Alki sandbox

Alki Moves, rolling along

2011-04-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

After months of playing with new logo ideas...

It's growing on me.

Awaken your senses,
bring your curiosity to the forefront.

Become aware of what you're doing, How do I do that?

Become renewed by the resiliency you've developed in your playful discovery.

What's your dream?

Erik

Alki Feldenkrais

http://www.alkimoves.com/

The sweet life

2011-02-13T19:24:00.000-08:00

"Without learning to know ourselves as intimately as we possibly can, we limit our choices. Life is not very sweet without the freedom of choice.”

~Moshe Feldenkrais

With Valentine's Day coming up tomorrow we celebrate the sweethearts in our lives.
It also has me thinking of how do I (we) celebrate the inner sweetheart?
Taking care of the one we know best.

The curation of ourselves is a multi-faceted event that touches on the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of who we are.

A great tool on this trip through life I've found is the Feldenkrais Method.

The simple, slow movements, and the fostering of attention to the movements has helped me grow as a human being more than anything else alone.

So how intimately do you know yourself?

Give yourself the Valentine's Day gift that keeps giving.

Erik LaSeur GCFP
Alki Feldenkrais

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Alki Moves makin the 'Blog' (WSB)

2011-02-08T20:11:00.000-08:00

2011 has gotten off to an accelerated start:

the West Seattle community Feldenkrais clinic is roaring ahead into it's 6th month at the West Seattle Senior Center .

This is Seattle's only low-cost Feldenkrais clinic and a great (cheap) way to experience this method.

Group classes at Crysalis Center in Downtown Seattle are taking off, where I also now offer individual Functional Integration lessons too.

Along with my regular networking gigs at BNI and the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, and other speaking engagements, I've increased my visibility in West Seattle by becoming an advertiser on the West Seattle Blog.

Now at least 10,000 a day get to see the word 'Feldenkrais' when they read 'the blog'.

It may take awhile, but the tide is turning

what's your dream?

Erik LaSeur GCFP

http://www.alkimoves.com/

West Seattle community Feldenkrais clinic: Roll on the floor, learn something new

2011-01-30T20:58:00.000-08:00

West Seattle community Feldenkrais clinic: Roll on the floor, learn something new: "It amazes me sometimes the things I can learn just by lying on the floor, and playing with little movements.After much time away from playi..."

Hackin away

2011-01-12T20:20:00.000-08:00

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

http://www.alkimoves.com/

improve your movement

improve your life

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

2011-01-02T22:33:00.000-08:00

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/

Make it light, simple, and without force

2011-01-01T20:15:00.000-08:00

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

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Core Story

2010-12-31T18:41:00.000-08:00

December 31 – Core Story
What central story is at the core of you, and how do you share it with the world?
(Bonus: Consider your reflections from this month. Look through them to discover a thread you may not have noticed until today.)
(Author: Molly O’Neill)

I feel my purpose for writing these pages, for what I call a profession, and the steps I take in my daily life all relate to service.
To serve others.
To guide and support them to do what makes their heart tick, their passions and dreams fulfilled.

Every day I'm finding new ways of sharing myself with the world around me.
Whether it's public speaking at a networking breakfast, giving a demonstration to a management team, teaching a group of construction workers, or writing words on a blog.

The thread I see relates to work and life and how one informs the other.

A pattern is a pattern...

Happy New Year!

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Gift

2010-12-30T20:20:00.000-08:00

This is Day 30 of the #reverb10 writing project:
http://www.reverb10.com/the-prompts/

December 30 – Gift
Prompt: Gift. This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable.
What’s the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year?
Author: Holly Root

The best gifts I receive are those intangible "thank you's" that occasionally get tossed my way by clients.
To know that I've helped someone live a more fulfilling existence, if not for a moment, gives greater meaning to life.
I look forward to giving of much more of myself and talents in the coming year.
To keep the circulation flowing...

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Defining Moment

2010-12-29T23:03:00.000-08:00

This is Day 29 of the #reverb10 writing project:
http://www.reverb10.com/the-prompts/

December 29 – Defining Moment
Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year.
Author: Kathryn Fitzmaurice

This past spring/summer I started doing street fairs as a way of marketing my Feldenkrais business.
In all I participated in 5 different fairs from May through August.
The last one I worked at, the 2010 Peace Concert at Gas Works Park was by far the busiest.
We were popular during the whole day.
People weren't quite sure what it was we were doing, but they wanted it.

These moments of working out in the street with the public, educating them on what we had to offer, really sped up the process for me.
The process of stepping out and taking risks.

One street fair at a time.

Now I'm approaching new projects with much more confidence and planning expertise, having gone down the road a few times.

I'm looking forward to many more defining moments in 2011 and beyond.

What support do you need to step out?

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Achieve

2010-12-28T19:39:00.000-08:00

This is day 28 of the #reverb10 writing project:
http://www.reverb10.com/the-prompts/

December 28 – Achieve

What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today.

Author: Tara Sophia Mohr

Today I wrote down a rough draft of my 2011 goals.
The most tangible goal that I most want to achieve is a lofty one (without revealing numbers) for seeing clients this coming year.
I'll feel freer, happier, more complete, and even blissful at achieving this goal.

I can feel these feelings at any time, any encounter with another is a chance to experience them now.

The importance of goal-setting I've learned is to look for the long-term and celebrate every day whatever steps I've taken on my journey.

This path has no room for self-loathing and obsessing on what went wrong.

Turn the page.

Take another step...

Let's see what I can do...

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Ordinary joy

2010-12-27T18:18:00.000-08:00

December 27 – Ordinary Joy

Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year?
Author: Brené Brown

Even though I live 2 blocks from the beach, I enjoy my daily walks up the steeps hills to our business center in West Seattle (The Junction).

It's the shortest route between Alki beach and the Alaska Junction.

About 2 miles, very steep the first 3/4's of a mile.

As I've been pushing myself to go up the hills with more ease and lightness, an exciting anticipation has been growing in me with regards to my walks.

The joy of running up hills.../**\...

The adrenalin rush that sweeps me to crest some of the steepest hills West Seattle has to offer.

Daily ordinary joy.

erik

improve your movement

improve your life

www.alkimoves.com

Soul Food

2010-12-26T23:18:00.000-08:00

This is day 26 of the #reverb10 writing project:
http://www.reverb10.com/the-prompts/

December 26 – Soul Food
What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth & touched your soul?

Just trying to think of all the food I ate this year is mind-boggling.
Did one dish stand out?
...
I did have some great Gouda soup earlier this month...very tasty, and I remember telling others about it.
...
My wife is always cooking great meals, the kids mostly pass on them, but I love having someone prepare food for me and love all the meals...
...
hmmm....
...
I don't know what the dish was called, and it was more a dessert than a main dish.
It contained lots of pineapple, and I was the only one who ate it.

But this was probably the best feeling food I had all year...
So, whatever it was called...pineapple-laden dessert....
I love you!

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Photo

2010-12-24T23:23:00.000-08:00

This is Day 25 of the #reverb10 writing project:
http://www.reverb10.com/the-prompts/

December 25 – Photo – a present to yourself
Sift through all the photos of you from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are, or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you.

I didn't have a lot of pictures taken of me this year other than my wedding pics from this past February.

I chose the picture above because it shows me on my first day as a new father.
My 4 step-kids in the picture too, along with my two best friends and Mary's best friend.

The picture was shot by a friend of my wife's that did our wedding shoot for us.

This picture was taken on Valentine's Day, the day we were married, on the Alki Beach boardwalk outside the venue where we were married.

The picture also symbolizes my feelings of community, enlarging my sphere of influence, whether it's friends, family, etc.

erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Everything's OK

2010-12-24T23:01:00.000-08:00

This is day 24 of the #reverb10 writing project:
http://www.reverb10.com/the-prompts/

December 24 Prompt –

Everything’s OK
What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright?
And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead?

The everything alright feeling has to do with how my work and business is progressing.
Are people finding value?

I've had a few moments this year where I've felt that clients have found great value in my work, coming for multiple lessons, referring others to my work.

I could see one of those moments as just yesterday when I taught my newest ATM class at my new gig in Downtown Seattle. The class is relatively new, since November, and given that most people have never heard of what I do, let alone can pronounce it....
I'm very thankful for the one student that has come to every one of the classes.
I get to teach a unique lesson each week to someone that's been around the Feldenkrais Method since my own trainer was going through his training with Moshe Feldenkrais.

When a long-time student of this method comes to see me every week I must be doing something good?

Merry Christmas,

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

New Name

2010-12-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

This is day 23 of the #reverb10 writing project:
http://www.reverb10.com/the-prompts/

My friends call me erik, you can call me....

December 23 – New Name
Let’s meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why? (Author: Becca Wilcott)

I think I'd go around telling people my name was Dennis.
When I was going through my Feldenkrais training back in 2002, a guest trainer that was teaching our group that year kept calling me Dennis.
At first it was a little annoying, but after awhile I found it kind of endearing....let's just go with it...my name is Dennis.
I figured she was calling me Dennis because I was kind of a trouble-maker in class aka Dennis the Menace.

I went with the name and actually named the skeleton, I built, Dennis.

So, I'll go around and tell people my name is Dennis.
It could be fun.
It could be confusing...for me.

What's your new name?

Mine will be Dennis, for a day.

erik, no really!

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Travel

2010-12-22T23:26:00.000-08:00

This is day 22 of the #reverb10 writing project:
http://www.reverb10.com/the-prompts/

December 22 – Travel

How did you travel in 2010?
How and/or where would you like to travel next year?
Author: Tara Hunt

Being the daredevils that we are, we chose to take an over 20 year old RV on a road trip down to Arizona.
Luckily the only mechanical problems we had were two blown front tires, on the first day!
We did get to see Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon.
I also visited Chicago for the first time ever this past summer for the Feldenkrais annual Conference.

Almost every day I travel by foot around West Seattle, usually up the steep hills from the beach to the business center of West Seattle (The Junction).

This next summer I'm planning on going to Massachusetts for the first time for the FGNA annual Conference.

I'd also like to take my bride to Maui....

erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Future Self

2010-12-21T23:33:00.000-08:00

Day 21 of the #reverb10 writing project:
http://www.reverb10.com/the-prompts/

December 21 – Future Self.

Imagine yourself five years from now.
What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead?
Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?
Author: Jenny Blake

Take chances.
Be bold.

These were the first things that came to mind for what my future self could tell me now.

I'm learning that a presence must be cultivated in order for good work to be spread.
Good work alone doesn't promise financial success.

I've spent this past year learning how to be visible, reaching out to the business community, and letting them know I'm open for business.

As I become more comfortable in the spotlight I'm learning more effective means of getting my message across.
A message that most people have never heard of.

As I turn 50 in the next year I see it's time to go much larger and take much larger risks.
Risks of being open to a larger audience, putting myself out as an expert.

As they say, "they can't eat you".

Going back 10 years to 2000....wow.

The advice would be to stay in my beliefs, enjoy Yvonne while I can for the next 4 years until she loses her battle, and embrace that weird new thing called Feldenkrais.

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

5 simple rules for Happiness

2010-12-21T18:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday a friend of mine posted this in the local hyper-local news blog.

It was a poem about dealing with what life throws at you.

The moral being that it's not what is being thrown at you, but your reaction to it.

At the end she had these 5 simple rules for cultivating happiness in your life:

1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.

2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happen.
3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

Wishing you and yours a happy winter solstice!

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

West Seattle community Feldenkrais clinic: De-stress your winter holiday

2010-12-20T19:09:00.000-08:00

Cinnamon resting

West Seattle community Feldenkrais clinic: De-stress your winter holiday: Are the holidays treating you well? Do you need a short break from it all?
This Tuesday December 20th, at the West Seattle Senior Center..."

Beyond Avoidance

2010-12-20T18:48:00.000-08:00

Today is day 20 of the #reverb10 writing project:
http://www.reverb10.com/the-prompts/

December 20 – Beyond Avoidance.

What should you have done this year but didn’t because you were too scared, worried, unsure, busy or otherwise deterred from doing? (Bonus: Will you do it?) (Author: Jake Nickell)

Probably the biggest thing I've come up against in running my own show are my own life-long issues of acceptance, feeling that I do good work, that I have something to offer the world around me.
Because these feelings present themselves I often find myself not asking for business.
I'm getting good at presenting demos, talks, etc...
and this is helping me get better at asking for work.

And the bonus is that I am doing it more often than earlier this year.
And 2011 looks like an even better opportunity to practice this.

I'm just simply amazed that I've written 20 of these posts in a row...that is transcending avoidance!

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Healing

2010-12-19T23:11:00.000-08:00

This is day19 of the #reverb10 writing project:
http://www.reverb10.com/the-prompts/

December 19 – Healing.
What healed you this year? Was it sudden, or a drip-by-drip evolution?
How would you like to be healed in 2011? (Author: Leonie Allan)

Animals always heal me.
I have my dog, who doesn't live with us anymore...he's got another job as healer for two other people..my sister-in-law and my father-in-law. Since April he's been helping them by living in their house up the hill.
I occasionally take him for the day to hang out with while I'm running errands and/or working at the studio/office.

I always feel better after spending tme with Larry.

For the past 3 months we've had a new addition in the family....a kitty.
She's been a joy to have around, playing, and cuddling.

In fact right now she's resting on my legs as I type out this story on my laptop.

In 2011 I'll take my healing however I can get it.
Everything that's healed me in the past can all come together this year to make it the best year yet.

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Try

2010-12-19T22:53:00.000-08:00

This is day 18 of the #reverb10 writing project.

December 18 – Try.
What do you want to try next year?
Is there something you wanted to try in 2010?
What happened when you did / didn’t go for it? (Author: Kaileen Elise)

It's been about 30 years since I ran in any type of running race. I used to regulary run in 5k's, 10k's, and other assorted distances.
Then I discovered the bicycle and stopped running.
In the past year I've been easing my way back into running...during walks....jogging....sprinting....walking....repeat.

My goal this coming year is to participate in a sanctioned race to see how I do.
It could be a 5k all the way up to a half marathon.

In the past my goal was always to see how fast I could run.
Now, the goals are more for quality, speed not too important,
How do I feel when I'm running?
Can I find joy in the midst of competition?

I'd still like to get some new skis and move into the new era of fat skis....I still have a week or so till this year is gone!

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Lesson Learned

2010-12-17T13:32:00.000-08:00

This is day 17 of the #reverb10 writing project:
http://www.reverb10.com/the-prompts/

Today's prompt is:

December 17 – Lesson Learned
What was the best thing you learned about yourself this past year?
And how will you apply that lesson going forward?
(Author: Tara Weaver)

This past year, at the age of 48, I became a dad (step) for the first time, to 4 kids of my wife's.
It's been a couple years of transition from my single life to a busy family life.

Lots of room for learning.

By trial and success I'm fumbling my way through this parenting thing.
Learning to be humble...
and noticing that some of the things that come in valuable as a parent also pertain to running a business:

Perseverance
Tenacity
Humor
Planning
Flexibility
Patience
Love

Learning how, and teaching others to be kindler and gentler to themselves as they persue greater efficiency.
It's the application of my feldenkrais teachings into parenting.

It's more than just about movement.

or as Moshé put it:
"What I'm after isn't flexible bodies, but flexible brains. What I'm after is to restore each person to their human dignity".

As for going forward and applying this learning?
The capacity for the human brain to learn is phenomenal.
Keeping open to the possibilities of learning more,
and teaching more.
Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

improve your movement
improve your life

Friendship

2010-12-16T19:49:00.000-08:00

This is day 16 of the #reverb10 writing project:
http://www.reverb10.com/the-prompts/

Today's word is friendship

December 16 – Friendship
How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst? (Author: Martha Mihalick)

I'm having a tough time coming up with one friend as I think it was a whole group of friends that seemed to help me shift focus the past year.

I'm thinking of my BNI family, the group of business owners that I meet with every thursday morning for breakfast and a fun hour and a half of on-purpose networking.

There is a saying about entrepreneurs, they're usually the most positive people you'll find...perhaps out of misguided hope, or maybe just the thrill of running our own show.

Being around this group has really helped me change from an employee to an entrepreneural mindset.
The rules of engagement are different.

Who better to learn from than those who are already the leaders in their own industries.

One of the cool things about BNI is that each chapter can only have 1 person from a given profession...eg: 1 auto mechanic, 1 plumber, 1 massage therapist, etc.
This lessens the chance of head-to-head competition amongst the members of the support group.
Increases the chances of having my play, more fun within the group.

So I salute and thank the (at present) 38 members of the West Seattle Champions for all they do to help me be a better entrepreneur.

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

5 minutes

2010-12-15T21:00:00.000-08:00

This is day 15 of the #reverb10 writing project:
http://www.reverb10.com/the-prompts/

December 15 – 5 Minutes
Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010. (Author: Patti Digh)

Wow....
I got married for the second time.
Became a father of 4 kids (hers).
Did oodles of networking in person for my business.
Went camping a couple times....why do the adults get the tent?
Did white-water rafting for the first time.
Visited Chicago for the first time...I love riding the subway.
Became a landlord, we bought a short-sale home a year ago and did some renovation to turn it into a duplex. Have had solid renters since last March.
Met Mia Segal at a workshop in Seattle, she unbuttoned my jeans during a group lesson...heh!
Had a wonderful time at the Feldenkrais Conference in Chi-town.

A most interesting time while running the Feldenkrais booth at the Fremont street fair...the booth next to us were the nudists, and they were nude!

Wow, that went fast.

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Appreciate

2010-12-14T20:34:00.000-08:00

This is day 14 of the #reverb10 writing project:
http://www.reverb10.com/the-prompts/

Today's prompt:

December 14 – Appreciate
What’s the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it? (Author: Victoria Klein)

That's one of my hearing aids. This past year I've gotten used to wearing these newer technology hearing aids.
In short, they've changed my life substantially.
Now I can go to meetings and hear what people are saying.
Most people are used to being able to hear conversations...
me...it's been a lifetime of living in a hearing-challenged world.

As I get used to wearing these and interacting with the world, I've become much more aware of how deaf I really am...
when I don't have the aids in, or if one is not functioning at 100%.

So this year I've become much more appreciative of what hearing I have,
what vision I have,
what abilities I have to touch, and feel, and think.

This probably happens to most, if not all of us as we get older (I'll be 50 in 9 months). We start to take stock of what we have, where we've been, what we've accomplished.

Me...I appreciate that with technology I can hear birds singing in the trees, I previously didn't know they existed because I didn't hear them.

The simple things in life are the best.

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Action

2010-12-13T16:55:00.000-08:00

This is Day 13 of the #reverb10 writing project http://www.reverb10.com/the-prompts/

Today's word is: Action

December 13 – Action
When it comes to aspirations, it’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen. What’s your next step? (Author: Scott Belsky)

My next step is to meet my next prospect with the attitude of service.
How can what I do, benefit them?

I go to many networking functions on a weekly basis, BNI, the WS chamber, parties, and other open houses...
always looking to meet new people, and nourish the existing relationships,
to grow the fields o' winter wheat.

How can I help make your life more enjoyable, cut the tinge of pain, and replace with a zing for pleasure.

so, the next step is like the last, and will be like the following.
Moving along to increase the flow...

This is what action looks like.
Looks the same
yet it's changed.

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

improve your movement
improve your life

Body Integration

2010-12-12T21:42:00.000-08:00

This is Day 12 of the #reverb10 writing project. Each day this December we write to a new prompt from:
http://www.reverb10.com/the-prompts/

December 12 – Body Integration
This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn’t mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present? (Author: Patrick Reynolds)

Every day I live and breath learning how, teaching myself to be more integrated, with my body, mind, spirit and my environment.

As I roll someone's head or watch them stand up, I need to notice differences.
Where do they find support?
What can they do?

The most integrated I felt with my body this year could've been my wedding day...running through the rain, calming my nerves enough and long enough to walk down the aisle.

The river rafting trip 3 months ago had me feeling very alive,
And very present...
probably the most present when I needed to quickly save one of my raft-mates from a certain ice-cold bath in the rapids of the Tieton.

Paddle, paddle.

check out the cool scenery, paddle, paddle, paddle.

bounce off the boulders...

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

11 Things

2010-12-11T23:19:00.000-08:00

This is day 11 of the #reverb10 writing project.

December 11 – 11 Things
What are 11 things your life doesn’t need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life? (Author: Sam Davidson)

The first thing I thought of was 11 pounds.
Of course if this was on December 25th I could also say 25 pounds....but perhaps the 11 is for 2011?

1 pound at a time
Conciously.

There are other things my life could do without...
Procrastination
Judgement
Perfectionism
Disorder
etc.

How to get rid of these things?

I believe in incremental change as a very powerful method for lasting change.
Although the big bang, blasting through to the end is pretty sexy too.

What things do you need to get rid of for 2011?

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Wisdom

2010-12-10T10:20:00.000-08:00

This is Day 10 of the #reverb10 writing project.

December 10 – Wisdom Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out? (Author: Susannah Conway)

In this past year I've made a lot of decisions, mostly business.
It's too early to tell how many will play out as it is a process.

Perhaps the wisest decision I made this year was to embrace my wife's (then girlfriend) kids and become a father to them. Mostly to help guide the youngest in his growth.

It's been a challenging year on that front.
I had no experience being a dad, other than to a dog.
He already spent most of his life without a father and had no guiding post.

I've learned a lot about being a parent in the past year that relates to running a business:
Patience - Need to allow things to roll, get out of the way often.
Perseverance - Knowing what I want, or the outcomes I perceive to be beneficial, I'll often have to reiterate the behavior that is acceptable. Similar to a verbal group lesson, I can't ask them to slow down enough times!
Plan - Having a plan, whether it's for marketing the business or how to deal with behavior that we want to change, is important.

My wife will say I'm a natural at being a dad, but I'll say it's been a serious learning curve for me.

Yes to making tough choices and to learning new things!

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Party

2010-12-10T10:07:00.000-08:00

This is Day 9 of the #reverb10 writing project.

Today's word is:
December 9 – Party

Prompt: Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans. (Author: Shauna Reid)

Of course my own wedding earlier this year rocked my socks off.

It was a generally low key event. We had about 80 guests, relatives, neighbors, friends at our event.
Most of the food was made by us or by friends.
We hired a DJ so we could boogie to our own music...so hard to find a good dance place in West Seattle.

The venue was at the Alki Bathhouse on the beach. There was a great view for all to enjoy.
The weather was a moving target....sunshine, rain, wind, you name it.

We managed to find a time to go outside for pictures, the rain had let up enough for that to happen.

I should be able to remember this anniversary as it falls on Valentine's Day every year....whew!

As a member of the Chamber of commerce and a local BNI group in West Seattle, we do go to parties often, in fact went to one two nights ago.

I plan to party to the end.

Rock on!

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Curious? Free ATM mini lesson

2010-12-08T17:56:00.000-08:00

If you're curious about what feldenkrais is, I just posted a very short (3:29) verbal seated lesson.
These are known as 'Awareness through Movement' lessons.
Typically the lessons are done while lying down and last about 45 minutes.

I've just started to play with this technology 2 days ago.
So, this is my first approximation of what I see as many.

The audio button is halfway down my home page:

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Erik

improve your movement
improve your life

Beautifully Different

2010-12-08T17:24:00.000-08:00

This is day 8 of the #reverb10 reflect and manifest writing project.
Each day in December we have a different prompt to write about from http://www.reverb10.com/the-prompts/

Today's prompt:

December 8 – Beautifully Different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful. (Author: Karen Walrond)

I still think back to junior high school in the 70's. We had a school paper that came out every month. They reported on the sports teams, activities, clubs, and also would have lists.

Once they had an alphaebaetic listing...

A - Athletic ....bobby jones
B - Beautiful....christy brinkley
.
.
.
U - Unique...erik ....hey wait a minute!

I tried hard to disown the moniker, for to be different in junior high was almost suicide.

But it's hard to not be me.

It's the embracing of our own inner beauty that sets us free.

I'm unique, we're all unique.

I guess in junior high I wasn't as afraid to show myself to the world.

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Community

2010-12-07T22:05:00.000-08:00

This is day 7 of the #reverb10 writing challenge.

December 7 – Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011?

This past year I've been discovering the wellness community of West Seattle and environs. As I've been actively marketing myself and my services this past year with weekly BNI meetings, chamber of commerce gatherings, health and street fairs, etc. I've been meeting many allied health/wellness practitioners in the Seattle area.

This past year I also took on a position of leadership within my professional organization, the Feldenkrais Guild of North America, as the Treasurer of the Northwest Region. This has put me more in a more visible position not only among my colleauges but also the public.

As for future communities to become involved with?
I'd like to continue reaching out to the wellness professionals in the Seattle area, and see how we can collaborate on any projects.

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

My own stairmaster - what did you make?

2010-12-06T15:53:00.000-08:00

December 6 – Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it? (Author: Gretchen Rubin)

I've always had a passion for getting my hands dirty, digging holes, playing with rocks, scratching through sand.
And for climbing stairs.

In this case I had to build the stairs so I could climb them.
Clearing off a hillside of blackberries.
Digging steps into the hillside.
Pouring gravel.
Hauling 60 pound cement steps into place.
So far there are 35 blocks doing duty as a staircase from the alley.

Who needs a gym?

Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it?

A rock garden at the Alki Feldenkrais studio.

In my work I see many people with balance issues.
My nervous system reacts favorably whenever I stand or walk on rocks of various shapes and sizes, in the sand, or any other uneven surface.

It would be a nice sanctuary with a bench, the existing bamboo wall, and other added foliage.

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

improve your movement
improve your life

Let Go

2010-12-05T20:16:00.000-08:00

This is day 5 of the #reverb10 reflection and manifestation writing project.

Today's prompt:

December 5 – Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)

In a year of adding many things to my life, something had to change.
I let go of trying to do the whole thing by myself. Learning to collaborate with others, whether in my field or not.
By allowing others to do some of the legwork, the things I'm not so great at or don't have the necessary enthusiam for, I can more easily focus on the things I'm good at, the things I'm passionate about.

I love to teach.
And am passionate about learning how to teach myself and others to be the best (I) they can.

As I've brought more people into my sphere of influence it has grown my work to a larger audience.

What did you let go of this past year?

Erik

improve your movement
improve your life

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Wonder

2010-12-04T15:46:00.000-08:00

December 4 – Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year?
This is day 4 of the #reverb10 reflection and manifestation writing exercise.

Here's the first definition of wonder at dictionary.com:
1. to think or speculate curiously

In the work I do, this is something that often happens, in the midst of a lesson.
The continual quest of knowing what we do invites questions and speculations.
The curiosity is the fire that sparks the quest.

The simple act of lying on the floor and beginning to notice how my head rests upon it.

...

How does the floor push up against my shoulders?

Is it the same on both sides?

...

Cultivating a sense of wonder is what I do as a passion.

Teaching others how to cultivate it is what I do as a profession.

For more on the Feldenkrais profession:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

improve your movement

improve your life

Moment

2010-12-03T18:21:00.000-08:00

Day three of #reverb10 a time of reflection and manifestation of what's next.

December 3 – Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Author: Ali Edwards).

This past year has been quite eventful, with many moments where I felt very alive.

The winner would clearly have to be this past February 14th, when I got married again.

Standing up before a crowd and pledging your vows to someone is a bit nerve-wracking.
I spent earlier in the day helping set up for the festivities and pushed my time a bit for geting changed and ready myself.
...
After a quick 2 block jog, from my studio to the bathhouse on the beach, through a sudden downpour, I made it back to the venue 15 minutes before the ceremony.

Yikes! I was drenched and overheated.

Relatives wanted to greet me, while I was drying off with paper towels.
lol
The minister kindly walked back to me, to get me present.
And offered me the following words:
"No matter what happens, at the end of the day you'll be married."

Yes, I made it through the ceremony.
And to a third straight day of blogging.

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Writing - day two of #reverb10

2010-12-02T10:07:00.000-08:00

This is the second prompt of the Reverb10 reflection on and manifesting the new exercise. I've decided to participate as a way to spur my own writing.
Interestingly, today's word is 'writing'.

December 2 Writing.

What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it?

I do many things each day that get in the way of writing....take your pick.
Probably the biggest obstacle is that of my own perfectionism.
The chance that anyone could actually read what I write, putting it out into the public space known as the interwebs.

In this blog I often talk about my own feldenkrais practice and what I've learned.
Sometimes it gets personal.
And times it can be technical.

...then there are the times when we go back and edit...lol...

...while listening to the banjo in the background...

How do I eliminate this non-writing phobia?

I guess the same way I've been eliminating my public speaking phobia.

Just do it!

or as the chinese proverb goes:
"fall down seven times, get up eight"

Erik

http://www.alkimoves.com/

improve your movement
improve your life

One word

2010-12-01T16:35:00.000-08:00

December 1 One Word.

Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you?

Seeds

Since beginning my journey as an entrepreneur 3 years ago I've learned many new ways of working. I was an employee for most of my work life. I've had forays in and out, mostly as a massage therapist.

But now there's no going back and different approaches are needed.

I joined a local BNI (Business Networking International) chapter a year and a half ago.

Every thursday morning at 7:45 I gather with 30 or more business people, from all different types of industries. And we network with a purpose.

Givers gain, referring business to others, learning to plant and nurture seeds.

This has spurred me onto many other visibility enhancing missions this year including the health fairs, street fairs, chamber of commerce events, and open houses.

All chances to plant my ideas, get my face out there.

A long term view is needed

A seed is a hope for what may mature and bear fruit,

the possibilities.

The more I've been at it, the easier and more pleasurable farming has become.

Just today I planted at least a dozen seeds. A year ago it may've taken a week to plant that many.

1 year from now I envision the One word as: Growth

Erik

Thanks giving

2010-11-27T21:40:00.000-08:00

As another Thanksgiving came and went I reflected a lot on the things I'm thankful for.
My health, family, friends, and community are all wonderful things in my life.

What are you thankful for?

Daily moments of gratitude have been a part of my life the last few years. A time to reflect upon the things I'm thankful for.
These powerful times help build my resevoir of good that I can tap into when times aren't so smooth.

Take a moment and see what you can be thankful for today....and every day.

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Hallux Abducto Valgus aka the bunion blues

2010-10-19T22:59:00.000-07:00

Today I worked with a new client that talked of falling a few times recently.
As I rolled her head, lifted shoulders, and touched her feet I noticed she had a serious bunion on one of her feet.
"This is inherited" she told me.

As I looked this up on the interwebs today I noticed the literature mentions bunions are most often the result of an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot.
Of course this is on a medical site that is pushing surgery, to fix said faulty structure.

As a Feldenkrais practitioner I, of course, have a different take on what causes bunions.
The premature collapsing of the arch when standing and walking puts undo stress on the medial part (the big toe side) of the foot. Over time this causes the bunion to grow as all the forces of standing are pushed into this part of the foot.

At the end of the lesson I watched her stand up....both arches collapsed.
It was one of those times when I wish I could start the lesson over now that I had a whole new set of information to go off of.

Till next time...

For more on the Feldenkrais Method:
http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur GCFP
http://www.alkimoves.com/

Next time

Takin it to the streets part V

2010-08-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

Takin it to the streets part V

For the fifth time this summer I participated in a street fair.

This time it was the 30th Annual Peace Concert at Gas Works Park on Lake Union in Seattle.

This fair was very laid back as Blues music flowed from the stage and the 95 degree temperatures kept most people seeking a way to cool down.

Even with that we were busy from start to finish as there was always someone waiting for a lesson.

Many good lessons learned this summer about marketing that I can carry forward in my business ventures.

For more on the Feldenkrais Method:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner

206-406-8154

http://www.alkimoves.com/

West Seattle community Feldenkrais clinic

2010-08-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

Is coming this fall.

A new blog has been set up specifically for the West Seattle community Feldenkrais clinic:

http://westseattlefeldenkraisclinic.blogspot.com/

moshé feldenkrais - 1980 Amherst

The clinic is in the spirit of presenting a low-cost alternative in the quest for health and well-being.

It's also a place for Feldenkrais practitioners to gather, to mentor, and to learn from one another.

For more on the Feldenkrais Method: http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur

http://www.alkimoves.com/

West Seattle street Fair gets Feldenkrais!

2010-07-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I spent 5 hours running half of a booth at the West Seattle street fair. Feldenkrais in West Seattle was going to be represented somehow.

I didn't get in the front door (the paid route), but I did manage to sneak in the back door (the free route) by teaming up with a few others.

Saturday was my 4th street fair this season.

Yeah, it's been an interesting spring/early summer.

The past two street fairs have offered some tough competition with regards to visibility.

The stall neighbor to my left (right in the picture) was a right-to-life group giving out fetus dolls to kids.

Three weeks earlier at the Fremont Street Fair the competition was different but just as stiff (pun intended).

We ended up with the Fraternity Snoqualmie group (aka nudists) next to us. Two older men standing there in their sandals and smiles.

Many people asked "We didn't see your booth, we saw the nudists though!"
I did ask my booth partner Mary if she would take off her top. We needed to compete!

But when others change the paramaters in the game I'm always bouncing around ready to flow with it.

We have one more street festival we're gonna represent Feldenkrais at this summer in Seattle (that I know of).

The 30th Annual Peace Concert @ Gas Works Park on Sunday August 15th 2010.

Come listen to music, have a bite to eat, and exerience a Feldenkrais lesson.

Improve your movement,
improve your life

Alki Feldenkrais
Erik LaSeur
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher GCFT

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Takin it to the streets

2010-05-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

Dennis (skeleton) working the booth

The past two Saturday's I've been out in the street with table and skeleton, talking it up about the Feldenkrais Method and my business Alki Feldenkrais.

A month ago the question sometimes was "will this work in such a public venue?"

After the University district street fair last weekend, the answer is a resounding "Yes!"

All the people we talked to and touched, perhaps in a way they've never been touched before.

The next street fair that feldenkrais will be represented in will be the Fremont Soltice Festival on June 19th and 20th.

And yes we'll be wearing our clothes, although Dennis may not be.

For more on the Feldenkrais Method:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Alki Feldenkrais

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Erik LaSeur GCFT

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher

ask about your complementary lesson today!

roots

2010-04-16T17:08:00.000-07:00

I love walking through Schmitz Park, here above alki beach. It's a land of old growth trees, ferns,

a wonderful hilly and scenic trail network, and a creek down the middle.

This picture reminds me of my own roots to this park as a young child.

Our kindergarten class at Schmitz Park elementary took a field trip to and through it.

How do I sense the ground under me?

As long as we sense enough connection to our environment, we'll move through with a greater degree of comfort.

For every step we take with uncertaintanty tenses up our entire system, nervous, muscular, digestive, etc.

When the person is able to sense the ground under them,

how each part of the foot,

and the individual toes,

contacts its opposing surface.

The nervous system then gets a chance to settle down a bit.

The feeling of safety has increased.

The more you can sense as being there will broaden your options as you navigate the daily dance of life.

Most of us have settled on 1 or 2 ways of doing anything, our habits are set,

which works well enough when we're strong and healthy.

"having only one choice, and acting on it repeatedly, is compulsion. Two choices are an ultimatum. In the presence of three or more options is when we can be fully human."

- Moshé Feldenkrais

Come find your roots at Alki Feldenkrais.

1st timers complimentary lesson

erik@alkimoves.com

Erik LaSeur

206-406-8154

http://www.alkimoves.com/

For more on The Feldenkrais Method:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Running a business and teaching a Feldenkrais lesson

2010-03-18T22:33:00.000-07:00

I had an interesting conversation tonight with a fellow West Seattle businessman at a West Seattle Chamber event.

We met at a previous function a few months ago and talked about our similar ways of looking at life. He studied martial arts, and I worked in a profession that was partially based on the martial arts, Judo in fact.

After talking with him a bit tonight I was curious how long he'd worked for himself, and how long it took him to feel successful in his current venture.
He told me he started working for himself at the age of 13 when he lived in Argentina and was in his current business for 10 years.

The conversation got really interesting when he started talking about the way he viewed his business and how he took time often to step away from it, to get a different view of it.
Some key things I remember him saying as a way of running his business were:

Stay creative
Be flexible
Step outside your business sphere on occasion to get a different look or perspective
Have fun and play with the process
Don't be afraid to make mistakes, sometimes these are really gifts
Have a strong foundation to build upon

Now, if you've ever had a Feldenkrais lesson, either in a class format or a private lesson you may recognize the above points as things we also use to enhance the learning process.

So running a business can be like giving a Feldenkrais lesson....who knew?

For more on the Feldenkrais Method:
http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur GCFT
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher
Alki Feldenkrais

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Learning to move, moving to learn

2010-03-06T22:12:00.000-08:00

Often when marketing my work I only have 45 seconds to tell a clear, compelling story to my audience.

So usually it revolves around learning to move easier.

This is something that most people can relate to, and doesn't send them running for the doors too quickly.

...

But it's a funny thing...this feldenkrais stuff.

...

Yes, you can learn to move with less effort and greater ease. But the point of the Feldenkrais Method is to use movement as a means of learning.

...

We use movement mainly because it's easier to measure than our feelings, thoughts, or senses.

Learning to learn so we can escape the 'fix' mentality that is prevalent in our society.

We're addicted to someone fixing us when we're broken.

"Doctor can you put me back together?"

Taking back our own inner knowledge of how to help ourselves.

This is the learning that is available to each one of us, at all times, wherever we are.

This learning isn't new to any of us.

We all did it when we were infants.

"How do I pick up my head so I can see Mommy?"

"If I can only figure out how to reach farther up, then I can grab that funny thing they hung over my crib."

No one taught us how to sit up, roll over, stand up, walk, etc.

These are things we all figured out. That we learned by exploring how we could find support from the environment we were in.

This same ability to learn is available now.

To learn how we can work and play without hurting ourselves, and do so with pleasure.

To learn more about the Feldenkrais Method:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur GCFT

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Felden Christ

2010-02-07T18:24:00.000-08:00

"Felden-Christ!"
.
That's often a response when I tell people what I do for a living.
.
"Uh, it rhymes with 'paradise'" I usually retort with a smile.
Feldenkrais is paradise as it allows us to move with more freedom and less pain.
.
For the first 4 months of BNI networking meetings I never mentioned that I was a Feldenkrais Teacher. Didn't want to spin people's brains from the utterance of the 'F-word'.

For a little paradise in your world check out the Feldenkrais Method.

Erik LaSeur GCFT
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher
http://www.alkimoves.com/
Improve your movement
improve your life
.
For more on the Feldenkrais Method:
http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Learning from mistakes

2010-01-22T21:54:00.000-08:00

In the world of learning mistakes are a welcome part of the process. We have room to explore, try something one way, try it another way, and still another.
The goal in this type of learning isn't necessarily to do it right, but rather to test out other ways of doing something.
To see if there is another way of doing the same thing.
Knowing more than 2 ways of doing something gives us a choice in how to live our lives.
.
Moshe Feldenkrais said doing something one way consistently is nothing more than compulsion.
Knowing only two ways is an ultimatum.
But when we can know 3 or more ways how to do something then we can truly learn to be human.
.
So we play while in lessons, to see what other possibilities can become available for us.
So we can become more fully human.
.
Let go of the myth of perfection and allow yourself the room to make mistakes, it's the best way to learn how to do something new.
.
For more information on the Feldenkrais Method:
http://www.feldenkrais.com/
.
Erik LaSeur GCFT
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher
http://www.alkimoves.com/
.
Improve your movement
Improve your life

Moving forward into 2010

2010-01-20T14:19:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know it's the 3rd week of 2010.
.
I've been a bit busy with marketing (face-to-face) my business, figuring out the logistics of my wedding (yes, I'm getting married on February 14th.
And helping with the remodel of our rental house we just bought over in Boulevard Park.
.
I've been so busy I forgot to post any new blog articles.
.
One of the new changes with regard to my business - AlkiMoves Feldenkrais -
is that I'm planning on changing the name to:
Alki Feldenkrais.
.
When I originally decided upon AlkiMoves as my business name I was running from the 'F' word or Feldenkrais, mainly because it means nothing to the majority of people I talk to. The mere utterance of 'Feldenkrais' would derail my conversations in a way that I would feel on the defensive.
.
Now that I've got 6 months of public speaking behind me, both at BNI (Business Networking International), and at the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, my confidence level has risen to a level where it's easier to say what I really am.
.
Another reason is that some think I'm a moving company...such as "will you move my couch?"
.
In the coming months I'll officially change the name to Alki Feldenkrais, but still use the Alkimoves.com domain as it's easier to spell than alkifeldenkrais.com.
.
Here's to moving forward in 2010!
.
Erik LaSeur GCFT
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher
.
http://www.alkimoves.com/
.
For more information on the Feldenkrais Method:
.
http://www.feldenkrais.com/
.

Adventures in Feldenkrais: Public speaking

2009-11-13T21:07:00.000-08:00

On the road of learning how to market my work, I've been focusing my energy on the face-to-face meeting.

I primarily choose this way over passive means because the words 'feldenkrais' 'Awarness through Movement' and 'Functional Integration' mean nothing to the vast majority of people (9 out of 10 in my rough estimation).

So I've been doing the 1 to 1 meetings in an attempt to make myself more visible.
Meeting people for an hour to talk and/or demonstrate what I do and how I work.

To speed things up I've become a member of my local BNI (Business Networking International) chapter. I see this as a way of working on clarifying my message in front of larger groups.
Every thursday morning I meet with 35 other entrepreneurs and we all have a chance to talk for 45 seconds.
It's only 45 seconds, yet these are precious golden moments where I can craft a clear, compelling message to my audience.
.
How do you say what you do in 45 seconds or less.
Or as my business coach puts it:
Benefit
Benefit
Benefit
Testimonial
Offer
.
Over the past 5 months I've been playing with my elevator speech at these weekly meetups. This has really upped my confidence level not only in marketing what I do, but also in my actual practice.
.
Feeling my support
and feeling confident in how I can use this support in a clear and compelling fashion.
.
For more on the Feldenkrais Method and how it can help you:
http://www.feldenkrais.com/
.
Awareness through Movement®

Classes now offered:

Monday 7:00am - 8:00am

Monday 6:15pm - 7:15pm

Thursday 6:15pm - 7:15pm

www.alkimoves.com/

Erik LaSeur GCFT

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

erik@alkimoves.com

Entrepreneurship and facing yourself

2009-11-06T16:11:00.000-08:00

The picture below was taken a few days before my open house last night.

Opening the doors to learning.

My intention for opening this place for classes and to the public is one of community.
The more we can learn about ourselves, how we relate or sense the way we lie on the earth, the richer our lives could be.

As with any lesson I teach, I'm a participant along with you.

The past month or so of planning, remodeling, marketing, etc. And to have it completed by a certain date so you can throw a party.

Reaching out to a wider audience invites many more opportunities to have to face myself.

I was visited by many of my past demons, the "i cant's".

Being able to recognize these as past habits, I could ask myself as they appeared "would this serve me now?"
And make a decision.

Taking a momentary look at a compulsion that once was.

The place is open.
The mirror is back up in the restored bathroom.

Awareness through Movement®
Classes now offered:
Starting Monday November 9th 2009

Monday 7:00am - 8:00am
Monday 6:15pm - 7:15pm

Thursday 6:15pm - 7:15pm

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Erik LaSeur GCFT
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®
erik@alkimoves.com

AlkiMoves Open House

2009-11-04T20:28:00.001-08:00

The dust has settled (mostly).

Last night I picked up my electric fireplace insert from ConWay shipping in Renton. Swiftly drove it back to Alki where I installed it into my fireplace.

The bathroom is almost ready.

The studio part of AlkiMoves is ready to show off to the public.

I definitely see why project managers get paid so much.
Having to attend to every detail that comes up when undertaking a renovation and subsequent opening by a set date can be nerve-racking.

The calming part of the whole thing is that I know it will never be totally ready and conversely it's always ready.

So, if you're in the hood (Alki) tomorrow night (Thursday November 5th) from 6:00 - 9:00pm, drop on by to check out the only feldenkrais studio in West Seattle.

AlkiMoves Feldenkrais Center
6023 SW Admiral Way
Seattle, WA 98116

http://www.alkimoves.com/
Erik LaSeur GCFT
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher
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Feldenkrais Teachers In Seattle Open House

2009-10-23T12:20:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, October 24th 2009, a dozen of my fellow Feldenkrais teachers in Seattle and myself will be putting on an open house in Fremont.

Between 10am and 3pm there will be 5 different group lessons open to the public....Free of charge!

If you're curious about the Feldenkrais Method and possibly want a larger class to hide out in, then this is the perfect opportunity.

Hope to see some West-siders show up!

Erik LaSeur GCFT

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher

erik@alkimoves.com

AlkiMoves

improve your movement, improve your life

http://www.alkimoves.com/

To the stars we rise

2009-10-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite destinations is the Redwood forest in the coastal region of northern California.

These majestic old trees reach hundreds of feet up into the sky.

Because of the age and height these trees grow to the size of the trunks are large enough for a small car to drive through.

Being a somewhat stable being the large footprint is necessary for its survival.

As more mobile beings us humans rely upon a fairly small footprint. This too is for our survival. What we lack in size and strength we gain with dexterity and intelligence.

To rise to the occasion most effectively we must know how to use our skeleton to support ourselves in gravity.

Then our muscles will be free for action.

And we'll be able to rise toward the stars.

The studio is almost ready.

The floors are done and beautiful! Pics coming soon.

Feldenkrais in West Seattle

Erik LaSeur GCFT
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Improve your movement

improve your life......

Contact Erik:

erik@alkimoves.com

Happy Birthday...to me!

2009-09-14T10:01:00.001-07:00

Today I turn 48, I don't look a day over 30-something...heh.

It's also my dog Larry's birthday within a few days, so I thought I'd post a pic I took earlier this summer when it was uber-hot.

He's laying in front of the fan trying to cool off.

Every year I get older and yet my functioning gets easier, this shows me more and more about the effectiveness of the Feldenkrais Method.

So many people my age complain about the things they can't do anymore, and they blame age...to which I call bullshit on.

Recent studies in Neuroplasticity are now proving what Moshé Feldenkrais postulated over 50 years ago:

Our ability to learn is ever present, even in our most advanced years.

So, no matter what age you've reached, you always have the opportunity to re-live your youth. The simple lessons that the Feldenkrais Method offers, gives any of us a chance to move once again as we did when we were younger.

Stay tuned for details soon on the opening of Alki Moves movement learning center on Alki.

Erik LaSeur GCFT

http://www.alkimoves.com/

The sound of the clock ticking

2009-08-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

I've been testing out new outside the ear hearing aids the past week and a half.

Hearing things I've never heard before.

Birds chirping in my trees.

Before it was usually just crows I could hear.

Phones, alarms, and all sorts of signals I didn't know existed.

Having read some of Oliver Sach's books has helped me nagivate the waters of rapidly changed neurological impulses.

Finding where I can support myself, with my skeleton as well as from a deeper space within.

The most fascinating things I can hear now are the human voices.

I can listen without strain.

Resting in new support.

Adapting to change.

As the clock ticks.

Beginning this Sunday August 9th 2009, I'll be teaching a 2:00 to 3:00pm group class (Awareness through Movement®) at 8 Limbs Yoga in West Seattle.

http://www.8limbsyoga.com/

These one hour classes will explore how we can find support and move in easier, more pleasant ways.

Class Price: $15.00

$90.00 for 7 class series

Aug. 9, 16, 23, 30

Sept. 13, 20, 27

2:00 - 3:00pm

Erik LaSeur GCFT

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Don't shoot at cows

2009-07-25T01:02:00.000-07:00

That was the biggest take-away from a BNI members orientation meeting I attended today.

The trainer had a fancy Powerpoint presentation where a bow & arrow and target appear on the screen. Then some cows appear on either side of the target.

The scenario is that you are blind-folded aimlessly shooting at cows instead of at a specific target.

This is a trap that we can fall into when putting our message out to the world.

Trying to cater to everyone at once instead of targeting a specific niche.

When we target a specific group in our marketing message people are more apt to see themselves or others they know that may need our services.

Lessons also often target specific functions/actions we do in everyday life. Spending time with one area, refining how we move and act, in our own personal classroom.

The quality of movement we learned from the lesson can then be applied to our other movements.

Becoming a whole human being...and not shooting at cows.

'What do you want to do?'

Erik LaSeur GCFT

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Happy Independence Day

2009-07-04T16:13:00.001-07:00

Okay, I don't have a flag shot.

But these petunias on my porch seem pretty happy to be alive.

They've been given a place to find support for growing from a seedling to a plant that sprouts large flowers.

Similar to plants we too can live a life with more independence by finding and using our support system.

Our skeleton.

Our intention.

Always the question:

From where I am now, at this moment, am I able to move in any direction without hesitation or preparation?

Where do I find support, and how can I change support with as little effort as possible.

Always ready and flowing with our environment.

The environment has already met us, it's hand is always open.

Happy Independence Day!

For more on the Feldenkrais Method®:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Feldenkrais in West Seattle
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http://www.alkimoves.com/
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Erik LaSeur GCFT
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher

Feldenkrais in West Seattle

2009-06-09T23:55:00.001-07:00

Some more beauty from my yard in the past month.

This beautiful lilac grows right out my kitchen window.

Watching all the spring growth lately has helped me to see how other beings find support for their growth.

As in watching time-lapse photography, some of the new bamboo shoots are over 20' tall already, in one month's time since poking thier heads out of the ground.

How do they find enough support to quickly climb 20 feet into the air.

Beginning as a soft grass, hardening into a wood.

How do you find support?

Feldenkrais in West Seattle

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Erik LaSeur GCFT

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher

Erect this

2009-06-02T22:20:00.000-07:00

Tis the season for new bamboo shoots in the yard. This one is already about 12' high and has only been out of the ground for a couple weeks.

Having a physics brain I'm always looking at how things are constructed. How do they find support to stand up? What type of stresses can they take in order to remain erect?

The human body posits the same questions in my daily journey as a Feldenkrais® teacher.

How does one find support in order to be as erect as possible given the forces against us, mainly gravity?

My students will say I probably harp on the finding support theme a bit much. But I find this aspect of the Feldenkrais Method® as an important foundation (pun intended) for potent action in the world.

Sure there are many lessons we can learn about being more flexible, connecting the movements of parts of ourselves with others to have more fluid actions. But without a sound support any new actions we may want to perform won't have the power they could.

When you want to be erect how do you find support?

For more on the Feldenkrais Method®:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Weekly Awareness through Movement® lessons at:

http://westseattlewellness.com/

Tuesdays @ 7:00PM

Erik LaSeur GCFT

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Red Clover, move on over

2009-05-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

Since I live on a corner lot there are two parking strips I maintain. The main strip is on the busy road that brings everyone down to the beach...it's grass.

Then there is the other parking strip, where no one can park. I decided a few years ago to plant wildflowers here and just let them do what they do naturally.

Grow wild.

The first and most abundant flowers that show up in the spring are these red clovers. There are hundreds and hundreds of them packed in this little spot.

Since many people walk past here on their way to the beach I always hope that the ones that need to have some flowers to cheer themselves up will help themselves (within reason, of course). I've already seen a few people do just that, and it does make me feel good that I can help brighten someone's day a bit.

So if you need some floral cheer, come on down and pick a few. They don't last forever. Soon they will pass and other wildflowers will take their place.

Amazing how much joy a $1.98 seed packet can bring.

For other ways to uplift your life come check out my Awareness through Movement class being held at:

West Seattle Wellness

http://westseattlewellness.com/

Erik LaSeur

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/

For more on the Feldenkrais Method:
http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Snooze button = dissin my self

2009-04-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

I tried hitting the snooze button many times this morning.

I gave myself almost no time.

In the end those obstacles weren't enough to deter me from showing up at 7:45am for my first ever BNI breakfast meeting.

I was the official first-time visitor.

Got to stand up and give my 45 second commercial...oh the anticipation of it all.

My somewhat-well scripted speech didn't get unfolded, I winged it.

It reminded me of all of my lessons.

Just showing up and being present, and having fun.

And learning new things.

Weekly Awareness through Movement lessons at:

West Seattle Wellness
http://westseattlewellness.com/

Erik LaSeur
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®
http://www.alkimoves.com/

For more on the Feldenkrais Method:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Stretchin the truth

2009-04-12T01:07:00.001-07:00

Living down here on Alki I see all sorts of runners and walkers going by, occasionally they stop and stretch.

The normal, violent stretching that we were all told was beneficial to us.

I recall our track workouts in high school, over 30 years ago. Before we could run, the coach made us go through a half-hour or more of painful pre-workout stretching. All the while telling us that this would help us run better...blah, blah...

One of the things that Feldenkrais Teachers learn to understand is the futility and harm that stretching can cause.

What are we after when we stretch?

We want our leg muscles to lengthen, yes?

Well, I can teach anyone in less than a minute a simple, painless way of lengthening their muscles without stretching.

Massage therapists may remember a concept known as reciprocal inhibition http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reciprocal_inhibition when they were going through their training. The firing of the antagonist muscles will reflexibly lengthen their protagonists. Ie...if you want to lengthen your hamstrings you fire your quadricep muscles.

If you think I'm stretchin the truth, the following article looks at stretching from a different direction:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/02/sports/playmagazine/112pewarm.html?_r=4&scp=1&sq=STRETCHING%20THE%20TRUTH&st=cse

Yes, stretching may feel good. But it's similar to scratching an itch. The more you do it, the more damage you do, the more you crave it...ad infinitum.

There is such a thing as beneficial stretching, done with awareness. Paying attention to where your support is from the ground while slowly moving in a stretching direction, and with much less range.

The best performances come when one is aware of what they're doing with their bodies while in the act. The best way of prepping for this, of course, is during training and not the actual performance.

Becoming aware of our habitual nature is a continual learning experience, and can be started at any time, at any age.

The next time you're running, walking, skating, biking, etc. down on Alki, stop by and I can show you a more efficient, less painful way of getting your muscles ready for potent action.

To learn more about becoming more potent in your actions and thoughts:

Weekly Awareness through Movement® classes are being held on:

Tuesdays 7:00PM
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At: West Seattle Wellness
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http://westseattlewellness.com/
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For more on the Feldenkrais method:

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http://www.feldenkrais.com/

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Erik LaSeur

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Learning to Fly

2009-03-31T20:51:00.001-07:00

"You've got to learn how to fall, before you learn to fly" Paul Simon from 'Rhymin Simon'.

We spent a couple weeks during the first year of our feldenkrais training learning many different ways of falling. To the outside observer it would've looked like we were learning to stand on our heads.

Once we learned that there was a safe way to fall from any direction, standing on our heads was easy.

It's funny that I never could do this when I was a child and had to wait till I turned 40 to accomplish.

But then Moshé taught Ben-Gurion to stand on his head at age 70!

Now I'm learning many ways of not doing a business correctly, different ways of falling in the self-employment world. It's been a bit tough on my psyche as I was raised that I had to do everything perfectly the first time or else I shouldn't bother.

Luckily I'm outgrowing that belief structure.

"To learn to succeed, you must first learn to fail." - Michael Jordan

"The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed" - Lao Tzu

These are useful sayings for us when we're learning to fly.

Learn how to fly with

Weekly Awareness through Movement classes are being held on:

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Tuesdays 7:00PM

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At: West Seattle Wellness

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http://westseattlewellness.com/

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For more on the Feldenkrais method:
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http://www.feldenkrais.com/
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Erik LaSeur
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®
http://www.alkimoves.com/

Happy spring!

2009-03-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

Despite the rain and cool temps, or maybe because of them, it feels like spring today.

These mini-daffs are waking up the blueberry plants above them.

The lilac tree is budding up well, it should put on a good show in a month or so.

The seasons change is a good reminder to myself about how versatile nature is. It's ability to adapt to the changing environment, for it's own nurturance and preservation.

Learning to adapt to one's environment becomes easier as we pay attention to how we inhabit that space called 'our body'.

How is it that I interact with the world around me?

How do I interact with myself?

These types of questions can come up internally while in the learning environment.

I see these seasonal changes, and the occasional wind/rain/snow storm, as nature's own way of testing us, to see how able we are to adapt to the changing environment.

Come explore your own environment, become more adaptable to life.

And enjoy spring!

Weekly Awareness through Movement classes are being held on:

Tuesdays 7:00PM

At: West Seattle Wellness

http://westseattlewellness.com/

For more on the Feldenkrais method:

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http://www.feldenkrais.com/

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Erik LaSeur

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/

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Learning Freedom

2009-03-04T00:56:00.000-08:00

Most of what I teach are things we used to know how to do; to learn with abandon as we teach ourselves how to roll over, crawl, sit up, stand...etc., to be free in our movements and thoughts, not afraid to make mistakes (because in the feldenkrais method there are no mistakes, just different ways of doing things).

As we grow out of our infantness and move toward adulthood many of our actions become habitual, acting more out of compulsiveness rather than spontaneity.

The fun thing about the feldenkrais method is that we're given permission to go back to the organic learning style we naturally were born into. Not having to follow a correct script about how things should be done but rather letting us explore what works for each of us as individuals.

Free to be ourselves.

We can only be the best expression of ourselves when following our own bliss, when honoring how we best do something, and not how others do it.

I fall into the trap of trying to run a business the same way other teachers run theirs, with the thought that it should be done how others do it. I always find I get unstuck when I make the decision to follow my own heart about how to proceed, to get out of my own compulsive nature and move in an uncharted spontaneous direction for myself.

Helping others to find more efficient ways to be and move in the world, to help them find their own freedom...this always pushes me to further push for my own freedom....which further helps me help others find a greater degree of freedom in their lives. When someone can learn an easier way to do anything it does open up their experience of life a little more.

Come learn how you can experience a little bit more freedom in your life with the feldenkrais method.

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http://www.feldenkrais.com/
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Erik LaSeur
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®
http://www.alkimoves.com/
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Awareness Through Movement® lessons (group) at:
West Seattle Wellness in the Alaska junction.

http://westseattlewellness.com/
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Every Tuesday:
7:00pm
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sounds of silence

2009-02-22T17:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, so some of my classes could be akin to the sound of crickets.

I'd be ecstatic if there were as many as two students for a class....lol.

The advantage of having an open room to myself is that I've been able to spend time teaching myself, in a larger space. At home I don't have as much room to roll around.

Having others in the room would be fun too.

Try it out for free.

'Awareness through Movement' classes

Tuesday evenings at 7:00PM

Erik LaSeur
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®
http://www.alkimoves.com/
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Awareness Through Movement® lessons (group) at:
West Seattle Wellness in the Alaska junction

http://westseattlewellness.com/
Enter in alley behind Jak's at 8 Limbs Yoga.

Every Tuesday:
7:00pm

Unknowns to freedom

2009-02-13T01:13:00.000-08:00

Part of the fun (or insert appropriate adjective here) of the journey of life are the unexpected turns it can take.

I heard this quote from Graham Nash today that struck me:

"Life is not perfect, and it never will be. You just have to make the very best of it.

And you have to open your heart to what the world can show you.

And sometimes it's terrifying and sometimes it's incredibly beautiful.

And I'll take both.

Thanks."

Staying engaged in the process even when the territory seems unknown. That's pretty much every lesson I've ever taught...lol.

It's interesting to be in that space of not knowing for sure what my next move is for certain, giving myself time to find some clarity and insight into what patterns are presenting themselves.

I remember in some of the old Moshe video tapes, where he'd be giving a one-on-one lesson with a client. Sometimes during the lesson he'd go over and sit down and have a smoke.

He was thinking.

Not sure he's seeing what he thinks he's seeing.

I've found myself taking rests during lessons, so I can take another look, and maybe go in a different direction to effect the same idea.

After receiving a lesson sometimes we have to deal with unknowns.

We may move with more freedom than we're used to.

This presents more opportunities, and more unknowns.

By playing in the world of the unknowns we're asked to move out of the sphere of everything we've tried and develop new strategies to exist.

And new freedoms to enjoy.

...
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http://www.feldenkrais.com/

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Erik LaSeur

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/

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Awareness Through Movement® lessons (group) at:

West Seattle Wellness in the Alaska junction.
http://westseattlewellness.com/

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Every Tuesday:

7:00pm

Year of the Ox

2009-01-25T23:54:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

This is the year of the oxen.

Those of us who are oxen, including Barack Obama and I who were both born in the summer of 61' (he is one month older than me), share these attributes according to the chinese zodiac and Wikipedia:

The Ox is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. This powerful sign is a born leader, being quite dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things.

As one might guess, such people are dependable, calm, and modest. Like their animal namesake, the Ox is unswervingly patient, tireless in their work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship without complaint.

Ox people need peace and quiet to work through their ideas, and when they have set their mind on something it is hard for them to be convinced otherwise. An Ox person has a very logical mind and is extremely systematic in whatever they do, though they have a tremendous imagination and an unparalleled appreciation for beauty.

These people speak little but are extremely intelligent. When necessary, they are articulate and eloquent.

People born under the influence of the Ox are kind, caring souls, logical, positive, filled with common sense and with their feet firmly planted on the ground.

Security is their main preoccupation in life, and they are prepared to toil long and hard in order to provide a warm, comfortable and stable nest for themselves and their families. Strong-minded, stubborn, individualistic, the majority are highly intelligent individuals who don't take kindly to being told what to do.

The Ox works hard, patiently, and methodically, with original intelligence and reflective thought. These people enjoy helping others. Behind this tenacious, laboring, and self-sacrificing exterior lies an active mind.

The Ox is not extravagant, and the thought of living off credit cards or being in debt makes them nervous. The possibility of taking a serious risk could cause the Ox sleepless nights.
Ox people are truthful and sincere, and the idea of wheeling and dealing in a competitive world is distasteful to them.

They are rarely driven by the prospect of financial gain. These people are always welcome because of their honesty and patience.

They are reputed to be the most beautiful of face in the zodiac. They have many friends, who appreciate the fact that the

Ox people are wary of new trends, although every now and then they can be encouraged to try something new. People born in the year of the Ox make wonderful parents and teachers of children.

It is important to remember that the Ox people are sociable and relaxed when they feel secure, but occasionally a dark cloud looms over such people and they engage all the trials of the whole world and seek solutions for them.

...

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®
http://www.alkimoves.com/

Awareness Through Movement® lessons (group) at:
West Seattle Wellness in the Alaska junction.

http://westseattlewellness.com/

Every Tuesday:
7:00pm

the F word

2009-01-17T00:06:00.000-08:00

Invariably the conversation comes to the question of "what do you do for a living?"

How many ways can I describe what I do without uttering the official title?

Something about the mere utterance of the 'F' word sends normal brains into tailspins, trying to place it into a familiar box, to make some sense of it.

Among alternative titles, following are some of my favorites:

human advocate

wellness teacher

pest control consultant

gardener

self image consultant

Even as the name dance goes on, I'm still officially a feldenkrais teacher.

I did just recently give an entire lesson without ever uttering anything about what my professional title was. She was too busy having fun (and smiling a lot) learning how to make her legs light so she could lift them with less effort.

She just knew me as someone that was willing to engage in the play field of learning with her, to hopefully find an easier way to do something. Something that was mostly impossible for her.

She did have the Jan09 copy of the AARP magazine where I pointed her to an article which mentioned feldenkrais as very effective with chronic pain patients.

I said "in case you're wondering what it is that this was."

In case you're wondering about the 'F' word:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Awareness Through Movement® lessons (group) at:

West Seattle Wellness in the Alaska junction.

Every Tuesday:

12:15pm

Got Chronic Pain?

2009-01-02T11:41:00.000-08:00

The Feldenkrais Method® is known for helping people with mobility issues, neurological problems, recovering from trauma, and even helping world class athletes perform at higher levels, etc.

But one of the largest groups of people it can help, are those that suffer from chronic pain.

When learning to pay attention to the littlest movements, to how we do them, what parts of us participate, and what parts don’t, we in the process learn bit by bit to move and be as whole persons.

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Chronic muscular pain usually exists because part of us has taken on more of a burden of the work than other parts. When we can enlist these forgotten parts back into our every movement, whether it’s just the simple act of pursing our lips or of much larger movements, the work will be spread out more and the stress and strain (and pain) that’s been put on one area will lessen.

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Awareness through Movement® (ATM) classes are group classes where the teacher gives verbal instructions and the student(s) interpret them in their own way. Unlike exercise classes where you’re expected to do the movement to its full extent and like everyone else, in ATM it’s not about how far or fast but rather it’s about paying attention to how you do it.

The actual movement is really inconsequential as you can learn just as much or more by not even moving but rather getting a sense of what would be involved to initiate the movement.

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Feldenkrais® has been called the anti-exercise for this reason as it has nothing to do with ‘working out’ or getting ‘stretched out’. It’s an educational approach to the intelligent use of our bodies, to the maturation process.

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Also, one of the best things I like about the classes is that there is no strict decorum of how you enter the classroom or lesson. We all have our own unique ways of being in this world and each of us needs to honor that by not being pigeon-holed into the same routine as everyone else. It gives each of us another chance to view our own individuality. If one must come late or leave early, no reason must be given to the instructor. The ultimate learner is the student and learning to take care of oneself is the ultimate lesson.

These are adult learning classes, so humor and play are highly encouraged. These are helpful in the learning process.

For more on the Feldenkrais Method®:
http://www.feldenkrais.com/

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Erik LaSeur
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®
http://www.alkimoves.com/

...Coming Tuesday, January 6, 2009!

Awareness Through Movement® lessons (group) at:
West Seattle Wellness in the Alaska junction.

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Every Tuesday:

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9:00am

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11:30am
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1:45pm

After the thaw, sun and wind.

2008-12-29T16:46:00.000-08:00

After about 2 weeks of snow, ice and slush, it's finally in the past.

Now we have strong winds, top reported gust I saw at the Beach Drive weather station was 56mph!

My empty garbage can was blown across Admiral Way, empty of it's 3 weeks worth of trash.

With the new year comes the symbolic gesture of setting goals.

For myself, I've found that the 'attained' goal usually arrives not out of striving for the end goal, but rather honoring the path I'm on and meeting with what ever presents itself...the rain, thunder, snow, ice, wind, and even the sun.

The process of an Awareness through Movement lesson is one of paying attention to how you do something. The simple command 'lift your arm' for some can be one of a compulsive need to compete, raise their arm quicker, higher, longer.

Moshé called these 'stupid movements' only because the movement itself wasn't really that important, but rather the attention given to the movement. So even though there are over 1000 Awareness through Movement lessons floating around for different movement/sensing sequences, they all can teach the same idea of paying attention.

Have a happy new year.

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/
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Coming Tuesday, January 6, 2009!
Awareness Through Movement® lessons (group) at:

West Seattle Wellness in the Alaska junction.

Every Tuesday

9:00am

11:30am

1:45pm

happy solstice!

2008-12-21T03:57:00.000-08:00

hmmm...it's 4:04am...

It's winter solstice time!

Break out the volleyball net 'B' and meet ya down across from Dukes.

I've been up all morning excited by the latest snowfall. Went out and cleared the walks and a path to the car.

Whatever holiday tradition you follow, I wish you and yours the best!

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:
http://www.feldenkrais.com/

.
Erik LaSeur
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®
http://www.alkimoves.com/

.
Coming January 6, 2009!

Awareness Through Movement® lessons (group) at West Seattle Wellness in the Alaska junction.

If you know what you're doing, it's correct.

2008-12-11T23:52:00.000-08:00

We're all brought up to think of the duality of life. Some things are right, some are wrong.

When it comes to movement we often think of doing it right or wrong and inevitably the student will ask "what is the right way to do this (or move)?"

Moshé's answer to this question would be "if you know what you're doing, then you're correct."

This answer sets the Feldenkrais method apart from how all other methods and techniques look at health and how they go about attaining it.

Setting aside our preconceived notions of what good posture or movement should look like, and relying upon the student's ability to become aware of how they do something, whether static or dynamic. This is the simplicity of the Method.

This is also why the Method isn't classified as 'therapy.' We don't work to some ideal of what proper movement or posture should be or look like. Since we're all constructed a little bit different and all have unique experiences while growing up, we all will have our own way of being in the world...

...and the answers for each won't be the same.

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Coming January 09! Awareness Through Movement® lessons (group) at West Seattle Wellness in the Alaska junction.

count the colors

2008-12-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

My new neighbor unveiled it's paint job today....yikes!

I count 7 colors and woodtone...lol.

I guess the pressure is on. How manycolors can I paint this house?

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:
http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®
http://www.alkimoves.com/

Coming January 09!
Awareness Through Movement lessons (group) at West Seattle Wellness in the Alaska junction.

Fall colors - red

2008-12-05T00:16:00.001-08:00

I took these pictures about a month ago on a walk around the neighborhood.

The fall leaves were at their full-on red glory...

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This was my favorite tree on the street.

The brightness of the leaves helped me see it from 3 blocks away with ease.

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Some mid-sized berry like things down at the beach.

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The combo of pink and green looked delicious!

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One of the christmas cactus flowers in my living room, a few days ago:

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:
http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®
http://www.alkimoves.com/

Coming January 09!

Awareness Through Movement lessons (group) at West Seattle Wellness in the Alaska junction.

Back pain? Just pay attention

2008-11-28T17:25:00.000-08:00

I hear so many people complain about their sore backs and the many ways they try to alleviate it.

They go see their Massage therapist/chiropractor/Physical Therapist/Acupuncturist/herbalist/ect. ad infinitum.

While these methods all do wonders for temporarily alleviating the suffering and sometimes even long-term, none of them addresses the lifetime of habits that eventually led to this state of being.

I believe one of the most effective means is simply to pay attention to what you're doing. Once we begin to re-learn how to pay attention to how we do any action we then find how we incorporate (or not) the rest of ourselves in our actions.

The most efficient action is one where it's spread out evenly throughout the whole body.

Every action.

There is a reason Moshé entitled his last book "The Elusive Obvious." The Feldenkrais method is simple mechanics of efficiency, but this seems to elude most of us. If you want to watch a master at this type of learning look to the nearest infant, they're the most potent learners on the planet.

You can pay me (or the multitude of other LMP's) for a relaxing massage, or have a PT or physical trainer put you through the paces of strengthening your weak muscles, or have a chiropractor adjust your spine, or someone can balance your chakras, or do a voodoo dance to chase away the sore back demons.

But in the end did you learn anything about your habitual nature that got you into this condition in the first place? I do see the value in the other professions, I also believe that when the client feels they have control over their own healing, it's that much more powerful.

"If you know what you're doing, you can do anything." Moshé Feldenkrais

The next time you feel a muscular pain, whether it's your back, neck, shoulders, ect. pay attention not to the pain but rather to how you are using the rest of your body. How are you standing? Is more pressure on one foot than the other? Where on your feet do you support more of yourself? How are you sitting? Is there more pressure on one sitz bone (butt) than the other? Do you hold your breath during certain actions? Pay attention to excessive strain or holding patterns....etc.

You just might experience a little bit of your own magic (although I hesitate to use this word as it's really not magic just the nervous system responding to new information).

For more on how to apply this simple (fun and playful too!) yet very effective method for alleviating pain:

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/

I'm currently teaching individual lessons on Alki.

Gratitude today and always

2008-11-27T13:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is the traditional day of the year when we give thanks for our lot in life. For our family and friends, home, job,health...etc.

In my own life I've found that regular sessions of thanks or gratitude have really opened up the beauty that life can be.

I find that not only having gratitude for all the things we deem 'nice' but also for all the people/things that we feel have given us challenges is important for us to move along in our growth as fully functioning humans.

It's those tough situations/people that have taught me valuable lessons in patience and forgiveness among other attributes. I've found it easier to put my experiences in perspective of how they shaped my life...to thank those that forced me to learn the tougher lessons.

In the end we all do the best we know how, the best we were taught by our siblings/parents/and other family members while we were in our formative years. In addition to this familial learning we also add in our extra-familial experiences and learnings that form how we are as mature (more or less) adults.

Hopefully today you'll take the moment to give thanks to all those (whether you judge the experience as positive or negative) that have impacted your life. And tomorrow....and the next day....and so forth.

Gratitude or giving thanks is one of the most powerful tools we have for our own growth.

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:
http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®
http://www.alkimoves.com/

Curiosity cured the cat

2008-11-15T16:38:00.000-08:00

The Grand Canyon has lots of ecosystems in a small space because of it's intense elevation changes.

Cats seemed to prefer this South Rim area.

Despite the sign it's tough not to let your curiosity roam for the sheer beauty of the canyon.

Curiosity is an important element in living a fuller, more spontaneous life. It can also play a role in our healing. When we begin to pay attention to smaller and smaller changes in our bodies during the lessons and after, we start to bring in more of ourselves to every movement. Every part can do a little and no one part does a lot.

No one can know you better than yourself, so you might as well be curious!

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Boo!

2008-10-31T00:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

I've lost 30lbs this year, so I'm going as a skeleton.

I built this guy (Dennis) in my trainer's garage in Bend, OR. A fun weekend with fellow classmates as we wielded drills and bungy-cords and the occasional brew.

I was warned...'Sasquatch Crossing' sign in Piercy,CA on Hwy 101.

Foggy morning in the Redwoods. They hide best in these conditions!

Fall colors in the Redwoods on the 'Avenue of the Giants'.

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:
http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®
http://www.alkimoves.com/

Travel scenes

2008-10-21T13:25:00.001-07:00

I don't think this guy was too amused at me backing my car up to take his picture, he was strolling along the shoulder just inside the West Yellowstone entrance.

One of the painter's pots....

Boys being boys....

Larry checking out the snow in Yellowstone...

This guy stopped all traffic just outside Jackson, Wyoming...

Zion National Park, one of the tunnel vents...

Sunset over the North Rim of the Grand Canyon...

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Keeping faith

2008-10-11T17:20:00.000-07:00

Faith was born with her hind legs and part of a front leg (which had to be amputated).

She learned how to adapt to the situation and walks nearly erect. Notice how her tail is used for counter-balance.

Teach a person (or dog for that matter) how to function and their form adapts to the stimulus given it.

The common perception is that if you change someone's form then their function will change. I agree with this to a degree...once someone is in a chronic state then they can more easily address their habitual natures and learn to change their functions to more satisfying and efficient experiences.

Learn to live life more fully as a human being, or as a more full human doggie!

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:
http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®
http://www.alkimoves.com/

To give us a perceived sense of weightlessness...

2008-09-25T22:35:00.000-07:00

Ummm..Alex...."What is a skeleton for?"

correct....for $500!

When we're well organized and the weight comes through our skeleton, there is no perceived sense of weight. With a high center of gravity and a low moment of inertia we can be quick in our movements using minimal effort.

Watching the movements of world-class athletes, dancers, musicians, etc. gives us a glimpse of the beauty we can display in our own lives.

After a few lessons many people report a feeling of 'lightness' (I've never seen anyone levitate though), feeling taller, or the sense of using less effort for the same tasks.

How does this happen? What's going on?

The genius of Moshé was to create lessons that help us develop our ability to 'be' in space. From the moment we're born that is our job; to learn where we are, who we are, continually seeking refinement. This is how we become highly functioning healthy humans.

We're all just tall, unstable cylinders either seeking stability (security) or refinement. The evolutionary aspect of our nervous system is one of refinement, given that we're not in a survival situation. Learning can only happen when our necessary needs are taken care of first (Maslow's heirarchy ;-).

The good thing is that we can always, at any age, pick up this ability to learn...how to feel 'weightless.'

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Happy birthday

2008-09-14T22:18:00.000-07:00

Today I turned 47!

And what a beautiful day it was. Sunny, 75 and a slight breeze.

The boy and I ventured on down to the cookoff that was still going on at the beach to have some more of that beef brisket.

An added bonus after we chowed down was that a very nice girl brought Larry and I a pork rib from their grill...I was ever thankful to her. She was with a family group from Portland, Klamath Falls OR, and Reno.

Had a leasurely pedal into DT this afternoon and really appreciated the fact that I can pedal 20 miles a day without much stress. I'm up to 826 miles in the last 7.5 weeks.

To life to life, I made it another year!

And here's to an even better one.

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:
http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®
http://www.alkimoves.com/

folks makin music

2008-09-08T16:46:00.000-07:00

That's what folk music is...

I spent a wonderful weekend in Sisters, OR at the folk music festival. Saw many cool acts, none I've ever seen before.

The one act that left a very strong impression on me was Joe Craven. Joe spends his time at these festivals teaching ordinary folks how to create music. In his act he uses the simplicities of a recording device that can record loops of sounds, he also used pots and pans, etc. as instruments. I never saw Joe before or went to any of the music writing workshops, but what he said at the end of his act truly has inspired me.

I'm paraphrasing since I never wrote any of this down yesterday:

"We all have a story to tell, and we can only do it our way, not anyone elses. The more we suppress letting who we are to shine, the more we die. Whatever art you feel is inside you needs a way to come out, pick it up for 10 mins a day. The world will be a much better and happier place."

I played my saxophone today for the first time in a month or so...for at least 15 minutes!

8-)~~

And the memories of that beautiful sunset as I was cresting 4800' Santiam Pass on Friday night...pink and blue sky...white trunked burnt out forest...crescent moon on horizon.

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Summer cleanse

2008-08-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

It's monsoon season!

Other than taking the dog on his usual mile and a half walk I haven't been outside today.

It's wet.

The yard looks happy though. A good shower for all the living beings that inhabit my environs.

The process of change can include the occasional drenching, sometimes near-drownings. It's not that it rains, but how we respond to it.

If the rain would let up a bit...I just might have to go for a bike ride.

I've got lights.

8-;

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:
http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Roll on

2008-08-13T23:44:00.000-07:00

I've taken up an olde friend. The bicycle.

In the past 3 weeks I've ridden the distance from my front door to the the Bend,OR city limits (325 miles). To add some context; in the prior 12 months I've pedaled almost 300 miles.

At a friend's house this past Saturday I sneaked a look on his scale...I've lost some lbs. too. That was 80 miles of pedaling ago.

Aside from losing some weight I've also noticed some increased range due to less soft tissue opposition! (less fat!)

And mostly, my energy level has risen to a much different place.

Tomorrow will be some beach volleyball...should be hot.

8-)~

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®
http://www.alkimoves.com/

Buh bye!

2008-08-01T23:04:00.001-07:00

Today was my last as a Macy's corporate whore. Officially laid off...about time...they told us 6 months ago we were toast.

I can now enjoy the summer. Yeah!!

I'm standing in a room that I've mostly reclaimed (got rid of lots of stuff). I can do lessons in this room soon. I'm sure I'll learn a lot about restoring/replacing wood flooring in the meantime. It can't be too hard?

There...I just saved 60-100 grand by not trying to change my attic into a livable space :-)

This is a time for myself to be more present in my being. Having let go of stuff (guaranteed salary and a room full of clutter) a void has been created. Will my behaviours tend toward the known to quickly find an equilibrium?

In lessons it's important to allow the nervous system a chance to familiarize itself with new movement patterns, with rest. The kind of rest where you lie in the position you initially came back to, without any stretching, ruffling, straightening, or any other means to find an older, more familar resting position.

It's a way of teaching us to be comfortable with the unknown.

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Finding support

2008-07-23T23:05:00.001-07:00

Arches National Park, Utah. This place is on my agenda for the fall road-trip.

The fragile looking setup is held together by a capstone on top, taking the forces of both sides to allow them to remain standing.

A talk Moshé gave once, he talked of how the majority of relationships (personal, business, religious, etc.) are formed based on mutual insecurities of both parties. He described an arch as representative of these relationships. A strong structure. In the above picture the two sides have a better chance of standing up if they can mutually lean on something, each other.

If they were standing in a more erect fashion they probably could rely on their own mass and the forces of gravity to stand up.

When two parties have this relationship and one decides to stand up, the other partner has a choice to make.

Oh crap! I have to change!

Some of the options could be to stand up on their own, to fall down, or to hold onto the other one for dear life. I'm sure there are many other variations on a theme here.

One of the bylines I thought of using when first thinking of going online a couple years ago was...'Finding support, nurturing growth'. It was a nifty Flash page that had two hands come together, then a tree would rise out of the hands.

I was heavy into the support aspect of the lessons. Reeling from the loss of my beloved Yvonne and trying to find my ground, my support. I had to choose to stand up (to be that tree on the webpage template). Fortunately the Awarness through Movement® lessons I periodically taught myself helped me in this process. Now I'm a fledgling redwood tree... 8-)~

A question I often ask myself when feeling out of sorts is "where is my support?", or "how am I standing (sitting, lying)?"

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Bouncing Back

2008-07-07T21:27:00.001-07:00

I spent part of the 4th of July over on Alki Beach playing beach volleyball.

This was the first time I've played volleyball in at least 10 years, and the first time in sand.

Needless to say, I trashed my body.

But I'm happy.

I met some new friends, found my serve :-), and now have a new (fun) way to get/keep in shape.

Physically, I know I'll be ready the next time we play as I've learned how (through my feldenkrais training) to reset myself.

The lessons take on a much more personal flavor when I've compromised my own abilities to move easily....lol.

The notions of moving less, and slower are easier when it hurts to do otherwise.

Mentally, I feel I've made another huge step in my own recovery.

During the six years that Yvonne battled breast cancer I slowly removed myself from most friendships and activities, as I focused more on being there for her.

I hadn't realized what I done until after she passed on and I all of a sudden felt very alone, fat, and old.

I've had to basically start a new life (luckily I had a job, a house, and a handful of good friends left).

Moshé once gave a talk on 'What is health?'

Part of his definition of health was the ability to overcome adversity, to bounce back. To take a hit and find a way to come back and live life...kind of a 'fuck you' to whatever tried to knock you down.

I may never make a living in the feldenkrais profession (very few do), but you can't take away the invaluable learnings I received and continue to hone for my own self-preservation. The ability to re-set myself (derail any habitual patterns that I become aware of that aren't good for me) by the simple act of laying on the floor and allowing gravity to teach me a better way of being.

For those who've never experienced an Awareness Through Movement lesson the above paragraph probably seems non-sensical. But it is a simple process for anyone to learn how to teach themselves to be their own best advocate for health.

See you on the beach!

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Early summers eve

2008-06-25T22:06:00.001-07:00

To celebrate summer...

Larry had a bathe...

Look at that sexy bod!

The pampas is giving its salute to summer!

Some evening color from the yard, in celebration of summer!

The black bamboo is certainly excited about it being summer.

So is the crooked bamboo....woohoo!

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Slouching deserves its day

2008-06-18T22:26:00.000-07:00

We all have habits, and slouching is probably on everyone's list. But unfortunately most people would put it in the 'bad habit' column.

How is slouching good for us?

When we slouch we engage muscles that are useful for many functions in our daily lives (tying our shoes, wiping our ass, picking up something from the floor, dancing, sex, etc....).

To limit our use of those muscles by trying to be 'straight' (which is nearly impossible per this post: http://alkisandbox.blogspot.com/2008/04/how-straight-do-you-want.html 'how straight do you want? April 11...) we then limit what actions we can take.

So if the poor kids in this picture really learn that it's bad to bend forward by rolling their pelvis back and rounding their backs, how will they learn to reach forward?

Usually when people talk about how bad slouching is they also add in that it's bad posture to do so.

So again I ask...what is good posture?

Most people would say it's when you are standing straight.
Okay, so can you have good posture while sitting? While laying down? How about rolling?

The definition of good posture or acture is when the forces of gravity are sustained by the skeletal system, leaving the muscles free for action. This is an active definition of posture as opposed to the static definition of standing still.
If you feel deep relief from a shoulder massage then you are using your muscles for stability and thus your posture is less than ideal.

By this definition you can slouch and have good posture.

If you want to find out how this is possible you can either read more at the guild website below or contact me.

Happy slouching!

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Awake, conscious, aware………zzzzz!

2008-06-12T21:44:00.001-07:00

Dr. Feldenkrais’ body of work is unmatched in the scientific world with regard to how humans develop and how they eventually hold the key to their own health and dignity.

While I enjoy listening to his talks there are many challenges I face in trying to assimilate the message.

For one, my hearing sucks. And it’s not enough to crank up the volume because I still have a tough time differentiating the sounds to make a meaningful sentence for me.

Adding to this is that he is a Russian Jew, so the dialect throws me.

And finally the way he thinks is so different from how we normally think about things, when I do hear what he’s saying I then have to process it through unknown filters.

The whole process is a catch-up game for me and can be tiresome.

So anyway.
Last night for probably the 20th time I was listening to a talk he gave in Amherst, MA in 1981…it was a general reading of letters moment where students had written down questions for him, and he was reading and answering some of them.

This talk centered around the question…’What is attention, and what is awareness?’

So he asks “How do you pay attention?”

What do you need to pay attention? You definitely need to be interested in the subject in order to pay attention. If there were no interest then there’d be no attention spent on it.

Then he moves onto the concepts of being awake, being conscious, and being aware.

There are no definite dividing lines for any of these.
We all kind of have an idea of when we’re awake, and when we’re not awake we must be asleep. And all the varying degrees in between.

All animals are conscious, unless you’re knocked unconscious. You can be asleep and be conscious.
But to be Aware, one must not only be conscious and awake but they also must know what/how they are doing something. Most of our daily lives are spent in the conscious only realm with very little awareness attached to it.

Are you aware of how you breathe? Are you aware of how you sit? Are you aware of what you eat and how it moves through your body? Are you aware of how you walk to your mailbox?

Sure we’re conscious of the facts that we’re breathing, sitting, eating, swallowing, pissing, shitting, fucking, etc. (Moshé was never shy in using these clinical terms...lol)
But are you ever aware of yourself in these acts?

Simple but complex questions that really help us to understand ourselves and to help us heal ourselves.

So it was at the point in the tape where he was asking….”How do you fall asleep?” “Are you aware of how you fall asleep?”

……zzzzzzzzzzz

I woke up an hour later laying on the floor……..crap!

One of these days I’ll make it through this entire hour without falling asleep….and, no I’m still not aware of how I fall asleep, but I certainly know what to listen to if I can’t.

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeurGuild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/

Are babies really smarter than us grownups?

2008-06-08T20:04:00.000-07:00

Okay, that picture kinda gives me the creeps...lol.

Your baby might not be able to figure out differential equations or make sense of the current political lunacy (who can?). But one thing all babies have over us grown-ups is a powerful grasp of organic learning...the ability to learn from their environment using their own selves as the measuring stick. They use this to learn how to suck, to roll over, sit, stand, etc.

I bring this up because I've heard a bit lately about 20 somethings with sore backs and their solutions to remedy this....strength training. Babies have very little muscle tonus compared to an older child or adult, yet you don't hear them complaining of sore backs...lol. So what's their secret?

Use of self.

What a baby is doing as they explore their world is a continual self-education in how they can use themselves efficiently to get what they want...a toy...candy...mommy...or some shiny object that fascinates them. The baby certainly isn't a muscle-man and can't power their way to do things. As we get older and stronger, and our actions become more compulsive due to familial and societal conditioning, we usually end up powering our way through things and letting the organic nature of our learning lay to waste.

Why doesn't strength training help my back?

We have our habits. And when we lift weights we do so by strengthening those habits...the same ones that gave us a sore back in the first place. Also, with stronger muscles we have a tendency to use them to 'hold' a position as a way of guarding ourselves against injury. This limits our possible actions (and thoughts), and makes for a rigid experience.

So, in short this kind of answers that question of what is feldenkrais?

Assist others in regaining their organic learning abilities. It doesn't have to be hard, and really can be childs play.

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:

.
http://www.feldenkrais.com/
.
.Erik LaSeurGuild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®
.
.http://www.alkimoves.com/

A pattern is a pattern is a pattern

2008-06-02T22:15:00.000-07:00

This is a Fire Rainbow - the rarest of all naturally occurring atmospheric phenomena.

The picture was captured last week on the ID/WA border.

The event lasted about 1 hour.

Clouds have to be cirrus, at least 20k feet in the air, with just the right amount of ice crystals and the sun has to hit the clouds at precisely 58 degrees.

.....

I spent a couple days last week laying on the bulkhead at Alki staring up at clouds, enjoying the various patterns. I remember as a child we would lay in the yard and gaze up at the different clouds and 'see' different animals and even people we knew!

...

To see a pattern in how someone walks or moves I've gotten good at guessing how they also form their thought patterns. There is no separation between mind and body, the pattern of our thinking manifests itself in our physical actions and vice versa.

Eg: If I see that someone has a challenge with stopping their action and reversing course I can make a fairly educated guess that they also have a tough time changing their mind about something they believe...course not easily reversed.

...

Our bodies are metaphors for how we see the world, like it or not. I choose to use this information for bettering my own personal experience of the world.

...

"I'm not interested in flexible bodies, but rather flexible minds"

Moshe Feldenkrais

...

I have to admit I enjoy watching people and the patterns they display that we can all, with some practice, learn to read like a book without ever talking to them.

...

Last week on the bus on the way into downtown Seattle I overheard (yes this is rare because most conversations to me sound like the adults in Charlie Brown cartoons..."Wohk wohk wohk wohk") a guy talking on his cell with his work about a little financial problem they were having...he was loud. A bit later when he was getting off the bus a lady behind him said "Mr.! you dropped your wallet". Now it would've been interesting to spend the day with him and see if he had a few more financial mishaps, but the pattern was set with those back-to-back incidents for him for a day to examine his beliefs about money and scarcity.

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Sometimes it's a bitch to have this kind of awareness that I can see the potentialities (good and bad) of people by the patterns they splash before me. But telling people what you see usually pisses em off so I have to just let nature take its course.

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Ways to see your own patterns are as simple as examining the words you use, whether verbal or not. Words are a window into how we think and the experience that we live. Noticing the words and changing them won't necessarily change your experience right away though...because of your history and the momentum this has created.

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Just like in a lesson it's important to notice what you do and/or think, without changing it. The observation of the act or thought is more important at this point than changing it. To immediately change how you do something would be a form of denial that you never did it that way. So you'd end up still doing it, and denying it ever existed.

It's okay to acknowledge your idiosyncracies, it's what makes you unique, who you are. To deny that is not healthy.

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For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

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Erik LaSeur
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

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http://www.alkimoves.com/

Les Izmore

2008-05-21T20:15:00.000-07:00

This is part of the extensive trail network in Sun River, OR. I lived about 7 weeks a year here during my 4 year feldenkrais training.

It was one of the cheapest short-term housing alternatives for a group in the Bend area.

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I spent hours after class walking or biking these trails. Occasionally crossing paths with the local deer herds or the wandering coyotes keeping a wary eye on me keeping a wary eye on them.

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Often I was alone on a trail in the middle of nowhere left to contemplate my simple existence while on this simple trail through the simple woods, next to a simple river, with simple mountains off in the distance.

One thing I've learned about simplicity is that having less doesn't necessarily mean enjoying less. I can learn to be more efficient with what I have, this is of course assuming that base needs are met.

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There is a reasoning for why we often say during lessons to do less. Make the range smaller, the speed slower, less repetitious. This is in hopes that you learn to discern differences better.

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In scientific circles it's called the Weger-Fechner Effect...

... the less stimulus applied to a subject, the easier it is to measure change.

Eg: a weightlifter is holding up a 200lb barbell, someone adds a feather to one end. Or the same weightlifter is still standing but without anything in his hands, someone adds a feather to his hand.

Which scenario above is he more apt to note a change in weight?

For more on the Feldenkrais Method® you can go to:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

Erik LaSeur

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®

http://www.alkimoves.com/