Your study guide for ATM lessons

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Synopsis

  • AY 305 is an imagination-based lesson performed in prone that uses the visualization of a heavy ball rolling along skeletal pathways to develop clear sensory mapping of body structure and create continuous lines of connection through the body.

Lesson Outline

  • Section 1: Lie prone with legs spread and hands under head. Imagine pressure or a heavy ball rolling along the back of the right leg from heel to knee, then to hip. Variations include using finger pressure versus ball rolling sensation.
  • Section 2: Extend left arm forward with slight elbow bend. Imagine heavy iron ball rolling from back of hand to elbow, then to shoulder. Explore variations of direction and continuity of movement.
  • Sections 3-5: Lift right lower leg slightly while imagining ball rolling from heel to knee, then up the thigh to left shoulder blade. Progress to creating a continuous path for the ball to roll from hand to heel and back, lifting arm and leg slightly to create a trough-like pathway.
  • Sections 7-8: Repeat the exploration on the opposite side with left leg and right arm. Create small rocking movements to help the imagined ball travel smoothly between hand and heel.
  • Section 10: Return to prone with legs spread and arms extended. Imagine ball rolling between shoulder blades with head movement, then extend the pathway down the spine to pelvis. Explore rolling the ball from middle to opposite leg and arm combinations, maintaining continuous contact.

Focus of Moshe’s Teaching

  • Throughout the lesson, Dr. Feldenkrais emphasizes the importance of creating clear, continuous pathways for the imagined ball to roll along. He guides students to organize their body position to support this imagery, noting “It is a heavy ball. If you do a sudden movement, an unclear one, the ball has no brains. It goes to the side.” This reinforces the need for precise, well-organized movement.

Related ATMs

The line of a ball that rolls:

Resources

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