Sunday, January 30, 2011

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Hackin away


I've been on an artisty bend lately, singing, dancing, hacking up black bamboo...

The bamboo part came in because I'm massively ramping up my local marketing efforts, and one of the missing ingredients is a visible sign outside my studio.

I have an A-board on the porch, but that's it.

Many have commented on why I don't have a big flashing sign or something.
This is a neighborhood. I do wish to respect my neighbors.

I wanted a tasteful sign that went with the house and the surroundings.

Bamboo.

I have lots of it growing at Alki Feldenkrais.

Erik


improve your movement
improve your life

Sunday, January 2, 2011

West Seattle community Feldenkrais clinic: Get up! Stand up!

West Seattle community Feldenkrais clinic: Get up! Stand up!:
This Tuesday January 4th, 2011 we'll have the first West Seattle community Feldenkrais clinic of the new year.


This week we'll start out at 12:30 with the classic lesson that got Moshé started on this fascinating work.
What is Good Posture?
"Any posture is acceptable in itself as long as it does not conflict with the law of nature,which is that the skeletal structure should counteract te pull of gravity, leaving the muscles free for movement."

Moshé Feldenkrais 'Awareness through Movement' pg 68

This statement is at the beginning of the first lesson in this book. It's all about going from sitting to standing, and how to do it without undue pressure upon the knees.

This was necessary for Moshé to learn because he had two really messed up knees.

Personally, I've done this lesson and pieces of it at least 100 times.

There is a lot to learn here.

As we get older, or are injured, or weak, this lesson becomes more important because our ability to use our muscles (old bad habits) to carry out this action are compromised.

If you're looking for a new, vibrant way to get up for 2011, come to the West Seattle Senior Center this Tuesday for a unique outlook on what good posture is.

Erik LaSeur

improve your movement
improve your life

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Make it light, simple, and without force

As I welcome in the new year I like to have a guiding principle to keep me on track with my work and life.
I'll borrow from Moshé Feldenkrais:

"Make it light, simple, and without force."

The greatest learning comes from those words, whether it's how to move more elegantly, or how to focus on running the shop.
As a Norswegian I was brought up to do it the hard complex way, and bang the shit outta it to make it work.
My Feldenkrais training had me learning new ways, the simple ways that we all are capable of.

As I strategize for the coming year, how can I do it with lightness?
Laying the plans for success by being gentle with myself.
How can I keep it simple?
Our work as Feldenkrais teachers really is simple, one of creating connections within and without.
And working without forcing...
Be like water...
..
.
May your new year be one of lightness, simplicity, and gentleness.

Erik