Roll on the floor, learn something new

It amazes me sometimes the things I can learn just by lying on the floor, and playing with little movements.

After much time away from playing any kind of music, I've gotten bitten by the performance bug again. 

I recently saw the band I used to gig with playing at a local bar..."Erik where's your sax?" was the lead singer's cry out.

So I've pulled out my horn and am re-learning some old songs and learning some new ones.

Encountering some of the challenging spots I have in the past, my approach to change has changed much.

Lying on the floor and learning how I can do some challenging movements, by having a sense of lightness, keeping it simple, and not using force...this has helped me to learn how to play challenging passages on my saxophone.

Whether the challenge is one of keeping your balance, getting out of a chair easily, or learning to deal with frustration, Feldenkrais may offer an answer.

This Tuesday, February 1st we'll be having the next installment of the West Seattle community Feldenkrais clinic at the West Seattle Senior Center.

See you there!

Erik

Get up! Stand up!

This Tuesday January 4th, 2011 we'll have the first West Seattle community Feldenkrais clinic of the new year.

This week we'll start out at 12:30 with the classic lesson that got Moshé started on this fascinating work.

What is Good Posture?

"Any posture is acceptable in itself as long as it does not conflict with the law of nature,which is that the skeletal structure should counteract te pull of gravity, leaving the muscles free for movement."

Moshé Feldenkrais 'Awareness through Movement' pg 68

This statement is at the beginning of the first lesson in this book. It's all about going from sitting to standing, and how to do it without undue pressure upon the knees.

This was necessary for Moshé to learn because he had two really messed up knees.

Personally, I've done this lesson and pieces of it at least 100 times.

There is a lot to learn here.

As we get older, or are injured, or weak, this lesson becomes more important because our ability to use our muscles (old bad habits) to carry out this action are compromised.

If you're looking for a new, vibrant way to get up for 2011, come to the West Seattle Senior Center this Tuesday for a unique outlook on what good posture is.

Erik LaSeur