More about Classes

A typical class

The lesson is all about you as an individual. Each student will learn different things from the lesson. There is no judgment or competition. 

The teacher leads the class through an initial body scan to begin the process of self-awareness. 

You are then guided through the lesson with verbal directions* and questions to help you notice things. The movements you are asked to do start small and slow. The smaller and slower the movement the more you will feel and learn. 

The movements are not about stretching or strengthening. They are repeated at your pace and with each one you may notice something different. You don't even have to actually DO the movement as you can do it in your imagination!**

There is an emphasis on resting because this is when the mind and body connect and integrate the learning. It is not unusual for students to fall asleep for a short time and this is perfectly acceptable!

"But how can movement be improved by sitting in a chair?!" - Good question!
Well, you would be surprised! A well-organised pelvis, spine, hips, feet and shoulders all contribute to quality weight-bearing movement. Come along and see for yourself.

General learning points from a lesson include:

• using more of yourself makes movement easier

• using your breath makes movement easier

• your body is able to move with little or no muscular effort

• how to listen to yourself, be kind to yourself, be comfortable and take rest when you need to

*Nothing is demonstrated in a lesson; it is all verbal directions. This means that the motor cortex of your brain has to convert the verbal information into action. This process "re-wires" the neuro-muscular pathways so that changes in how you move become permanent.

** Imagining how you initiate a movement and follow it through activates the neuro-muscular pathways and can facilitate as much change as actually doing it.

Short films of Awareness Through Movement can be viewed here