Without proper training, you may be standing in spite of your posture, not because of it. This means you work harder than necessary–work against yourself, in fact–and the muscle strain pools in your ligaments and joints.
Learn to let your skeleton take the weight!
In this workshop, Andrew Gibbons will build on the principles of support explored in the Preparing the Foot workshop, and move into the organization of the hip joints, spine and breathing that create stable, comfortable, almost weightless standing (participation in both workshops is encouraged, not required).
Participants will explore the relationship between support and counterbalance, and apply several internal practices for refining your poise in standing.
This is a workshop for people that want accurate, explicit explanation and interactive practice and demonstration. If you have struggled with standing in your practice of yoga, tai chi, martial arts, or even on the subway platform you may find a fresh, clear appreciation of yourself in this workshop.
As a participant you will:
- Develop a clearer image of how the hip joints take weight and support the lower back.
- Use the breath and eyes as a barometer of accurate skeletal support.
- Experiment with different criteria for standing–some cruder, some finer.
- Learn to detect and alter changes in support from an internal perspective.
- Redefine "good posture" in more concrete language.
This workshop will include:
- Talk and demonstration with a model skeleton and workshop participants.
- Awareness Through Movement floor work and standing work.
- Portable practices you can easily incorporate into your day.
- Time for Q&A.
About the teacher: As a sought-after Feldenkrais teacher for over 14 years, Andrew Gibbons has worked with professional athletes, and world class musicians, as well as people dealing with injuries, discomfort and the issues of personal performance. Known for a teaching style that is simple, specific and down-to-earth, Andrew enjoys helping his students create clear criteria for re-building and refining their movement health and function.
“At the higher level of effort, one cannot detect small differences; therefore, it is impossible to improve beyond a certain stage. Thus, things are self perpetuating; the crude kinesthetic sense tends to become cruder and cruder, the finer one tends to become finer yet. ”
Please note:
- Dress in loose, comfortable clothing.
- Mats and support pads are provided.
- On Saturdays, the entrance to 41 Union Square West is found on 17th street, just west of Union Square (look for the gold awning).
- Where: 41 Union Square West, Room #409, New York, NY 10003.
- When: Thursday, Oct 3rd, 5:30 – 8:30 pm.
Audio Feldenkrais programs with Andrew Gibbons
Four easy Awareness Through Movement® lessons to get you started with your Feldenkrais study.
Move lighter, longer, and stronger than ever before!
