From the Winter 2005 Schedule

Every Little Joint

 One of the advantages of hiking is that all the surfaces are uneven. For long stretches while you are walking, the ground feels soft and resilient, but then suddenly there is something hard and round. You recognize a root. In certain stretches, you step over long, flat surfaces, rocks, and in some places, you walk gingerly because the ground is swampy. For a while you go up and down, and then over and under. When it is time for a break, you look for an even surface to sit down on. They are in short supply, and you have to make do. The same is true when you want to lie down; now you remind yourself of the patience of Job.

            All these variations, which can seem like an inconvenience, are in fact a blessing. They give the body a chance to MOVE. Since the body responds to each change in situation in a different way, all the little joints, and the big ones too, get something like “a drop of oil.” They get lubricated by movement.

            In our modern life, we always walk on flat, hard surfaces. We sit for large parts of the day, generally in a chair. The temperature is well modulated. While appreciating these conveniences, we have to realize that they also have a downside: they reduce variability.

            In the Feldenkrais Method, we work, instead, to increase variability. We take movements that often resemble patterns and shapes from other systems, such as yoga. But we add a great deal of “variation on the theme.” For instance, in a certain twist, we explore a variety of arm, head and eye combinations. In a bending movement, we explore different ways to use the feet, hips and back. The purpose of this way of working is not to the find the right answer ─ there are too many of them! The purpose is to regain activity in all of the self. To regain liveliness.

            A class in the Feldenkrais Method can be a way to gain some of the benefits of hiking, without so much of the driving.