Check out this link on neuroplasticity!  I think it explains it well.  It also shows us why it is so important to keep working at things we are not good at.  We have to put in the work to break the habits, or to form new neural pathways.  In Feldenkrais we do this at a subconscious level and at a conscious level.  The nervous system learns something new that it likes and automatically improves the organisation of the musculoskeletal system without us even trying.  An another level, at a conscious level we are working with our body image, what we are sensing in terms of ourselves, how and where we are in relation to others and our environment.  As we learn to experience ourselves more fully, our physical ability improves and also our brain improves.  As Feldenkrais said, in order to change something you need to know what you are doing now.  Check out this vidoe from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELpfYCZa87g

It will inspire you to keep learning 🙂

So much has happened over the last few months.  In particular Norman Doidge has visited Australia to promote his new book ‘The Brain’s Way of Healing. ‘ He talks in detail, over two chapters in fact about Moshe Feldenkrais, the man and his work.  What an amazing life this brilliant man led escaping Paris in World War 2, working in the Curie Institute on the splitting of the atom and walking across Russia in the winter at 14 years of age on his own.  His strong background in Judo, scientific brain and knee injury laid the building blocks for the development of the Feldenkrais method.

Doidge talks of how Feldenkrais was effective in respecting two main principles of neuroplasticity;

1.  Feldenkrais enters a person into the parasympathetic state, in a state of deep relaxation so they can be open to learning, and

2.  Feldenkrais uses neurodifferentiation, which allows the brain to learn through differences, those differences being what the brain senses through movements of the body, and are often movements which are gentle, subtle and slow, allowing the person to really sense minute differences.

Much is also said on how Feldenkrais used his method to change a person’s body image, to expand their self awareness and therefore to increase their ability to bring intention into action or to function in the world.

For more information on Norman Doidge’s book, ‘The Brain’s Way of Healing’ go to www.normandoidge.com/

 

I am delighted to be offering Feldenkrais classes in Parramatta in the next few weeks.  The classes will be held every Wednesday, from 1pm to 2pm at All Saints Anglican Church Hall, 29 Elizabeth St, Parramatta and will commence on the 13th of May.

Feldenkrais classes are a great way to deepen your knowledge and experience of the method.  Each class follows a unique sequence of movements which shows their nervous system how to break through old dysfunctional physical habits to more efficient and expansive  muscular skeletal organisation.

The best way to learn about a Feldenkrais class is actually to come and experience one!  A person usually feels refreshed, more flexible, and more mentally alert after a Feldenkrais class.

The Feldenkrais classes are also a great way for parents of children who see me for private Feldenkrais lessons to gain greater insight on the method and to build on the child’s learning at home.

Well I have just had a wonderful three weeks holiday by different beaches along the NSW and Victorian coast. Phew. It was great to be by the wild beautiful ocean again. Looking back on the Feldenkrais work in 2014, one interesting observation in terms of my work with little ones, was how the Feldenkrais work affected their speech. Parents and I noticed that their children seemed to have unusually good improvement in their speech after receiving Feldenkrais lessons. The improvement in their social skills, eye contact and sense of well being with Feldenkrais lessons was remarkable. So not only were they expanding their movement repertoire at home but also expanding their sense of self in relationship with others. My adult clients were another joy for the year, and many improvements were experienced by my clients in terms of their physical mobility, relief from pain and new found emotional strength. I am looking forward to 2015 very much and head off soon, back to America to study again with Anat Baniel.

I have just got back from a 3 day advanced training with Frank Wildman in Melbourne. It was wonderful to see Frank again after so many years. He talked to us about new findings in neuroscience and cognitive science and how Feldenkrais builds neural pathways. As Frank says “Feldenkrais is not about doing movements it’s about what a person senses from the movement.” It’s the sensing that counts, that provides new information to the brain and facilitates deep intrinsic learning in the human system. Frank has released a book and DVD series called Change Your Age, which can help all age groups. He approaches Feldenkrais with an abundant curiosity and sense of fun, an approach that I find integral to my work with children. To find out more on Frank seehttp://www.feldenkraisinstitute.org/frank.html

I have just been watching a video of a discussion between the Dalai Lama and renowned neuroscientists, Dr Edward Taub and Dr Michael Merzenich on  ‘Neuroplasticity and Healing’ at the University of Alabama.  There are some little gems shared on neuroplasticity in this seminar.  For instance a key aspect of brain plasticity is the brain’s tendency for association. For instance every time we have a feeling or thought the brain creates an association.  This association mechanism forms the glue in our brain and due to this power to associate we incorporate those who are important to us in our lives and form attachments.   In the Feldenkrais method, we are showing the nervous systems new associations by connecting different parts of the skeleton as a person moves.  To watch this seminar go to  http://www.onthebrain.com/2014/10/video-michael-merzenich-conversation-dalai-lama/

I can’t recommend enough Anat Baniel’s book ‘ Kids Beyond Limits.’  It is essential reading for parents of children with special needs.  Anat goes into considerable depth on how the brain can change itself and how this can be facilitated by just making small changes in how you relate to your child.   She is a wonderful communicator and through this book has really opened the way for Feldenkrais’s work, which the Anat Baniel Method is based on to reach  families across the world.  For further information go to http://www.anatbanielmethod.com/children/kids-beyond-limits