Reducing Your Body Pattern of Stress & Anxiety - Introductory Lesson - Unwinding Your Anxiety

This is the first class in the series of 7 Feldenkrais® Awareness Through Movement® lessons to help you learn how to use the hidden capacities of your brain to create a healthier and calmer you.
Try this lesson and if you find it helpful, you can get access to the entire series of 7 lessons and 7 more short exercises in the link below:
www.feldenkraisaccess.com/str...
"To every emotional state corresponds a personal conditioned pattern of muscular contraction without which the emotional state has no existence." - Moshe Feldenkrais
Habitual tension is profoundly exhausting. It robs us of our energy, restricts our breathing, and over time, can limit our freedom of movement. In addition to causing many physical problems, habitual tension is often linked to anxiety and other related emotional challenges. Habitual tension is not valuable or helpful in any way; it is only detrimental. Therefore, it makes sense to take steps to interrupt and change your own body pattern of stress and anxiety.
You will gain access to a more harmonious internal state in which your breathing becomes slow and full, movement becomes easier and more pleasurable, and your posture spontaneously improves.
Find out more about all our programs at: www.feldenkraisaccess.com/store

[@catherinecourtney2898]

My first class. Thank you for sharing this fascinating information.

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

That's wonderful! Hope you enjoyed it!

[@gobontu6224]

Yes David, it has been a pleasure to be with you, I agree totally. But: during the lesson I had so many questions, I cannot rewind and find words for all of them right now. Maybe one day I can and will do. Just let me tell you: I'm your biggest fan in Berlin. Your wisdom, competence, sensitivity and friendly aura shines through my screen into my room and has just warmed my heart so much that this declaration of love bubbles out. If the fairy godmother, the one who grants the three wishes, if she came to me NOW, I would have myself beamed onto your treatment table. Thanks for all the offers you put on the net for free, for me they belong to the YT jewels. Stress and anxiety is one of my main (physical) symptoms, so it is little surprise that I have some trouble with this exercise. Definitely going to do this one again, but I'm still doing your posture course , am on lesson 23... 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

Thank you, Gob! I am so glad to hear that the lessons are helping you so much. Hope you are enjoying the Posture Course. Thank you for your kind words, it is really inspiring to know that I could reach you across the ocean and have such positive impact through these videos. Please send any questions you have as they come up! All the best!

[@gobontu6224]

@@FeldenkraisAccess The questions always come during the lesson. After the lesson I am usually not in the mood to put the problem into words, it also needs a lot of precision, refers to a certain moment in the exercise, I would have to find it first...... But thanks, it's good to know that I CAN ask if I want to. It is a pity that there is no video for the audios, that would surely answer many questions by itself. Probably there are good reasons for that though.

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

@@gobontu6224 Hi Gob! Yes, those were the first lessons that we put out there, so they are in audio format. All our more recent lessons are with video, so hopefully can give you an idea when there is anything that needs clarifying.

[@frenykhory5158]

David, it's a pleasure having done lessons with you. Feeling really relaxed than what we started. I am grateful to have such a wonderful teacher on the planet who can truly release pain. Thanks a ton, David.

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

Wonderful! Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@peterkew6664]

Tq Mr David!

[@xinyanshi1423]

Hi David, you are amazingly mindful and skillful in the way you teach these lessons. These subtle mindful movements produce tremendous amount of results in all parts of body. I listen to your videos all the times. Each video puts me deeply in touch with my body in a way that I feel that time has stopped. The scientific explanation provided in the lessons are also so appealing to the mind that the mind surrenders to the introduction effortlessly. It has become an essential part of my time.

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

That's wonderful! I am so glad to hear you it's helping you.

[@kateking3953]

Thank you for these lessons. Your introduction is precisely where I am. I've taught myself over time to respond to stress with an anxiety disorder. I've understood exactly what's going on, I know I've 'taught' my body to respond with fear to specific situations. But I haven't known how to unteach myself! Telling myself not to be silly isn't the answer, because my brain and my body aren't listening. I think Feldenkrais may well be the answer, so I look forward to learning how to unhabituate myself and recover my 'normal' method of functioning.

[@joannad.7109]

What a lovely person! And transformational work.

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

Thank you so much!

[@moontan624]

Thank you for posting this to the general public. It's so simple, yet profound.

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stephanieparker420]

I loved this so much thank you and I did so much releasing during the session. Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing this. You are such a lovely warm man! I wish I had a dad like you 🙂

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

Very sweet of you, thank you!!

[@soonewewen]

Your wonderful preamble succinctly describes what Feldenkrais is all about!

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

I'm glad to hear that!

[@anilorismith7946]

Like the Fred Rogers for adult autists… 🙏🏻 Thank you David!

[@davidpickell4227]

Once again, big thanks for your guidance toward❤ easier functioning

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

You are most welcome!! I am so glad it was beneficial!

[@TheGatewayProductions]

Nobody likes stress but we can always learn to manage it. Well done!

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

Agreed! Thank you so much for participating.

[@alohajoy9094]

David, you are the master! Ed and I love your superb guidance and appreciate you sharing your vast knowledge with us! Mahalo!

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

I'm glad this was helpful for you. Aloha ʻoe!

[@teresaiche4722]

Brilliant class…thank you so much David 💜

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

You're so welcome! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@alexkatsanos8475]

Hi David! I did part of the lesson and came back to finish the last 1/4 the next day and still feel so much taller and more open and calmer!

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

I am happy to hear that a rest and break helped you integrate the lesson even more.

[@earthcallingfi]

Such profound gentleness, thank you David x

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

Thank you for your comment. You may find the lessons in Maggy Burrowe's workshop 'The Secrets of Your Ring Muscles' helpful: www.feldenkraisaccess.com/ring-muscle

[@michellechang2538]

I’m so grateful for your expertise and share your videos to the public especially for those of us who are suffering from anxiety disorders, your work and guidance have helped me personally ease my anxiety symptoms. I’m forever grateful for your help and kindness !

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

So glad it helps you ease your anxiety, Michelle! Thank you for sharing our lessons, we want to help as many people as possible.

[@gosia3032]

I'm very thankful for these lessons 🙏

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

I am glad to hear you find these helpful.

[@cyntiagaido7600]

Thank you very much teacher!

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

You are most welcome!

[@user-hm1ob4je5d]

Such a wonderful lesson. Thank you so much👍🙏🌷

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

You are very welcome!

[@user-ct6yd2qu4p]

Я счастлива что познакомилась с вами и с вашей системой

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

Thank you!

[@mariagt1953]

Thank you very much! It’s so good to have access to your classes. I always feel much better afterwards.

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

We look forward to seeing you in classes in the future!

[@renatosamba]

Fantastic feeling. Limbs are celebrating new relationship 🙂

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

That is wonderful to hear!

[@jacquelinecrystal6009]

Every movement seems at once subtle and yet monumental . Amazing

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

I am so happy to hear this.

[@sadiehusko7144]

Such a tension releaser,thank you

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

You're very welcome!

[@carolinafaria_opera]

Thank you very much!

[@sofiacuahutle1539]

Thank you so much David. I love your classes and your voice.

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

Happy to hear that!

[@pippamellon8678]

So good ..thank you..my tongue feels more relaxed..🙏🏻

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

I'm so glad!

[@Passiko]

Thank you so much it was amazing..I feel so different and better..hoping to take one of you classes soon

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

I hope so too! I'm so glad to hear that this was useful for you. If you are interested in taking live classes, we have the most up-to-date list here: www.feldenkraisaccess.com/schedule. If you'd like to go at your own pace, we have many recorded offerings as well: www.feldenkraisaccess.com/store. We look forward to hearing from you again.

[@CarolinPiano]

Thank you for this beautiful class. I feel the benefits a lot :-)

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

I'm glad to hear this was beneficial for you!

[@AliciaNelly]

Thank you very much.

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

You are welcome!

[@melinafoster6915]

beautifull class. You're so nice... thank u

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

You're very welcome!

[@juliefinkelstein1674]

Actually very challenging, my head could not help but assist the lift

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

It can be challenging, Julie, figuring out how to let go of effort, especially as regards lifting the head. you can try thinking of just lightening your head a tiny bit, rather than lifting it. I think if you revisit the lesson, and keep exploring, it will get easier and easier. Keep us posted!

[@carmeguardia5361]

Awesome feeling: like something pulling me backwards and up! Thanks David !🌹🌹🌹

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

I'm very glad to hear this!

[@user-ct6yd2qu4p]

Я уже писала что эти упражнения удивительные волшебная..... Но сознание не хочет слушаться и всё время отключается приходится возвращаться. начинаешь думать о чём-то своём. не связанном с телом Но если его удаётся вернуть то происходит чудеса

[@Glutathione4Wellness]

I look forward to the class. I wonder if you recommend a particular lesson or set for urinary frequency- feels like i have to pee all the time!

[@ursulamackinnon119]

Hi there David. Thank you for posting these lessons, feldenkrais is a beautiful practice. I am struggling with chronic neck pain and anxiety. At the moment, it is the sternocleidomastoid muscles at front of neck that are straining painfully, and of course the anxiety making it hard to breathe easy. I did this lesson, but front of my neck did not respond well. Which of your online lessons would u recommend for me for anxiety and front neck pain. Thank you

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

Dear Ursula, sorry for the delay in responding. Often, the challenges we face in Awareness Through Movement lessons can be addressed by doing less. Learning how to move in a way that is easy and comfortable is in itself a practice, and takes time. Especially when we are dealing with chronic pain and anxiety. Be gentle, go slow, imagine the movements if they aren't comfortable, and take good care. I do recommend this series www.feldenkraisaccess.com/stress-anxiety. Please feel free to write to [e-mail] for a more immediate response if you have further question. May you be well!

[@pippamellon8678]

When I move my leg to one side while hand on knee..I find I’m more balanced if moving my head in the opposite direction.rather than than the same direction..In fact moving a lot of the opposite directions between parts of the body I find just as comfortable..🤷‍♀️..some are definitely easier moving to the the same side..

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

Wonderful, Pippa! There is no one right thing to feel. Distinguishing between what is easier and what is more difficult is the skill you are learning, and it sounds like you are making great progress. Keep it up!

[@gobontu6224]

I had the same feeling, nice to know that Im not the only one and to read that we are still "right" 😀 What I think I have found out for myself is: If you have long legs and a light torso, then moving of the knee in one direction is causing the torso to fall/plop/roll in that direction VERY quickly. Then, if furthermore you are a "good girl" who wants to follows the instructions, you want to move the knee ONLY, like David says, so the head automatically moves in the opposite direction so you do NOT roll onto your side. At the end, if rolling to the side becomes legal 😉, the feeling is totally different.

[@eugeneano285]

Long presentation, starts at 25', and most at 29:50 - "feel where you can do less, feel where you can reduce effort"

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

Thank you for your comment. The video has been divided into chapters, so you can skip the introductory part if you it helps.

[@user-dg6zy3fs6c]

Hi David can feldenkrais help fix male pelvic floor dysfunction?

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

The Feldenkrais Method is not actually meant to treat specific difficulties or even areas. However... by working with your whole self, and improving your capacity to respond and activate the necessary muscle groups when needed, there is every chance that the Feldenkrais Method will improve pelvic floor dysfunction. Please follow this link to find a workshop which addresses improving the use of our Ring Muscle System: www.feldenkraisaccess.com/ring-muscle.

[@user-xg7bb5ck3e]

А я записала ваше занятие в волшебные уроки по здоровью .но к сожалению Не всегда я могу понять что куда по.вернуть иногда нужно смотреть на Какие то картинки .но все равно здорово все здорово

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

Thank you!

[@astridwolf3751]

How often do you recommend to do this lesson? Thank you so much! Astrid from Holland

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

Thank you for asking, Astrid. I suggest you do an Awareness Through Movement lesson everyday. Either this lesson, another lesson from this KZbin channel, or a lesson with another teacher. The important thing is to engage in turning inward, in movement. Enjoy!

[@JoeySalmon1]

Thanks again David. I struggled with this lesson, for a reason that has cropped up before in Feldenkrais sessions, namely the the difficulty in lifting the head with the arm. The weight of the head being such that the effort to even move it at all seems too overwhelming, is the instruction 'make it easier' more important than the act of removing any lifting responsibility from the neck? If so then making it easier would involved using the neck muscles in tandem with the arm? or would it be to 'go through the motions' but not actually moving the head from the ground but watching which muscles want to get involved. Just to be clear, I can lift the head with the arm or neck, it just seems the effort involved and the strength of the sensations in doing so seem to completely drown out the delicate sensing that illuminates bodily connections gets totally drowned out. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

Thanks for writing. I have two suggestions for you Joseph. One is to do the movement in your imagination initially. As you said, the effort involved drowns out your ability to sense and feel delicate distinctions which is critical to improvement. After you do the movement several times ONLY in your imagination lift your head, but first bring your elbow toward the ceiling, so that your arm is close to your face. See if that helps!

[@700kida5]

@29:40

[@cherylinnorton5499]

Where can I find the entire series of lessons?

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

Thank you for asking, Cherylin! You can find it here: www.feldenkraisaccess.com/stress-anxiety

[@ingelab6037]

Thank you for this lesson. Very good explained. After I felt that I walked differently and the chest was more open. I also had muscle ace in the legs and in the back the whole day like after fitness training. Is that normal, maybe its good? How important is it to take it easy after the lesson? I had to go outside to work with cutting wood in the afternoon.

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

Thank you for writing, Ingela. I am glad to hear you felt a benefit from the lesson. To answer your question... pain and discomfort is not a desirable outcome, even the sensation of muscular strain. If you have the opportunity, do the lesson again, but make the movements slower and smaller. Feeling where you can do less is actually the key to being able to do more! And write again to let us know how it goes!

[@ingelab6037]

@@FeldenkraisAccess Thank you for the advice. I did this lesson and other lessons every other day now for some weeks and have no pain. I am almost addicted to the lessons because I am always looking forward to do them. Can Feldenkrais help high blood pressure? Are there lessons for hand training after a stroke? I just signed up for one of your courses..

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

@@ingelab6037 Hi! so glad you signed up for a course. Which one is it? I think this program www.feldenkraisaccess.com/stress-anxiety would be a good option for you. And yes, doing the Feldenkrais Method CAN reduce high blood pressure. It has the potential to help your whole self.

[@ingelab6037]

@@FeldenkraisAccess Thank you for the time to answer and for the recommendation! "Move Better, Feel Better Challenge" lifetime access. The stress-course you I will take as next. Is any course good for someone who had a stroke on the left side to train abilility in the hand?

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

@@ingelab6037 Absolutely, Ingela! I would recommend Healthy Hands. www.feldenkraisaccess.com/healthy-hands. The lessons are directed at improving the Health of the Hands, obviously, but more importantly, the potential for regenerating neurological pathways. I hope you find it useful!! Keep in touch and feel free to email [e-mail].

[@cabbagedavidge]

Hi David1 Just one criticism. You seem to make an acknowledgement to messages sent that are primarily from people who are commenting on how the exercise did work for them, but you don't actually seem to answer the questions people are putting to you? I was going to ask a question before I realised you hadn't replied to previous questions?

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

Dear Ann, thank you for your feedback! I will try to attend more carefully to the questions on this platform. I don't see a previous question from you. Is there something specific I can address?

[@cabbagedavidge]

@@FeldenkraisAccess Thank you for replying so quickly. I am just starting to learn about Feldenkrais, and am wondering where to start, what practices to do each day to have the most effect? I have CPTSD only diagnosed about 9 months ago and I am drawn to this practice but not sure where I begin and other than the nervous system exercises, what other exercises are more applicable to me? Thank you David.

[@FeldenkraisAccess]

@@cabbagedavidge Hi Ann! Juniper again here. I wrote you a couple of times, but can't see the message, so I'm trying again. Please feel free to email me directly in the future if you need a prompt response [e-mail]. I suggest you try the series "Liberate Your Breathing" which you can find here - www.feldenkraisaccess.com/liberate-breathing. Let me know how it goes and if you need any other suggestions. And so glad you found the Feldenkrais Method!!