March 23, 2010

What We Are Doing When We Do a Movement Lesson?

A Movement Learning lesson is a system of verbally guided movement patterns that explore a particular functional theme and is usually taught in a group setting.
By applying systems thinking to human movement, Movement Lessons can help individuals develop a heightened kinesthetic sense of the relationships between the various anatomical parts in movement. This ability to distinguish the difference is the basis for all change – physiological, cultural, or metaphorical.

A Lesson for Your Personal Exploration.

1. Lie on your back. Roll your head to the right and left several times, noticing which direction feels easier. Now rest.
2. Bring your feet to standing, a comfortable width apart. Begin to lift your right shoulder toward the ceiling. Continue doing this movement many times feeling what happens in your chest and ribs. Also, notice if parts of yourself become heavier as you lift the right shoulder. Stop the movement and rest.
3. Bring your legs to standing. Begin to lift your right shoulder and at the same time roll your head to the left. Coordinate the rolling of the head and the lifting of the shoulder so that they begin and end at the same time. Make the movement smooth and fluid. Continue to do these movements many times. Now rest.
4. Bring your legs to standing. Begin to lift the right shoulder as you roll the head to the right. Notice how this feels different from rolling your head to the left. Make it easy and pleasurable. Do it many times. Now, stop rolling the head and lift the right shoulder only and notice if it has become any easier. Now rest.
5. Roll your head right and left and see if anything has changed.
6. Now, do all of these same movements on the left side. Take your time and rest
   between each set of movements.
7. Finally, roll your head left and right and notice if the movement has become easier on both sides.

Tips on Doing Awareness Through Movement Lessons

1. Do each movement slowly unless otherwise directed. Remain within your comfort zone.
2. Make distinctions in the way you move, such as ease or lack or ease.
3. Develop your attention so that you can feel more of your entire self move with each given movement direction.
4. Rest as much as you want during the movement and between each movement sequence.
5. Listen to the way you breathe as you move. Coordinate your breathing to make the movement easier.
6. Enjoy yourself!