Movement and focus are two aspects, that when paired together can provide the benefits of calming your body’s nervous system, leaving you relaxed and centered.  The use of movement and focus, takes us from over thinking or being on auto-pilot, to a new awareness as we are mindful about how we are positioning or moving our body.  This can have a profound calming affect on your body’s nervous system, decreasing stress and anxiety, and increasing your feeling of well-being.

In yoga the focus is on holding positions and breathing. I have tried yoga a handful of times and have had difficulties with the positions, yet loved the focus on the breathing.  The alternative I found almost 10 years ago is The Feldenkrais Method, created by Moshe Feldenkrais in the 1950’s. With Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement classes, the focus is on the movement and sensing the movements, this can also include sensing your breathing. There are Feldenkrais practitioners teaching this method throughout the U.S., Canada and around the world.  If you don’t find a class or practitioner in your area you can visit the online bookstore for books, CDs and DVDs.  I highly recommend the book Running With the Whole Body, by Jack Heggie. The lessons in it are great for anyone who walks, jogs or runs. 

Both yoga and the Feldenkrais Method provide additional benefits such as, better movement, posture, flexibility, coordination, athletic ability, and in many cases reduced pain. 

Love, Health & Happiness,

Phyllis