The Cracker

[@SamsungJ-kq4vu]

Greetings and heartfelt thanks from Ucraine. Your lessons are a kind of addiction to me! I keep coming back to your channel as one of the best Feldenkrais resources in the net! I wish I could put endless ' like' under each of your lesson. Let what you do bring you happiness and prosperity!

[@stewarthamblin]

Thank you so much Samsung J500. I really appreciate your kid words. I wish you a very Happy Easter. Stewart

[@ТатьянаМануковская-г6м]

Oh/ yes, this was something very special! Sometimes I felt myself as a drunk spider who got lost in his legs! I honestly skipped a couple of poses letting myself more rest. But was able to perform even the last movements! The feeling is great! Respect and deep gratefulness for all your work for people!

[@stewarthamblin]

One of my very favourite lessons Tatiana 😊

[@beacon9598]

Thank you, Stewart, from Ottawa, Canada. I have been doing 2 - 3 of your videos daily hoping to resolve a neck issue and imbalance on one side. Some parts - adhesions?- in my chest and neck are beginning to move bit by bit, occasionally with loud clicks and creating unexpected spaces in the chest (causing coughing at times). It is exciting, a bit alarming and exhilarating all at the same time! I so appreciate your lessons, with your precise, detailed instructions that make all the difference. There is so much thoughtfulness, expertise and experience that go into each lesson. You are doing wonderful work. Please don't stop!

[@stewarthamblin]

Hi Bea, thank you so much for your message. I love Ottawa and was lucky enough to visit quite some time ago. I need to come back to Canada, its such a beautiful country. I am so pleased you enjoyed the lesson and are getting benefit from it. I love to hear from viewers so thank you for taking the time to write. Stewart

[@leslielevy5148]

I’m in Corvallis Oregon and I feel 100% better and can now go on with my day. Thank you Stewart

[@stewarthamblin]

Thanks so much for leaving a message Leslie 😊

[@luyzqint3760]

Hola, Stewart. Today I revisit this lesson, and I was surprised by how flexible I have become; if you check my older comment here, you can read that I could not properly do this lesson (actually, it was very challenging). After about 6 months, I have become flexible and most of my pains have little by little gone away. And for that, I thank you and others Feldenkrais instructors that share the knowledge in a selfless manner. Te lo agradezco con todo el corazón.✌️

[@stewarthamblin]

Buenos días Luyz! Me encanta leer tus palabras. It's a real tribute to the time dedication you have shown to developing your own movement practice. I wish you continued progress 🙏🏼😊

[@dewihughes6109]

Stewart, thank you again for making these videos available. Now that we are back in lockdown I've been going back through the Happy Hips, Happy Knees and Happy Feet series, and it is not only helping me to find more physical freedom, but it's also giving me a way to cope with the stress and worry of life under COVID. It is very generous of you to give your time and expertise in this way.

[@stewarthamblin]

Thank you very much for your message Dewi, I really appreciate it. I hope to have more videos out soon. Stay well and safe. Stewart

[@mairefrances]

Very enjoyable and very much needed after becoming a sedentary worker-from-home - thank you. I will try to use my laptop on the carpet and try different ways of sitting and moving during these home-bound days. Many thanks for uploading so many valuable lessons

[@stewarthamblin]

Thank you very much Mairefrances. I love rolling around on my mat at home.

[@0918mira]

I absolutely loved this lesson! I also really appreciate how your videos are helping me to recover from diastasis recti post-pregnancy. Thank you. Your entire channel is an excellent resource.

[@stewarthamblin]

Thanks so much Stephanie!

[@satsuko]

My body has been so stiff since I was a child. Why Feldenkrais method I have been so interested, it is simple, because of pause and rest, small steps to the end. In this way my body is softer and lighter now. This morning I tried this lesson the second time, I noticed difference from the first time. I enjoy your channel as my daily food.

[@annemakeig9016]

This is such a fun lesson. I feel such an enjoyment of my 77 year-old body seeing it can move in such unexpected contortions.

[@stewarthamblin]

It's a lesson that I love Anne 😊🙏🏼

[@gillianmeadow3932]

Hi Stuart, I have been practising a few of your lessons for rehabilitation after my hip replacement. I am amazed I can even do most of this lesson which is a testament to their effectiveness. This one is sublime! I have such a feeling of well being afterwards body and mind. Thank you so much for these wonderful lessons!

[@stewarthamblin]

@@gillianmeadow3932 That is wonderful Gillian and I am so pleased that the lessons have helped. Thank you for sharing your story 🙏😊

[@nicolaelliott7534]

Very grateful for the hip series especially. Greetings from Cape Town.

[@stewarthamblin]

Thank you so much Nicola!

[@hanakadlecova]

This truly was a challenge, but so so worth it. It felt like I was asking my body to move in ways I haven't done in decades or maybe ever. Just incredible how much better it feels to simply lie or walk afterwards. Thank you!

[@stewarthamblin]

Thank you very much Hana. I love this lesson too and always enjoy teaching it 😊

[@romateutube]

Excellent class. Very challenging to te point that I have to watched it several times (for many reasons) to my delight.

[@stewarthamblin]

Thank you Romateutube. I had to practice it myself a number of times!

[@teresavega3481]

Miraculous! Maybe it's the pace of the lesson or the calmness of your voice, the moment the class start I breath so easily and deeply. A treasure. Thank you.

[@shoru1064]

Indeed, the "Cracker" is REALLY challenging for me! After having been super surprised and shockend :D in the last live class my brain slowly accepts the sliding under the leg and stopped cramping... I know my right side is more tense than the left one, and it is so good to bring awareness to the tight spots. Thank you a lot, Steward, for this great lesson!

[@stewarthamblin]

You are very welcome Shoshana 😊

[@NtathuAllen]

Phew... That was a good lesson. Body feels all solid and grounded😍. Thank you

[@stewarthamblin]

Phew indeed Ntathu - its one of my favorites for sure!

[@ivogelaar8635]

Happy to report no second day body regrets.And this I am sure was thanks to your very careful progression and great warm up..Awesome teaching 👏👏👏

[@anettedanielson3227]

My body felt flat to the floor after the lesson, I mean all bodyparts! Nice!

[@stewarthamblin]

Wonderful Anette and thank you.

[@stevechambers8869]

Fascinating lesson. The final movements for me dug into my left glutes (keeping that knee down as I twisted) and the massage of the right outer hip against the floor while contorted and rolling released something there too. It is so important to consciously let go and let your body learn the movement. Then the magic happens.

[@stewarthamblin]

I completely agree Steve about the magic. I used in my own practice to be very focused on the end game partly driven by a yoga teacher who liked to push. I love the focus now on the internal possibility for change.

[@stevechambers8869]

Feldenkrais Moments with Stewart Hamblin your cues are well judged to assist the discovery - for example today to get back from the final twist we need to realise we have a coiled spring in the bent leg and just push a bit with the foot and use the counterweight not struggle to use the trunk or shoulder to shove.

[@SamsungJ-kq4vu]

This class is another piece of perfection that makes marvels to the body. A heartfelt thanks from Ucraine.

[@stewarthamblin]

Thank you so much Samsung. My thoughts and prayers are for you in Ukraine 🙏🏼

[@SamsungJ-kq4vu]

@@stewarthamblin Thank you, Stewart, for your kind words and support. I would like to ask you if you can make a face-focused class to releive tension in the face muscles and clenched teeth.Thank you in advance.

[@stewarthamblin]

@@SamsungJ-kq4vu will do

[@jaguarazul]

I just finished the lesson. Wonderful Thanks a lot and greetings from Colombia 🇨🇴

[@stewarthamblin]

Thank you so much Ximena!

[@monciaschmidiger1613]

Iove your lessons so much. When I finished this Cracker lessons, I felt my upper chest so warm, good and free and my cross leggs sitting was better as well. Thank you so much for your inspiring lessons, Monica

[@stewarthamblin]

Thank you so much Monica. The Cracker is one of my favourite lessons.😊

[@lorhada]

Muchas gracias! Otra excelente y hermosa lección para ir profundizando y descubriendo de a poco.

[@stewarthamblin]

Gracias Lorhada!

[@carolalamhofer7832]

Thank you for teaching this lesson. It’s always great to see how the complexity of the movements develop from start to finish.

[@stewarthamblin]

You are very welcome Carola and thank you 😊🙏

[@sharonhundert3172]

Thank you for the wonderful lesson. The first time I attempted I couldn't get my right foot across under my left leg without cramping. The second time I was surprised at how much easier it was. Also I have begun to realize how much I have always relied on my flexible lumbar spine to move me. I also realize that much of my left shoulder tightness is related to not using the right side of my body. Your teaching has helped me unlock myself. Many thanks.

[@stewarthamblin]

Thank you Sharon. It sounds like you are making some wonderful discoveries 😊

[@luyzqint3760]

Many thanks, Stewart. I really didn't think I was able to do these movements (I have a bad knee), but I was surprised that (cheating a little bit) I was able. I used the end of my pants to bring my leg closer on the last movements. I did have two minor cramps.✌️😜

[@eve3589]

just needed this! 🌈🙏🙏such a lovely and deeeeep stretch, open the stomac musscles... free breath again! free hip flexors... My favorite so fare...🦄💫😀

[@stewarthamblin]

The Cracker is such a nice lesson. I am so glad you enjoyed it Eve. Thank you.

[@stevechambers8869]

I have a question too please. I have listened to excerpts of Feldenkrais himself speaking to a class and noted he was ‘into’ high repetitions (25-50) of many movements to ‘learn them’. Is this still a good idea as clearly a lot of years have passed and more research and discoveries made since then?

[@stewarthamblin]

Good question Steve. When you read his ATM book he talks alot of doing the repetitions X number of times. Our teacher said that that has to be understood as a product of its time and that people had expectations of exercise. We were never encouraged to work to a set number of repetitions because it was always a question of trying to feel and understand what was going on. I think sometimes he called out a number because he wanted people not to give up too easily or, once a movement had become more familiar then he wanted to integrate it in another way eg with speed. Any movement had 3 aspects to it: timing, orientation and manipulan (manner of doing). I think if you goal is to build strength or muscle mass or power then of course different considerations apply

[@brynjones5795]

Loved the rotation Stewart. Cheers

[@denise2169]

Thank you again from Switzerland ! This is a very lovely lesson, Stewart, although I felt vertigo when trying to lift my head. Could you please do some sessions for vertigo? Thanks! ☺️

[@stewarthamblin]

Hi Denise, I am so pleased you like the lesson. It's one of my favourites. Will try and find some time for vertigo lessons but I would also respectfully suggest that the stick lessons might be of interest. Certainly they have helped one student of mine who suffers a lot from the condition 😊🙏

[@BenMitchell007]

Stewart, this lesson is fantastic! As you know, I have some major issues with my left hip/groin and the movements here provide some really noticeable relief and release, without any pain. I'll be practicing regularly to see ho much my mobility improves.

[@stewarthamblin]

Thank you Ben - that is brilliant. I was hoping you would like it.

[@ivogelaar8635]

Thank you for the great lesson. Very much felt like a prezel. I tryied to be careful with my old joins and was on the verge of cramping couple of times. Hopefully tomorrow will feel no side effects. And looking forward for the new chair lesson. Something to cheer up our sad 4th of July...

[@stewarthamblin]

Thank you I Vogelaar. I'm really pleased with how much people have enjoyed the chair series. Happy 4th July too!

[@ornatal23]

Amazing lesson. Thanks 😊🤩

[@stewarthamblin]

Thank you very much Oran. Its one of my favourites!

[@dianneharrold2137]

Great lesson loved it from Canada

[@stewarthamblin]

Thank you so much Dianne. I love Canada. I need to come over again.

[@nedaknific6804]

It was fun, but needs practicing, 😻🐕👍

[@stewarthamblin]

For sure 😊🙏

[@boeroesrudi]

Thank you so much! Wunderfull❤

[@stewarthamblin]

You are very welcome 😊🙏🏼

[@brynjones5795]

Truely marvellous

[@stewarthamblin]

It's an absolute favourite of mine Bryn 😊

[@terrimorgan1093]

As usual an excellent lesson Stewart! I’ve been driving for days and thought I’d get a massage to ease my cranky shoulders and back .. but after this lesson , it’s not necessary ! Thanks again ! How do I donate since you saved me a massage ?

[@stewarthamblin]

Thank you so much for your kind words Terri. I am glad the lesson helped. I love the Happy Hips series. People and you are so kind. Another lady from America asked me for a donation link which I have now created through Paypal. There is now a Paypal donate button on the top of the channel page but here it is again: www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WFQ2BXJF4ZM2A I hope that works and once again thank you.

[@terrimorgan1093]

Donation on its way !

[@stewarthamblin]

@@terrimorgan1093 thank you so much for your kindness Terri 🙏🏼😊

[@benevolencewins252]

This THE thoughtless move yet however my pelvic floor and posture has never felt better !!

[@stewarthamblin]

One of my favourite lessons Benevolence! I hope you are well and safe. Stewart

[@fj6171]

Yes!

[@lidijapetrovic1928]

24:52... when I streached my leg shake 🙋

[@stewarthamblin]

Go carefully Lidija!

[@luzmarialeon252]

Stewart did moshe left a Bible of hundreds of variations?

[@stewarthamblin]

Yes Luz, a great legacy of wonderful lessons