Recent Unsolicited Testimonials From Students Participating in the Feldenkrais Method

How Reno Feldenkrais Integrative Movement Helps People Relieve Pain and Move/Feel Better:

Individual Functional Integration sessions:
Hi Carole,

Just checking in and letting you know how much better I feel after my session with you! The last two mornings I’ve been able to get out of bed and not feel the need for ibuprofen. First time since the accident. You are a miracle worker! Many thanks!
Susie Askew, Reno NV (Oct. 2018)

Awareness Through Movement Group Classes:
Hi Carole,
I wanted to share what has happened with my thoracic area. Soon after our last arm circle session during Tuesday class, I experienced a distinct change. A lightness, an ease in the upper torso. I felt like I had gained several inches in height. I thought it would not last but I can still feel it today. Not as dramatic but probably, maybe, getting used to it and over the initial euphoria. Amazing. I'm planning on coming to Thursday class too.
Anon (student doesn't want name posted on internet), Reno, NV (Oct. 2018)

Carole,
Even though I was not able to do the last part of the lesson, I could really feel the benefit during my walk this evening. Relaxed hip and pelvic area. Nice! Thank you! XO
Anonymous, Reno NV (Oct. 2018)

If you want information about how the Feldenkrais Method classes and individual sessions can help you feel and move better, contact me using the form at the top right of this page and I'll get back to you promptly. 

Best wishes, Carole

Oct. 20th 10 am class canceled due to lack of space!

Saturday Class resumes ON OCT. 27TH at 250 Bell St.

Dear students and friends, 
The Cathexes Building needs their space this weekend and I was not able to find an appropriate alternative space to hold class. Thus there will be no class on Oct. 20 at 10 am at 250 Bell St. Saturday class will resume on Oct. 27 and continue thru Dec. 15. 
I am VERY sorry for the cancellation — it is my least favorite thing to do, ever and am grateful it almost never happens.
I will be holding the this week’s 5 pm class at the Reno Buddhist Center as usual, if you can reschedule yourself to attend there. I will teach the BALANCE/back, pelvis, knees, feet, toes class we are doing this week (below), again next week. It is an important class and Tues. class agrees they’d like to do it again.
My apologies once more and I’ll look forward to seeing you soon. Hoping you are staying warm and comfortable
With love,
Carole

Give YOURSELF a gift, before the holidays start ...

Reno Feldenkrais Classes Holiday Schedule (click on the flyer to make it bigger) FYI. 

• No Thursday 5 pm class at the Reno Buddhist Center, on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 22.  
• Classes will end for the year on Dec. 15, after Saturday's 10 am class at 250 Bell St.
• All other classes will continue as usual, till Dec. 15, then resume Thursday Jan 3, and continue Jan. 5 and go on into 2019 as usual, TUES, THUR, SAT.
• If there are any changes, I will post early and often, and send email.  
• Contact me if you have any questions. 

Meanwhile, consider using Feldenkrais classes as a way of easing into the holiday season this year more flexibly in a friendly and supportive environment. You can prepare for physical and mental stress by being proactive and kind to yourself. Then you are more able to do the things you want and actually enjoy them! What a blessing! 

Here's the pitch:

While thinking about oneself may seem counter-intuitive during the holidays, it is extremely important. Many of us, especially people with families, children and other holiday related obligations, get pushed to the max, frazzled to the point that the real sweetness of holidays and families and being with others, or helping others, is lost beneath a numb mind and body, a dangerous situation. 

When we are stressed, our body makes use of our autopilot feature. The problem here is that suddenly we find ourselves using old movement patterns, doing things that 'hurt,' not paying attention to what we are doing generally in the heat of feeling pressured to get things done. This lack of attention and self-awareness comes at a high cost, causing return of pain, strain and even injury.

One of the best things that happens in a Feldenkrais class is that we add layers of brain mapping and self-sensing in movement to our existing stores of resourced material in our motor cortex. We maintain connection with the wisdom of the body that mediates our movement, even when we are busy. In other words, it is like storing up needed supplies, in this case somatic supplies, for when things get hectic and we lose track of our bodies and our intentions. We sort of hedge our bodily bets. We make it easier on ourselves and can develop confidence in our bodies and brains to come through better, no matter what our state may be. This makes every process better. 

I'm not sure that this applies to drinking too much champagne, or spiked egg nog, however, or hot toddies, but I know it applies to navigating icy sidewalks, shoveling snow, rushing around shopping, cooking, and entertaining, and being on the floor with little ones. 

So I invite you to get in on these last few weeks of classes during 2018, and store up some good motor cortex karma for the year end and the coming winter weather. Your body and your mind will be thankful for the support. And your spirit will too. 

Hope to see you soon. 
Best wishes,
Carole

How Awareness Helps You Grow and Develop in Your Business

IN:  HEALTHY BEGINNINGS MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 24, 2018

BY CAROLE BUCHER, BA, GCFP| RENO FELDENKRAIS INTEGRATIVE MOVEMENT

Are you self-aware?  Most of us think we are, but are you sure? In this article, we explore self-awareness in a business setting. Here are 2 short definitions of self-awareness to get you started:

1. Knowing one’s internal states, preference, resources and intuitions. (Daniel Goleman, from “Emotional Intelligence”).
2. Conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives and desires. (Google definition search).

Business executives say self-awareness is the No. 1 critical capability needed to become an effective leader. Yet, in a recent, large worldwide study, only a small percentage of business people interviewed demonstrated self-awareness in the workplace — 19 percent of women and 4 percent of men. Interestingly, the higher the individual’s rank, the more self-awareness was correlated.

Studies also show that employee awareness has a major impact on the bottom line: from absenteeism/turnover; successful product launches; implementing business strategies and transitions; up- or downgrading systems; to identifying and overcoming business obstacles.

Imagine conflict resolution, constructive feedback processes, performance improvement, or creative problem solving without people being able to manage themselves! Leadership and management skills begin first with SELF-leadership and SELF-management replacing ego-driven behavior.

So how to begin? Generally, people who adopt a mindfulness practice work actively to listen to others and check in with themselves/their bodies frequently are much more self-aware.

Here are some specific steps to start the process:

1. Sincerely explore your strengths and weaknesses, who you are. Make lists. Ask a candid trusted friend for feedback. Prepare for surprises, additions, deletions.
2. Identify what you care about, what you value; your long- and short-term goals.
3. Notice what feelings lie underneath memories and thoughts about these values, strengths and weaknesses; where do these feelings appear in our bodies.
4. Learn how hidden emotions can color our strengths and weaknesses, where arrogance, anger, self-doubt sneak in; what blocks your inspiration and concern for others.
5. Use your body to uncover your feelings: start to LOCATE the physical expression of emotions in your body. E.g., stress/impatience may appear in the chest, diaphragm, breath, fingers; anger in the muscles of the jaw/face, arms, hands, chest; disappointment/sadness in the throat, head, sinuses.

Our bodies are very reliable early warning systems. Becoming alert to the distinct physical sensations of our emotions means we can deal with complex and confusing issues more quickly, effectively and easily. We can navigate difficulties better, even learn skillfully to recognize and side-step situations that trigger us.

In challenging business meetings or negotiations, feel your tension and adjust your breathing downward, through the nose. Sense your feet on the ground, your bottom on your chair. Don’t listen to the voice in your head. Regain your insight and physical connection, your open-mindedness and open-heartedness, your intuitive wisdom.

Being more conscious and present in your body gives you the ability to manage and improve business outcomes from a new place in yourself. Our bodies are an untapped gold mine of self-awareness information; our key to a higher level of competency in every moment.

You can use this insight to bring new energy/life to your business dealings and relationships. And you’ve already got what it takes to do it.

REFERENCES
1    1. https://hbr.org/2018/01/self-awareness-can-help-leaders-more-than-an-mba-can
2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ellevate/2018/02/15/self-awareness-being-more-of-what-makes-you-great/#29f4497f40dd
3. The Feldenkrais Method for Executive Coaches, Managers, and Business Leaders: Moving in All Directions by Garet Newell & Simon Paul Ogden, (Routledge Focus on Mental Health) (9781138230910).

If you want to learn more about Awareness Through Movement classes or the Feldenkrais Method, contact me at renofeldenkrais@gmail.com or 775-240-7882, or use my contact form at renofeldenkrais.blogspot.com.

Carole Bucher, BA, is a Guild-Certified Feldenkrais practitioner/teacher and owner of Reno Feldenkrais Integrative Movement, teaching the only ongoing Feldenkrais classes in Northern Nevada since 2009.