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For the
past 30 years I have been exploring the synergy of the ancient Eastern
energy systems and modern somatic disciplines. In somatic and energetic
as in spiritual practices, awareness is the key. Through the cultivation
of awareness, we have unlimited potential to increase coherence.
One of the easiest ways to develop awareness is through
doing subtle movements and noticing how our whole self responds. Why
subtle movements? There is an inverse relationship between awareness
and effort. When we do less, we are able to notice more. The greater
our awareness, the less effort required.
In the interplay of movement and attention, we fine-tune
our perception and our functioning. In just a few moments we can increase
coherence and enter into deeper relationship with ourselves and the
whole web of life.
I have found that interweaving subtle elements of Feldenkrais
®
and Chi Kung is particularly potent. Feldenkrais Awareness®
through Movement explorations are a fast and easy way to free ourselves
from limiting, habitual, non-coherent patterns of thinking, feeling,
perceiving and moving.
Feldenkrais
movement
sequences are based on developmental patterns. As we play with them,
we enliven all that we have inherited from those who have come before
us on Earth. The dances of amoeba, starfish, frog and bear awaken
in us. If we look carefully we can see that these same ancient patterns
are also present in tai chi and chi kung.
Through Feldenkrais
movement explorations, we can easily
learn a chi kung form and have a deep energetic experience in a fraction
of the time normally required. As we are lying down for many of the
Feldenkrais
movements, we can let go of the excess
effort we use to hold ourselves upright. We are free to learn new
ways to relate to Earth and to accept the support that is always present
for us.
We play with variations on the chi kung movements while
lying down. When we stand up, we find that we are both more deeply
grounded and much more light and buoyant. As we move into chi kung
we find that our movements flow out effortlessly, easily and gracefully.
From our experience of chi kung we can develop awareness
of chi and energy pathways. This awareness deepens our experience
of the Feldenkrais movements. Weaving back and forth we
can amplify the effects many fold.
Over time, inner awareness and outer awareness become
one coherent Whole. We can experience moving from the matrix, from
the Source, in communion with all life. We can experience what the
Taoists called wu wei, doing without doing.
Many of us are experiencing some problem or limitation
in our lives. Any experience of limitation involves a loss of coherent,
fluid, natural movement.
Our experiences of feeling restricted, separate or in
pain can be seen as directly related to our culture's extremely limited
definitions of body and movement. We tend to think of our body as
a separate, static object. We think of movement as just something
that we do rather than the vibrant multidimensional dance we are.
We can redefine and expand our understanding of what it
means to embody ourselves and to move freely. We can remember ourselves
and our Wholeness.
How do we begin? I invite you to notice, with loving attention,
how you are in the moment. Can you simply notice, without judging
or resisting, any sensations or feelings? Now do any movement in a
much smaller range and much more slowly than you normally would. Notice
the quality, how you are moving, and ask yourself, How could I do
less? How could this be even easier? Can you notice with curiosity
and wonder how your whole organism responds to your question?
After a minute or two of moving in this way, come to rest.
With your attention open, be aware of how your whole organism is responding.
Notice what is different for you. Are you aware of more flow and movement
inside and out, a greater sense of the Whole? Can you allow this dance
of life to continue?
Any movement can be done in this simple, easy, effortless
way. Through subtle movement explorations, we can open up many new
possibilities.
This
article was first published in the February, 2001 issue of the International
Holographic Repatterning Association newsletter.
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