If you’ve been thinking about joining a group online Feldenkrais® class, but feel a little nervous about what to expect, here are some tips so that you’ll feel more comfortable!
Zoom!
For those of you who made it through your professional years without having to participate in online meetings, welcome to Zoom!
But please don’t let Zoom deter you. If you don’t understand the technology, email me. We can set up a time where I can walk you through the set up. You’ll be a master after your first class and the benefits of the class will be so worth the effort!
For those of you who spend TOO much time on Zoom, please know that you won’t be sitting in front of your screen. Your camera will be set up on your while you’re lying on your mat. Your only job will be to follow the verbal instructions I give to you as well as you can. There’s literally no right or wrong so there’s no pressure to “perform!”
Will you fit in?
All classes are BEGINNER Level. The students range in age from late 20s to 80s and students are super friendly and welcoming to newcomers.
Clothing
Come dressed in loose, comfortable clothing and have a sweatshirt, socks or blanket nearby in case you get cold. Remove your belt, glasses, watch or other jewelry.
Space set up
Have a comfortable space to lie on the floor or carpet and have light padding underneath you. The idea is that the surface that you’re lying on is firm enough to give you sensory feedback, but soft enough so that you’re too comfortable and fall asleep (but if you do, that’s okay).
Ideally you have some space around your mat so that you can extend both arms in a wide-T position easily, but we can work with whatever space you have.
If you can’t lie on the floor, your bed will be fine. But move your pillows out of your way so you can lie flat.
Props
Have one or two flat, folded bath towels or a flat, folded yoga blanket to use as head support for lessons where you’ll be lying on your side. A small stack of gardening knee pads are also useful to rest your head on. You want to be able to lie on your side with your head on the support so that your neck is neither tilting downward or upward. In other words, your neck is an extension of your spine.
Camera set up
Set up your laptop or device camera approx. 5 feet away from the long side of your mat (side view of you). Bird’s eye view also works if you prefer to put your device up on a chair or table, looking down at you.
You don’t have to see me. I’m not watching you to make sure that you’re doing the movements “right or wrong,” — there is no right or wrong! Rather, I’m watching you so that I can adjust my instructions based on what I see students doing in class. Adjust your volume so that you can hear my instructions. Also, other students are not watching you!
Eliminate any distractions or noise if possible. The improvements this method offers are highly dependent on the ability of a student to pay focused attention to her own sensations during the movements. Pets are welcome (and seem to love the calming energy), but please turn off cellphones, close the door and give yourself this hour for your self care.
If you have any other questions or concerns at all, please email me: susan@restorewithawareness.com.
Once you are ready to give it a try, please try your first class for FREE! The Zoom link and schedule are posted in the weekly newsletter or you can contact me here and I’ll send you the link.
Observe how you feel afterwards. Does your spine feel more supple and do you feel more relaxed overall?
Photo credit: © 2005, Rosalie O'Connor. Used with permission of the Feldenkrais Guild® of North America.