From the Fall 2008 Schedule

"I recommend procrastination" 

When it comes to getting older, I recommend procrastination. 

      The wisdom of the years is a good thing.
      Let’s go for that.
      But the aging body? 
      Let’s put it off! 

Is it possible -- to put off the aging body?

It is! Every health counselor will tell you that exercise, appropriate diet, meaningful activity and loving relationships – all of these extend youthfulness.

But how to exercise?

This summer at my ice skating rink, Kettler Capitals IcePlex, when I have been there on Thursday evenings, there has been a swarm of boy and girl speed skaters with their coach, who is the Korean champion Kim Dong-Sung. Kim is a marvelous teacher. You can see that in his relationship with his students and in their sinuous, lightning-fast movement. Sometimes I follow the kids around, imitating as best I can. It is so fun! But quickly, I am huffing and puffing and have to stop.

Maybe speed skating has to be left to the younger body. Rats!

What the getting-older body needs, at least as much as the better recognized needs for strength and aerobic condition, is suppleness. And, in many cases, long before the person gets the benefit of a senior citizen discount, limberness needs to be restored, or at least refreshed. And the best way to do so is in a loving, attentive way.

This is what we do in the Feldenkrais Method. We work through movement sequences that are patient, gentle, flowing, and attentive. At the end of the class you will probably not be huffing and puffing. But you are likely to feel that you are getting younger – because, while becoming more aware of yourself, you are becoming more supple.

In this Feldenkrais lesson the student allows her head to turn rightward and roll on the mat, extends her left arm forward and upward, and reaches backward with her left leg while rolling it inward. She feels a wonderful stretch through the middle of her torso and also a nice release in her neck.