Progressive means the mat classes and content moves from considerations of breath to body head to toe, integrating the entire time with mind, spirit, community, and expressive potential. Common complaints like knee pain, shoulder restriction, lack of ease in movement, will be addressed.
Once we have settled into the body more, addressed areas of tension and frustration, we begin to add in more expressive, practical, and creative material so that we can incorporate the work. Using a mixture of the Feldenkrais Method mat sequences directed at bringing awareness through movement and opening to the way we use (or don't use) our shoulders, neck, hips, feet, etc., plus a variety of relaxing and invigorating breathing modalities. Approaching the last third of the retreat, we'll begin to incorporate this new freedom in our body with use of the voice and total body movements. For voice, we'll practice Chakra Toning, kirtan, and experiment with speaking in front of one another in a group. For the body, we'll have the opportunity to move or dance in improvisatory fashion to world music for a few hours. Certain evenings we'll have circle conversations on topics such as: Authenticity in expression Nurturing compassion from within The meanings and beauty of pain and illness The "dark nights of the soul" The Way of an Artist What is "Detox" This is a safe, relaxed, non-judgmental, creative environment for anyone who:
Many people fit into multiple categories. The more we do this mindful and reflective movement, the more we become aware of our own "irregularities" which are usually directly tied to our greatest talents. |