ATM Lesson: How Far Can You Turn?

Here is a short Awareness Through Movement® lesson for you to enjoy. By doing it, you will demonstrate to yourself that your body has a potential far different from what you normally think.

NOTE: This lesson involves turning the head. It is important that you turn slowly and gently, stopping if you get any signals of strain, discomfort or pain. If you have pain in turning, turn only so far that you DO NOT have pain. A very small turn is OK.

To begin, sit comfortably on the edge of a chair with your hands relaxed in your lap.

• Gently turn your head to the left. Notice a point on the wall that is the furthest point you can comfortably see. Return to the center. Repeat a few times If you had pain in turning, turn only so far that you DO NOT have pain. A very small turn is OK. Gently turn your head to the right a few times and return to the center. Each time, notice a point on the wall that is the furthest point you can comfortably see. Turn gently, only so far as you have no pain.
• Cradle your head with the palms of your hands, so that the heel of your hands is at your jaw line, and the fingers may rest around your eyes. Notice that your elbows rest on your chest. Keeping your elbows glued to your chest and your hands cradling your head, gently turn to the left as far as is comfortable and back to center. Notice that the whole upper body turns.
• Turn to the right in the same manner. Return to the center and drop your hands into your lap.
• Repeat step 1.

Notice the change from the first time. The change, whether small or large, happens because of the unique way that Feldenkrais® lessons allow us to engage the hidden intelligence of the body. 

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