Awareness Through Movement or 'ATM'

Is the general name given to Feldenkrais classes and workshops, and describes essentially a verbally guided exploration of a sequence of movements which usually last about an hour but can be as short as a few minutes.

Each sequence has a focus, of either a particular body part, say 'shoulders', or movement theme, say 'turning'. There are a virtually infinite number. Most lessons take place laying on the floor, most often on the back, sometimes on the side or laying on the front. Some are taught in sitting or standing.
The experience is like solving a physical riddle: simple movements are repeated many times with an intention to explore. Most important is the process of observing the sensory experience and noticing the feeling of the movement, aiming for a smooth and light quality of each movement, and with the intention of increasing the smoothness, lightness - effortlessness - rather than speed or strength or quantity, as might be more usual in an exercise class.
The reason for the methodology is that learning to explore the world of internal sensation gently and respectfully creates an environment where long held patterns of tension and pain can dissolve and release. What often then follows is an arising or remembering of a natural and healthy curiosity. This serves to offer continued improvement - initially in mobility and subsequently on all levels, including in thought processing and also on emotional levels.

Classes and workshops are designed to provide the most effective somatic learning environment for students.

 

What do we do in a class or workshop?

You will be verbally guided through gentle movement sequences which are usually carried out lying down, on the back, side or front (less often). Feldenkrais ATM lessons also can be in Sitting or Standing but for Weekly Classes especially we mainly use the laying down ones - When you come to a workshop you may find yourself working not only laying down but also in the upright positions. So - you should be able to lie comfortably on the floor and get up/down by yourself.

 

Doing 'ATM' classes is like learning anything new - Improvement comes to those who practice regularly!

So taking a block of classes is recommended - but you can always take just one, without obligation, to give it a try.

Groups are generally 6-12 people, we learn from eachother. They need to be pre-booked

 

Classes are aimed at maintaining and improving mobility and functioning in healthy people.

If you are lookinng for help with pain, a movement limitation, or an injury you should come for 1-1 Functional Integration.

Depending on severity and how long you've had it, you may then progress on to ATM classes/workshops.

If this is hard for you financially, please think of it as an investment - you have only one body that must last you a lifetime. Think of all the ways your physical situation limits your life. Dr Feldenkrais' Method is about helping you live your unavowed dreams.

The students who heal fastest are those who come for both 1-1 FI and ATM - so you could think of it as making the biggest investment first. Talk to us about discounts we offer. We are here to help.

 

Feldenkrais approaches movement organically. ATM classes rely on and are enriched by the group field - the 'knowing field'.

Learning takes place just as it did when we were small children - through experimentation and through kinaesthetic learning. This is why booking a block is reccommended. We are there for eachother's growth and improvement - and of course, you are responsible for classes you miss. For this reason pricing for a block of classes is lower per class than the drop-in rate.

 

In our Classes and Workshops we tend to begin with a short, timed sharing called Inquiry, which is essentially a listening practice with the aim to help clarify how the classwork can become a support to you in everyday life. A different topic is introduced each time to explore:

Inquiry is an investigation of one's own personal experience, focused on usually two questions provided, around relevant topics, which might just be around your last weeks' class experiences or, be based around whatever might be the collective 'flavour of the moment; for example, how you are doing with the feeling of Uncertainty, or ways you find Support in coping with Uncertainty. Essentially a listening practise, it allows us to experience ourselves in the present moment, exploring the polarities of the day's topic with spontaneity yet in a structured way. This process of becoming more present to ourselves can help inspire, take us into deeper connection with ourselves, and support one another as we hear one another's perspectives. We then go on into the ATM lesson. The ATM lessons themselves give us tools for coping with eg uncertain times, their creator Dr Moshe Feldenkrais grew up in such times and his work evolved out of his life experiences. You can learn unique ways to self-regulate your own nervous system - a beautiful way to support ourselves but also to help create a calmer more respectful and loving world.

 

You will need: a mat and a blanket, & plenty of loose warm clothes - especially in cooler weather - generally as you tune in to yourself, if you didn't bring enough clothes and are cold, it is the thing you will be most aware and will interrupt your enjoyment of the class, so include extra socks and even gloves so that you can lie and relax yet be free to move.

Note: If you have persistent chronic pain/injury it is recommended that you come for Functional Integration individual sessions (FI) first. You will then later enjoy your course far more. If you are unsure please do make contact>.

 

Free Sample ATM Lessons

here>

 

Workshops

are on different topics focusing around a particular movement theme or body part, are a great way to go if you can not manage a weekly class. They also offer a dive deeper into particular long-standing issues, or can serve to help you decide if you might like to join a course or take one-to-ones. In a workshop, we spend some time working on the floor laying down, and sometimes we also explore lessons in both sitting and standing. You will not therefore spend many many hours laying on your back on the floor! But - If you have chronic pain/injury you should book at least one individual session (FI) first..

 

Feldenkrais is holistic, and works always with the whole person. Every workshop or class addresses the whole, so ultimately the actual topic of a workshop matters less than it might seem. Do just try - come to the ones you can!

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