Essentially, we are how we move.  The ways in which we move translate into how we feel, participate, and show up in our lives.  Profound changes can happen when we slow down and learn the tools that help us to really pay attention to how we are moving, so that we can choose to move in a way that feels easier, smoother, less painful, and sustainable.  

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Over the course of time, we all develop certain habits in the way we move.  Here's a quick example that you may or may not be aware of: 

 

Take a moment to clasp your hands together, with your fingers interlaced.  Notice which thumb is on top, and now, take your hands apart and interlace them the other way, the non habitual way, so that the other thumb is on top.   Feel different?  Strange?  Likely so.  Did someone teach you or did you decide that the first way of doing this is the more comfortable way?  Probably not.  Yet we all develop a preference for interlacing our fingers, a habit.  And that's okay...it's human nature...

 

Much of the time, these habits are very effective and useful to us.  For example, it's what allows you to get out of bed, make your coffee, shower, get yourself ready, slip on your shoes and leave the house for work every day without much thought or effort.  But chances are, in the same way that you've probably never paid attention to the habit you've developed for interlacing of your fingers a certain way, you also very likely don't pay much attention to how you do these daily activities, you just do them.  Until one day getting out of bed in the morning hurts.  Or sitting at work all day makes you feel stiff, or bending down to grab your shoes suddenly feels stiff and inaccessible. 

 

Being able to pay attention and feel how our daily movements affect us, especially as these movements accumulate and become repetitive day in and day out, year after year, is also the key to understanding and changing the underlying cause of many of our persistent aches, pains, injuries, stress and exhaustion.  Over time, the way you are getting out of bed, reaching for your coffee, bending down to grab your shoes, or the way you sit in your desk chair 9-5 may be taking their toll on your comfort and well being. 

 

This is where Feldenkrais is a key component in restoring your sense of ease so that you can fully participate in your life, without pain and exhaustion.  The Feldenkrais Method is a unique educational system that combines biomechanics and neuroscience with self-awareness and gentle movement. These are key ingredients in helping you find ease, comfort, and sustainable movement as you learn to integrate and utilize your whole self.  It teaches you to become aware of your neuromuscular habits and patterns in order to change the things that are not working for you.  As you develop new skills and abilities that support your comfort and well being, you begin to enjoy feeling more at ease in your mind and body.  This means you can start participating in your life in a more whole, active, and sustainable way way.    

 

Having been immersed in Feldenkrais since age 16 after a chronic injury as a young dancer, Ashley will readily tell you that this work completely changed her life and has brought her incredible joy and vibrance.  It is now her delight to share this profound method with others who seek ease, safety and sustainability in their movement and well-being.  She brings a gentle, attentive, and compassionate approach to her work, and offers group classes (Awareness Through Movement® and private sessions (Functional Integration®)in Santa Fe, NM. 

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In her personal and professional experience, she's found that there is no one size that fits all approach to movement and well-being.  Some individuals do best in group classes, others are most supported by private work, and still others flourish with a blend of the two. She's seen that the most profound and lasting results unfold when each person is seen as a unique individual and is met with attentiveness, curiosity, and an understanding of the individual's current situation.  As such, she recommends you begin with an Intro Call so that together you can create a course of action that is tailored to your individual needs.  

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