Source
- Alexander Yanai Vol 6
- Reel 19, Track 3, Lesson 5
Synopsis
- This lesson has the unusual element of reduced breath during all the movements. This series of lessons focuses on discovering a pivot-point in the lower back (between lumbar and thoracic vertebrae?) as it relates to the pivot in the cervical (c7?) to assist in the lifting of the pelvis. By reducing the breathing, Feldenkrais both reduces the interference of extraneous sensory input from the breathing around the pivot point, and heightens the sensation of the key points that move in breathing (Weber-Fechner). The recording seems to have terminated prematurely, and I have made an educated guess about where Feldenkrais might have gone next. (Adam Cole)
Lesson Outline
- On the back, lifting the pelvis through feet, knees bent and spread. Breath is reduced to the barest necessity so that sensation from usual breathing movement does not interfere with the feedback from this movement.
- Legs extended, arms raised above head. Again, breath is reduced but not held. Stand feet, lift pelvis to place where breath is made easier. Move a little higher and lower into and out of this spot, with minimal breathing.
- Lying on stomach, legs spread, arms over head, forehead on floor. Breath reduced to heighten sensation of where it is felt on floor.
- Return to back, feet standing, interlace hands behind head. Lift pelvis from the floor, lift head many times, but not enough that it will require more breath than before.
- Lie on back and continue reduced breathing.
- On back, stand feet, outside of left foot on right knee (left knee opened). Lift pelvis from the floor many times. As pelvis is lifted, turn body so left knee comes closer to the floor.
- On back, stand feet, outside of right foot on left knee (right knee opened). Lift pelvis from the floor many times. As pelvis is lifted, turn body so right knee comes closer to the floor.
- On back, stand feet and lift pelvis. Hug body with both arms holding the shoulder blades. Roll head with chest right and left, under condition that it does not increase the necessity to breathe.
- THE ORIGINAL TRANSCRIPT HAS A NOTATION THAT READS “END OF THE RECORDING.” FOLLOWING IS MY CONJECTURE ON HOW THE LESSON MIGHT HAVE CONTINUED
- Lie on back, knees bent, legs spread, hands brought backwards over shoulders to stand. Lift the pelvis in this position. Assist with the hands. Continue to observe the same breathing constraint, so that the breath is minimal.
- Repeat the previous movement, but this time the outside of left foot on right knee (left knee opened) as before. Same breathing constraint.
- Repeat the previous movement, but this time the outside of right foot on left knee (right knee opened) as before. Same breathing constraint.
- Lie on back, examine difference in breathing. Where is it sensed?
- (Adam Cole)
Focus of the teaching
- Relationship of the pivot point between lumbar and thorcic to the cervical spine – a pelvis that can move independently from the head (Adam Cole)
Related ATMs
- Theme Breathing
- Tag Self-hug
- Tag Stopping-breath
- Tag Lifting-pelvis
Resources
- Add links to external resources that would be of interest to the reader
Share Your Insights (ideas, principles, strategies, experiences, …)
- I took it upon myself to extend the lesson out of my insights about the relationship of the series of AY lessons both before and after. Feldenkrais’ larger thought process seems to be the judo concept of a free pelvis, independent of the movement of the head. (Adam Cole)
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