Feldenkrais: freeing your breath

What is the course about?

In this course you will explore how to ease emotional or physical tension and develop better posture and breathing space. You will learn how to attend to your breathing with a kind and non judgemental attitude, and move towards ‘’restoring your body’s ability to breathe the way it was meant to” - Moshe Feldenkrias.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

We will cover some basic anatomy related to breathing, the relationships between posture and breathing and how the breath influences our emotional, mental and physical wellbeing.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Develop more breathing space
- Participate in sequences of mindful movements to improve posture and breathing
- Recognise how trauma, family history and emotional stress can affect our breathing
- Select some movements for your self-care practice.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Everyone is welcome, no previous knowledge or experience is needed. However you should be able to get down on
the floor and up again independently. If you have a disability or health concern, please contact the Health and Movement department in advance. You should be able to follow verbal and written instructions and take part in pair or group discussions.
If you have any health concerns, or have been affected by any of the conditions listed below, please consult with a
health practitioner whether it is appropriate for you to take part in an exercise or movement workshop, and bring a
referral letter from them to your tutor. You may need to get medical clearance (from the college or from your health
practitioner) first, and if you have not, or it is not appropriate, then please do not enrol in this movement workshop.

- Do you ever have pains in your chest?
- Do you have epilepsy?
- Do you have asthma?
- Are you pregnant?
- Have you had any joint replacement?
- Have you had any operations or injuries in the last year?
- Do you often feel faint or have spells of dizziness?
- Are you receiving medication for any condition?
- Do you have high blood pressure?
- Do you have a bone or joint problem, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, back or knee problems?
- Are you affected by anxiety, depression or PSTD
- Is there anything else we should know about your health?

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

This course is based on experiential learning and is verbally led. The movements are explored at your own pace and
comfort with regular mini rests. Many of the movements will be done lying on the mat, sitting or standing. The tutor
may give some short presentations on relevant topics.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

The best thing to wear is comfortable and loose clothing. The movements are gentle so you need to make sure you
will be warm enough for the duration of the workshop, as your body temperature may drop.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

The Feldenkrais Method can be used to enhance your performance in activities such as dance, drama, martial arts,
music, singing, pilates, Tai Chi, yoga, work and everyday life. You may also find it useful if you are practicing
Mindfulness and meditation or thinking about attending a course.