline Today for Walking Better, Step by Step
2 Days of Advanced ATM
April Product of the Month
Join Our Mailing List 

 

 

Greetings! 

"dy-nam-ics n. a branch of mechanics that deals with forces and their relation primarily to the motion but sometimes also to the equilibrium of bodies."
That's from an old Webster's dictionary and I found it illuminating, particularly the juxtaposition of "motion" and "equilibrium." A couple of weeks ago I was seeing a client for the first time. I was sitting on a stool and we'd been talking for a few minutes when she said, "I notice you frequently move while you sit." I'd known that was true, particularly when I sit on something without back support, but I hadn't realized I did it often enough to warrant notice. After that, I started paying closer attention and I realize when I'm sitting I move, not quite constantly, but a lot. Further reflection led me to understand that what I'm looking for in my moving exploration (because that's what I'm doing, exploring) is a finer sense of both comfort and equilibrium. Don't get me wrong, I'm not usually uncomfortable sitting (although there was a time when I was), I'm looking to improve what's already working and, through those little adjustments, head off discomfort before it begins. I can now sit comfortably, with or without back support, usually for hours at a time, if need be and the whole process of fine tuning my sitting position has become mostly unconscious. But it didn't start out that way. It started from doing Awareness Through Movement exercises like the ones Zo�'s going to teach in this Thursday's workshop, Dynamic Sitting. I still benefit from doing this type of ATM and so will you. Regardless of age or experience, exploring your seated dynamics will pay you great dividends. We all sit and that makes this a workshop everyone will benefit from. I urge you to join Zo� on Thursday and see how much better you feel, not only while sitting but during all of your activities. You can register in advance with the link below or feel free to simply drop in on Thursday. 

The earlybird registration deadline is tomorrow for Anat's workshop next Tuesday, Walking Better, Step by Step. Considering it's something that most of us do without much thought, walking is an incredibly complex activity that involves every part of yourself. Anat knows a great deal about how to help you find your own most effective organization for walking. In addition to next week's workshop, she'll be teaching two more workshops on walking in August. All three installments will include completely different material. While you'll benefit from taking all three, each of the offerings will stand on its own. Start looking in detail at how you walk at next week's workshop. And save if you sign up today. Details are below.

Don't let the word "Advanced" scare you off. While David's Making the Impossible Possible... workshop is not for real beginners, he is such a detailed and mindful teacher, that if you feel you have some facility with Awareness Through Movement, you'll really enjoy these two days of doing ATMs. David always works with a theme or sometimes a couple of related themes and the weekend will leave you not only feeling better but with a sense that you've added to your self-image and accomplished something meaningful. Nothing will be repeated from David's previous Advanced ATM workshops. You won't want to miss this once-a-year opportunity. Details and a link to register are below.

   

Our product of the month for April is Moving Out of Pain with Mark Reese, recommended by our Administrative Director and Faculty ATM teacher, Belinda He.  It will be available for 15% off in April only.  See below for details and a link to purchase the CD-set online.  

 

Just a note that I'm going to be substitute teaching this week for our new weekly community class on Wednesday at 4 pm. I haven't decided what we'll be doing yet, but it'll be something informative and enjoyable. The class has a suggested fee of $10, but all students are invited to pay-what-you-can, and no one will be turned away. If cost has been keeping you from class, then come by this week or any Wednesday at 4:00 pm to gain all the benefits of the Feldenkrais Method.  

 

To sign up online for any of our daily ATM classes, click here. To purchase books and audio programs, click here.These links are also accessible via our website.

  

As always, thanks so much for reading.  We hope to see you soon.

 

All the best,

 

Mark Hirschfield  

Feldenkrais Institute of NY

This Thursday!
Dynamic Sitting

 

with Zoe Scheiber
Thursday, April 19th 

 

 

 

These days, we spend a lot of time sitting. We sit at the dining table, while traveling, while in school, while at work, and then when the day is done, many of us sit some more, to 'relax.' Sitting is not a simple activity, and when we sit the wrong way our spine is unable to support our body, forcing muscles to do the job. This results in muscular exhaustion, pain, stiffness, tension, and loss of flexibility. Learning to sit safely can make a huge difference in your everyday comfort.

 

This important three-hour Feldenkrais workshop features a series of remarkable Feldenkrais exercises to help you discover how to sit safely and comfortably, whether you are working at a computer, watching television or eating a meal. This workshop will give you the physical know-how to sit in a way that is dynamic, non-stressful, balanced, and empowering.

 

At this workshop you will:

  • Feel the difference between supported skeletal sitting and non-supported sitting.
  • Learn how supported sitting actually protects your spine, musculature and mobility.
  • Find your 'sit bones' and their relationship to the spine reducing neck, shoulder and lower back pain.
  • Learn quick easy ways to modify chairs so they can help your spine to support your body effectively.

Date: Thursday, April 19

Times: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Regular Tuition: $60.00
Member Tuition: $30.00  

 

To Register Online with a 5% Discount, click here.

 

Location: The Feldenkrais Institute
134 West 26th Street, 2nd Floor

EarlyBird Deadline Today!
Walking Better, Step by Step

 

with Anat Meiri 
Tuesday, April 24th

 

 

 

Whether you walk for pleasure, or simply in order to move yourself from point A to point B, your comfort while walking is very important. Are your feet, ankles and knees completely comfortable as you walk? Or, do you often experience pain or discomfort in your hips or back while walking? Improving your body's comfort and function while walking can make a very great difference in your daily life.

 

In this three-hour Feldenkrais workshop you will learn practical and effective strategies for improving your comfort while walking. Join us, to enjoy a series of special Awareness Through Movement� exercises, which will improve your balance, free your back and hip joints, reduce unnecessary effort, and revitalize your step. Participants will learn:

  • The role our ankles and feet play in a comfortable stride.
  • How counterbalance and distribution of effort make your walking easier and lighter.
  • How fundamental patterns of movement allow flexibility in starting, stopping and changing direction.
  • How to free your neck and shoulders as you walk.

This workshop is appropriate for every walker: from the person who has difficulty walking a short distance, to the avid outdoor hiker.

 

Date: Tuesday, April 24

Times: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Early Bird Tuition: $50.00 through Tue, April 17.
Regular Tuition: $60.00
Member Tuition: $30.00  

 

To Register Online with a 5% Discount, click here.

 

Location: The Feldenkrais Institute
134 West 26th Street, 2nd Floor


Making the Impossible Possible,the Difficult Easy and the Challenging Enjoyable
Two Days of Advanced Awareness Through Movment
with David Zemach-Bersin
Saturday and Sunday, April 28th and 29th
ATM_man 
 

Dr. Feldenkrais created over one thousand fascinating Awareness Through Movement lessons. Many of them are challenging and rarely taught. Yet these lessons provide a unique opportunity to truly encounter ourselves and awaken under utilized capacities and potentials. Come spend two full days doing innovative and creative ATM lessons, and discover the extraordinary satisfaction that can come from learning successful strategies to make the difficult easy and pleasurable.

 

These ATM lessons will reveal the powerful hidden abilities of your brain to learn and change.

 

Please Note: This workshop is not an appropriate workshop for those seeking an introduction to the Feldenkrais Method�.  If you have any questions regarding the workshop and your ability to participate, please feel free to call the Feldenkrais Institute at 212-727-1014.

 

Dates: Saturday and Sunday, April 28th and 29th

Times: Saturday: 10:30 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm

Regular Tuition: $195.00 

 

To Register Online with a 5% Discount, click here.

 

Location: The Feldenkrais Institute
134 West 26th Street, 2nd Floor



 


Product of the Month


 Belinda recommends April's Product of the Month:
Moving Out Of Pain by Mark Reese

 
"When recommending audio programs to clients, I often suggest Mark Reese's 'Moving Out Of Pain' because these 30-minute Awareness Through Movement exercises are both extremely simple, and extremely effective. Moreover, the box-set cover clearly states whether the exercise is done while lying on the back, side or stomach, which helps clients to avoid positions that may aggravate their pain or discomfort. Because Mark Reese delivers the simple movement directions very clearly, it is also an excellent introduction to the Feldenkrais Method.
 
Jaime, one of our receptionists, bought a set for her father as a Christmas gift. He suffers from back pain. She happily reports that he is enjoying the exercises, and is experiencing reduced pain as a result of using them.
 
Despite its name, this CD set is not only for people in pain. It is also a great resource when you find yourself unable to squeeze in an ATM class at the Institute because of your busy schedule, but can find 30 minutes in your day to attend to yourself in the comfort of your own home. This is my go-to resource whenever I need a quick pick-me-up in the morning or at the end of a long day. My personal favorites are 'Diagonal Twist' on Disc 6, and 'Hip and Shoulder Movements' on Disc 2. I hope you find your favorites, too."

Buy 'Moving Out Of Pain' in April and save 15% off the regular retail price.

To purchase online, click here and enter promo code APRIL15 at checkout .

Belinda will gladly answer any questions you might have about this CD-set via email, at belinda@feldenkraisinstitute.com.

 


Community Class at The Feldenkrais Institute


Wednesdays at 4 pm
Taught by Belinda He
(Mark will substitute this week.)


Suggested fee: $10
or
Pay-what-you-can.
Cash Only


Please wear comfortable layers and socks!