Welcome to the new-look Feldenkrais Guild UK newsletter

The Feldenkrais Guild UK (FGUK) represents teachers in the UK, and we are eager to spread the word about the benefits of Feldenkrais and latest research into the method.

As well as news and events, this issue features a short video guest interview with Feldenkrais practitioner Shelagh O’Neill, who gives a practical taste of how we can incorporate movement and awareness into our everyday lives. Also included is an interview with a student who illustrates how the Feldenkrais Method has changed her life.

We hope you enjoy the content and find it useful.

Warm wishes,
Anne Taylor and Alex Frazier (editors)

Guest interview with Shelagh O’Neill (includes a free taster lesson)

Our first guest is Shelagh O’Neill, a practitioner and assistant trainer from Bath, who spoke to Anne about what brought her to Feldenkrais and what she loves best about the method. There is a mini movement lesson in the video, and for this you’ll need an upright chair at a height which allows you to place your feet firmly on the floor.

You can find out more about Shelagh’s teaching and classes and holidays here.

Interview with Shelagh O'Neill

New Guild website goes live

We’re very happy with the design and feel of the re-branded Feldenkrais Guild UK website which explains the method and the various ways in which it can help us move more easily through life.

There is information on the benefits of Feldenkrais for aging with vitality, chronic pain and injury, neurological issues, baby and child development, performance and general wellbeing. The site includes a full directory of teachers and classes and lots of free taster lessons. Do dip in and have a browse.

Feldenkrais lessons provide speedy relief, survey shows

Four out of five people experience significant improvements within a month of starting Awareness Through Movement (ATM) lessons, a FGUK survey has shown, with 40 per cent reporting improvements after the first lesson and a further 20 per cent recognising beneficial changes within a week.

The research showed most new recruits to Feldenkrais are seeking help for common health problems, notably chronic pain and stress. However, the most commonly reported benefits of attending ATM sessions are rather less tangible – with clients reporting improved ‘mind-body connection’, ‘embodiment’ or ‘mindfulness’.

A total of 261 people responded to the questionnaire first listing the reasons they started Feldenkrais from 10 potential benefits, and then citing the actual benefits gained from attending ATMs.

Thank you to those of you who participated in the survey, which you can read more about here.

We learn best through rest

As those of you who experience ATM lessons know, they involve lots of invitations to rest. New research has backed up the importance of these pauses for facilitating learning. Our resting brains consolidate what has been learned.

US teacher and trainer David Zemach-Bersin cites these findings in his blog (scroll down to find the article) on the Feldenkrais Access site, which, incidentally, offers a number of free lessons and a number of online ATM courses for the public.

Come and see us at the Natural Health Show

If you live in, or are interested in visiting London in June come and find out more about the Feldenkrais method at the Natural Health Show, 17-19 June at the Business Design Centre in Islington.

Guild practitioners will be on hand throughout the three-day event to offer free taster Functional Integration (one-to-one lessons) and Awareness Through Movement lessons and to answer questions.

'Feldenkrais changed my life'

Sue Elford (62) was introduced to the Feldenkrais Method by her riding instructor nearly 10 years ago when she noticed that she was putting more weight on the horse's left side and collapsing on the right side at the waist.

After some Functional Integration (one-to-one) sessions and regular participation in weekly classes she found that the method not only improved her riding but cured her of chronic back pain, associated with her work as a dog groomer.

‘Sometimes when I had been grooming a dog, I was in so much lower back pain I could hardly get off the floor. Thanks to regular Feldenkrais, I am more mobile and in less pain now than I was 30 years ago.

‘Sitting on a chair making simple movements with my shoulders solved my unevenness on my horse. Gentle mat lessons have improved my movement all around, giving me more energy to put into walking, swimming, riding and fitness classes.

‘My favourite thing about it is that I no longer have to endure pain. My posture has improved and I sleep very well. I doubt if there is anyone who would not benefit from the Feldenkrais Method.’

Tell us what you think

If you have any questions about this newsletter or would like to give us any feedback, or to feature in our next newsletter, please email us at newsletter@feldenkrais.co.uk. And please forward this to any friends or family who would like to subscribe and hear more about the Feldenkrais Method.

The Feldenkrais Method® offers a unique way of making lasting improvements to our lives through the medium of movement. We learn how to move through the world with greater ease, co-ordination, flexibility and grace.

It is a somatic practice that harnesses mindful attention and gentle movement to heighten awareness of ourselves and our sensations. In doing so we learn from the inside out, making use of our brain’s plasticity – its ability to change for the better at any age.

Teachers deliver lessons in two ways. They teach group classes called Awareness Through Movement®. Individual sessions are called Functional Integration®.

Feldenkrais Practitioners have the letters FG(UK) after their name, they will be graduates of an internationally recognised training programmes, are fully insured and are accountable to the Guild’s Code of Ethics, (available on the Guild Website). Current members of the Feldenkrais Guild (UK) can be found on the Guild’s website and Guild Directory.

And finally.... if you're not already on this newsletter mailing list, sign up here.

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

This email was sent to juliewrigley@outlook.com
why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences
Feldenkrais Guild UK · Flat 7, Bellhanger Court · Morford Street · Bath, Somerset BA1 2RD · United Kingdom