Basic Arching and Folding (Patrons)

Front-lying, improving the organization of the extensor muscles of the back and distributing their efforts. Learning to lift the head and one arm – and later, one leg – away from the ground together. Integrating the eyes with these arching movements. Alternates with back-lying, knees bent, feet standing, basic folding (flexion) movements, as the brain is always coordinating the major flexors and extensors of the body with each other.

Before you begin read this for practical tips and your responsibilities, and check out Comfort & Configuration below.

Recorded live in a Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement (ATM) class, this lesson is copyright Nick Strauss-Klein, for personal use only.

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Study tip: Wear loose, comfortable clothes that are warm enough for quiet movement. Remove or avoid anything restrictive like belts or glasses.

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  • You’ll be lying on your belly frequently, so have a clean towel or surface to place under your face to make that position as comfortable as possible. Some people also value a small pillow for under a shoulder, or your upper chest. It’s worth it to experiment toward what feels best.
  • There’s ample time to rest on your belly in whatever configuration is best for you. You can also roll to another position for rest any time, even pausing the recording as needed.
  • I often mention resting your cheek on the back of your hand, but you may rest your turned head on the back of your hand wherever it is most comfortable for you, such as on or near your temple.

A useful cue that I’d like to have incorporated more is to think of lengthening your leg each time you lift it. Many people find this image of length a powerful organizer that eases and distributes the work of the back, especially easing the lower back, while lifting a leg.

This lesson is found in Patron Treasures, our exclusive collection of lessons for Feldenkrais Project Patrons.

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3 Comments

  1. margit660@hotmail.com on March 24, 2019 at 3:59 pm

    Great lesson! Afterwards I felt so upright and light and I am more aware of my upper back, thank you Nick for sharing this lesson with us.

  2. Rachel Shaw on February 20, 2022 at 10:53 am

    I LOVE this lesson, thank you. Just done it for the second time, my range of extension as I follow the critter up the wall increases vastly and my breath has so much more space to fill. I finish with a very different body to that which I started in. Thanks very much ????

  3. Ileana Vogelaar on July 2, 2022 at 5:03 pm

    Wonderful going to basics of flexion extension for now .Feeling tall and light in standing. Thank you Nick and Happy 4th weekend!

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