Reaching, Twisting, and Gazing Smoothly (Patrons)

Side-lying, learning to reach, turn, twist, and roll effortlessly by improving integration of the rotation functions of the axis (head, spine, and pelvis) with movements of the hands, arms, shoulders, chest, breath...and eyes! The Curiosities tab has notes from an introductory discussion with the students before this lesson was recorded.

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.

Tip 5 – Discomfort

Study tip: If a configuration or movement causes any increase in discomfort, or you feel you just don’t want to do it, don’t! Make it smaller and slower, adapt it, or rest and imagine.

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  • This lesson begins in standing.
  • Make sure the floor surface you’ll lie down on is soft enough for your hips and shoulders to be comfortable in side-lying.
  • Have a large bath towel nearby to fold for head support if needed. Consider unique folded thicknesses that work well for you depending on the situation: back-lying, side-lying, or rolling. You may find you enjoy less or no head support as the lesson progresses.

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4 Comments

  1. Gail Fishman on October 26, 2019 at 5:29 pm

    Love how you pull us all together using our eyes to guide our movements and give a breath of fresh air to our nervous systems!

  2. Luisa on December 15, 2022 at 10:19 pm

    The effect of this lesson on my gaze and posture was amazing. At the beginning of the lesson my gaze was below the horizon line. At the end, my whole posture was improved. Head higher, shoulders straightened and my gaze was right at the horizon. The reach of my gaze was almost 360 when turning right and left. Thank you!

  3. Julie Turner on August 24, 2023 at 6:08 am

    Beautiful!

  4. Gabriele on December 4, 2024 at 5:18 pm

    Every lesson I do I feel my whole body becoming more integrated.
    This loosened and increased my range of motion in upper back…much needed

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