Australian Feldenkrais Guild invites Melbourne to FREE Feldenkrais Discovery Day at the Abbotsford Convent

The Feldenkrais Method is an approach to human movement, learning and change that was originally developed by Moshe Feldenkrais, and introduced to the world via his first book in 1949. Now with a massive worldwide network of devotees and practitioners, the method is based on sound principles of physics, neurology and physiology, and the conditions under which the nervous system learns best. 

The Feldenkrais Method is internationally lauded for the approach to movement that it employs to improve posture, flexibility, coordination, athletic and artistic ability and to help those with restricted movement, chronic pain and tension, as well as neurological, developmental, and psychological problems. It is a universal method for improving human life through better movement, sensation, posture, and breathing. From early childhood to advanced age, more and more Australians are now using Feldenkrais every day to address their movement and posture problems.

The 2017 Feldenkrais Discovery Day will give the general public an opportunity to immerse themselves in the Method and discover the myriad of ways it's being utilised in health and well being clinics, gyms, schools, physiotherapist clinics, community centres, hospitals, performing arts institutions, and in people"s own homes every day.

People are invited to experience a free individual Functional Integration and/or a free Awareness Through Movement lesson and listen to special presentations by experts specalising in the fields of neuroplasticity, creativity, pain management, embodied spirituality, and martial arts practices. The public can also talk to local practitioners to find out how it can best help with problem areas, and there will be a variety of Feldenkrais resources on the day to purchase from a dedicated stall.

Presenters for the day include:

• Karol Connors - M Physiotherapy, CFP
• Julia Scoglio - B.Ed, Grad Dip Movement and Dance, CFP
• Stephen Grant - Senior Lecturer, Head of Voice and Early Music Studio, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music/University of Melbourne, CFP
• Lisa Campbell - BAppSc (Physiotherapy), CFP
• Jennifer Guild - BAppSc (Physiotherapy), Grad Dip Movement and Dance, CFP, Certified Art of Spiritual Direction
• Ruth Frommer - Assistant Feldenkrais Trainer, CFP, Aikido Instructor (Black Belt 6th Dan), BAppSc (OT), NLP Trainer

Feldenkrais Discovery Day Events:

Special Presentations

10am: Feldenkrais and the science of Neuroplasticity with Karol Connors
11am: Feldenkrais and Creativity: Dance with Julia Scoglio
12pm: Feldenkrais and Creativity: Voice with Stephen Grant

1pm:   Feldenkrais and Managing Pain with Lisa Campbell 2pm:   Feldenkrais as part of an Embodied Spirituality with Jennifer Guild
3pm:   Feldenkrais and Martial Arts Practice with Ruth Frommer

Free individual lessons

There will be an ongoing schedule of free individual lessons called Functional Integration (FI) lessons for the public to experience throughout the day. In these lessons individuals will lie or sit, comfortably clothed, on a low padded table. A practitioner will physically guide their body through safe, effortless movement.

Free group classes

There will also be an ongoing schedule of free short group classes called Awareness Through Movement (ATM) classes for the public to experience throughout the entire day. In these classes a practitioner will guide groups through a planned sequence of movement explorations. People will be encouraged to pay close attention to the sensations of each movement. These movements are very gentle and slow, ensuring that people feel safe and comfortable throughout.

Information tables

Throughout the day expert practitioners will be available at information tables to answer any questions about the Feldenkrais Method and to explain the different specialist applications in areas such as physiotherapy, personal training and fitness, excellence in sport and performing arts, working with children with special needs, maintaining easy movement as you age, and the training and qualification processes of the Method itself.

Proudly presented by the Victorian Division of the Australian Feldenkrais Guild and held at Melbourne's iconic Abbotsford Convent, the 2017 Feldenkrais Discovery Day is a one-off event not to be missed. With ample parking across the road and delicious food available from the ever popular restaurants in the grounds (Lentil as Anything, Kappaya Japanese Soul Food Cafe and Convent Bakery, Bar & Pizzeria) the Melbourne community are invited to spend a mindful, relaxing day in gorgeous surroundings learning all about this world renowned method of movement.