In 2007 an article in the Ludington Daily News announced that Judith Dila was going to offer classes in Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement.  I had heard of Feldenkrais a few times and was curious enough to call and sign up for classes.   I had no idea how  fortunate I was to start working with Judith.

 

The exercises are very slow, gentle on the joints, and are done by lying down on a yoga mat or other padded surface. Judith often reminds us that movements are done with no pain and much gain, and cautions students to not overdo, not to go beyond what is comfortable, and reminds us often to breathe. 

 

Skeptical friends tell me "that can't work",  but I can tell you the movements really do work.  Like many people I have my share of arthritis and aches and pains caused by bad habits, but they are truly minimal compared to how I felt when I started Feldenkrais.  My joints move more freely than they ever did, walking, moving, and even sitting and driving.  My body has learned again to move the way it was intended to move and I am so much more aware of the fact that a slight adjustment in the way I sit in a car, or at the computer for example makes a phenomenal difference in my comfort, and reduces fatigue from long car trips.

 

Judith is also highly aware of students with particular limits, those recovering from orthopedic surgery for example, and makes sure we are all comfortable in the movements.  We use folded towels or other padding to support our heads or limbs when needed.

 

Some classes also produce some interesting side affects, faces appear younger, double chins less prominent, and even a trimmer looking waist line, and I feel taller and more graceful.  As a matter of fact, I often left those first classes feeling like I had been on a mini-vacation, more relaxed and with a little more energy.  This proved to me that moving incorrectly takes a lot more effort and makes us work considerably harder than we need to.  Who knew it could be so easy? 

 

If you are doubtful or even a skeptic consider finding out for yourself.  Come prepared with an open mind.  I truly hope you will find the classes as helpful as I have.  If nothing else, consider this an adventure.

 

Carol Christiansen

Ludington