Your Body Tells the Truth

Listen to Your Self...For a Change

Feldenkrais and hot stone massage Toronto
  • HOME
  • FELDENKRAIS®
    • About Feldenkais®
    • Individual Sessions
  • Online Classes
  • In-Person Classes
    • CLASS cancellations
    • FELDENKRAIS®
      • Feldenkrais®
      • What to Expect in ATM Class
      • ATM students say, Listen to Your Self for a Change
      • Feldenkrais Principles
      • Feldenkrais Videos
      • Feldenkrais Quotes
      • Workshops
        • RELAX your JAW Workshop
        • Relax Your Jaw Workshop Participants’ testimonials
      • Registration
    • MEDITATION
  • INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS
    • Feldenkrais®
    • Energy Alignment
    • Energetic Hot Stone Massage
    • Rubenfeld Synergy®
  • Info@YourBodyTellsTheTruth.ca
    • BIO
    • Blog
    • How Feldenkrais® Helped Me Break Up With YOGA
    • Yoga
    • Reviews
    • Let’s Stay In Touch

How Feldenkrais® Helped Me Break Up With YOGA

How Feldenkrais® Helped Me Break Up With YOGA

Ilona Fried, Writer and student of the Feldenkrais Method, blogger at www.alacartespirit.com
www.huffingtonpost.com/author/ilona

yoga

©2016 International Feldenkrais® Federation Archive. Photographer: Robert Golden
Students doing one of hundreds of Awareness Through Movement Feldenkrais® teachers deliver verbal instructions but do not model movements or make adjustments, allowing students to discover them on their own.

I first “met” yoga around 15 years ago when I hiked almost every weekend in the White Mountains.
My left leg and hip stiffened after every adventure, making me feel like a 30-something geezer. I found a Boston area studio within walking distance that offered ashtanga yoga. The series of flowing postures offered relief and a chance to move in novel ways. Even though the full expression of most poses eluded me, I still wanted to love it.

But the incense made me sneeze and I wasn’t wild about the Sanskrit chanting so I switched to Baron Baptiste’s more secular Power Yoga, characterized by 90+ degree heat and spraying sweat. I enjoyed the vigorous challenge and the focus on personal transformation. While I couldn’t always easily touch my toes, I convinced myself I’d become more “spiritually flexible” by evolving beyond squeamishness to exchange copious perspiration with strangers.

After relocating to Colorado several years later, I joined a Denver studio that offered Baptiste’s yoga. The familiar activity helped ease my transition to a new city. But when the spacious lobby morphed into a pricey clothing boutique and the teachers relentlessly pitched cleanses and workshops, the studio owner made me feel like a persona non grata for only taking classes.
The snubbing impeded my quest for inner peace so I switched to an airy studio that taught Forrest_Yoga. Thanks to the encouraging, caring teachers, I successfully did a handstand after years of being afraid to try. That breakthrough might have been the emotional climax of my relationship with yoga. While it wasn’t all downhill from there, I realized I was caught in a cycle of yoga dependency. The poses and stretching helped me recover from strenuous hikes in the Rockies and had a beneficial effect on my mood, yet I wasn’t in love with the practice itself. Yoga had become, shall we say, a friend with benefits. Hooked on the endorphins, I couldn’t walk away. Nor could I fully commit to a deeper yoga practice.

That turned out to be a leg injury I sustained while walking the entirety of El Camino de Santiago in Spain. An inflamed tendon made weight bearing exercise difficult, if not painful, including standing yoga poses. I took up swimming again, stopped doing yoga and discovered I didn’t miss it very much, just the uplift in mood. Had we broken up for good or was it just a separation due to circumstances? Still, I wanted to find an activity to supplement swimming that also offered a brain boost.

I limped into a Awareness Through Movement (ATM) class during that time. All I knew from the Facebook announcement was that the class involved moving gently, which I could do. Like the beginning of many satisfying relationships, that first date with Feldenkrais was not love at first sight. We lay on heavy blue moving blankets rather than colorful yoga mats. Students wore street clothes, not trendy, form fitting attire. There were no props or accessories, no candles or crystals, no soundtrack to set the mood. More tedious than tantalizing, I wondered if I’d made a mistake.

My monkey mind, accustomed to larger and more vigorous gestures, protested the small, slow, and often repeated movements. I didn’t understand why the instructor asked us to rest frequently, since we barely budged. Frustrated, I couldn’t wait for the class to end. When the teacher finally asked us to stand and notice differences from the beginning of the lesson, my state change startled me. Despite my resistance, I felt refreshed, vital and uncharacteristically at ease. Even though my leg still hurt, the pain no longer dominated my emotional landscape. Something fundamental had shifted inside, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.

Intrigued, I returned. The more I went to class, the more magic I experienced and the more I fell for the Feldenkrais Method. I quickly and easily connected with the straightforward language of the lessons, a refreshing change from the ornamented and inspirational lingo that peppered yoga instruction. I stopped resenting the unglamorous, pose-less and pointless movements and appreciated that they helped me pay exquisitely close attention to myself. They were gateways to a depth of intimacy I hadn’t experienced before. Since the Feldenkrais Method emphasizes self-inquiry and the quality of movement, rather than specific positions or speed, the lessons helped curtail my habit of comparing myself to others, not just in class but in life. In observing the Feldenkrais principle, “To correct is incorrect” the movements nor adjusted students, a shift that felt liberating. That Feldenkrais focuses on how force is transmitted through the skeleton helped me feel more supported by my bones, allowing my muscles to remain relaxed long after I stood from the floor. Since each Awareness Through Movement lesson is unique, every class felt like a mini-adventure; because I couldn’t anticipate the next instruction, I had to focus fully on the journey. I left each class emotionally refreshed and more mentally alert than when I had arrived. There was no pain, plenty of gain and little to no sweat.

Still, prone to intense self doubt, especially when ending relationships, I bought a three class package for gentle, slow paced yin yoga to see if I could salvage my 10 year practice. What if I had simply been doing the wrong style all along? During that first class, while using blocks and blankets to prop myself during various seated postures, I knew it was over. These items, although meant to be supportive, drew my attention to what I could not yet do. The organic learning in Feldenkrais, by contrast, guided my attention to what my body could already do. I never returned for the remaining two yin yoga sessions. Instead, after reading most of Moshe Feldenkrais’ books I enrolled in a Feldenkrais training.

In just over a year, Feldenkrais lessons, both in group classes and one-on-one with practitioners, resolved my chronic hip pain, something a decade of yoga hip openers didn’t accomplish. Feldenkrais, unlike yoga, even helped me around the house. Because this method teaches people how to organize themselves for efficient, pleasant movement in any context, not just particular poses, chores no longer felt like drudgery. They became experiments in awareness and opportunities to sense my orientation in space, make adjustments on my own, and practice moving skillfully and lightly. Subtle eye lessons improved my vision to the point that I rarely needed to wear my prescription lenses anymore. Feldenkrais made it possible for me to do an extended road-trip-as-awareness-through-movement/road trip on my own, with no aches or pains despite long days behind the wheel. Since my functioning improved so much, aging began to feel less daunting.

As my movement partner in life, Feldenkrais is delightfully low maintenance. I no longer schlep a mat to class or purchase, wear and wash special clothing. That there are no blocks, blankets or straps to fuss with during lessons helps keep me in the moment. The absence of allergy triggering candles, incense or sage is a relief. While other people I know have room in their hearts and schedules for both Feldenkrais and yoga, I’m the monogamous type. Now that Feldenkrais has made me feel much younger and more at home, I no longer wish to chant “om”.

There is one thing that,
when cultivated &
regularly practised,
leads to deep spiritual intention,
to peace, to mindfulness &
clear comprehension,
to vision & knowledge,
to a happy life here & now, &
to the culmination
of wisdom & awakening.
And what is that one thing?
It is mindfulness
centered on the body.

~ The Buddha

Not Sure Which Option to Choose with Marlene Kennedy in Toronto?  Click Here

Reviews

  • relaxed, clearer thinking with improved posture

    When we work with Marlene, we are constantly learning to be more present & relaxed, clearer thinking with improved posture. More than one modality is offered & is often integrated with another. Marlene takes interest when discussing our needs & we enjoy her candid sense of humour.

    Diane & Wayne

     

  • grounding, learning process that relieves anxiety & depression

    Feldenkrais effectively addresses my particular health challenges & personality. I find it to be such a good fit for helping Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, as well as anxiety & depression. I love the gentleness & quietness of it & also, how I am in control of my body. It's a learning process; I am not just a passive client. I am sure if I continue, the benefits from this work will keep on surprising me.
    Mayra

  • Healing, centering touch that's profoundly balancing

    Marlene Kennedy heals & centres with her touch. She senses how to read your body & through her work & healing touch, I've come to many deep understandings of myself & my own work, my writing & teaching. She is a spirit guide, a profound mentor of balance who strives to bring out the light that's in us. I've often found courage & stamina & inspiration & trust & insight from simply being silent on her table, letting her healing & heated stones warm me. Combining science & health care with vision & intuition, her activities are deeply needed today. I recommend her to many people. I recommend her to you. And I express my gratitude that she makes her attentiveness & learning, her wisdom & her spiritual aspirations available to us all.
    B.W. Powe, Ph.D, Associate Professor, York University & Author

  • spirit, body, mind & soul

    I don't know if I can separate Marlene from her your work because she is spirit, body, mind & soul integrated. I appreciate her holistic healing, caring & presence. When I experience private sessions, I feel the presence of an authentic person; she listens to my concerns, presence & proceeds with each step from there. When I have treatments, I experience physical, emotional, creative, artistic imagery, spiritual & integrative responses. At the conclusion, physically, I feel longer, taller, more in my body. Emotionally, I feel cared for & soothed. I feel more integrated & whole upon leaving.
    Terry

  • Total wellness stimulates brain, focus & mobility

    Marlene's work facilitates Total Wellness that leads to a happy, healthy, pain-free life with many auxiliary benefits. Feldenkrais is unique in that it does not involve extreme effort. On the contrary, it stimulates the brain, focus & mobility. As a Practitioner, Marlene's style is consistent & compassionate with human connection at high level. This society & any other needs you as truly, I DO! Thanks millions.
    Mary

  • patience & understanding

    Marlene's extraordinary patience helps to create an atmosphere in which to melt. She has an understanding of our class needs & intuitively guides us. As a very approachable & accessible person with a warm smile & a cool glow, she is there with us on the journey to better health by allowing us to discover ourselves ~ kind of like a hot air balloon captain one trusts to get into the basket, then she takes us up & inward on a tour to a different site, guiding us along & then back to stand again on our own two feet.
    Sa'ad

  • she listens & moves her attention to where healing is most needed

    Patient & truly listening, Marlene demonstrates these qualities over & over in the way she works. She moves slowly & patiently in her sessions with me & as result, she listens & moves her attention & intention where healing is most needed.

    Philip

Reviews

  • It was truly great to have a session with you today. Thank you for your amazing guidance & direction, & for the beautiful, encouraging words. I feel alive & grounded, even kind of giggly all the way home!

    Manuela, Pilates Practitioner

  • relaxed, clearer thinking with improved posture

    When we work with Marlene, we are constantly learning to be more present & relaxed, clearer thinking with improved posture. More than one modality is offered & is often integrated with another. Marlene takes interest when discussing our needs & we enjoy her candid sense of humour.

    Diane & Wayne

     

  • total Wellness stimulates brain, focus & mobility

    For me, the most important reason for Marlene's work is Total Wellness that leads to a happy, healthy, pain-free life with many other benefits. Feldenkrais is unique in that it does not involve extreme effort. On the contrary, it stimulates the brain, focus & mobility. As a Practitioner, Marlene's way is consistent & compassionate with human connection at high level. This society & any other needs you as truly, I DO! Thanks millions.

    Mary

  • she listens & moves her attention to where healing is most needed

    Patient & truly listening, Marlene demonstrates these qualities over & over in the way she works. She moves slowly & patiently in her sessions with me & as result, she listens & moves her attention & intention where healing is most needed.
    Philip

  • Marlene cleared my head. I feel good & my hips feel great. More time with Marlene equals more balance & more joy, even though I think I am OK.

    David, Transformational Arts College

  • Your Body Tells the Truth is a gem in the Danforth area. I have followed the business & its owner for many years & I can testify that here is value for the monies spent. Hot Stone Massages & Feldenkrais are the right combination for anyone who needs peace of mind. Steps from a dynamic part of the Danforth in a luxurious & immaculately kept environment plus professional care makes this little gem my first choice.

    Joan

  • spirit, body, mind & soul

    I don't know if I can separate Marlene from her your work because she is spirit, body, mind & soul integrated. I appreciate her holistic healing, caring & presence. When I experience private sessions, I feel the presence of an authentic person; she listens to my concerns, presence & proceeds with each step from there. When I have treatments, I experience physical, emotional, creative, artistic imagery, spiritual & integrative responses. At the conclusion, physically, I feel longer, taller, more in my body. Emotionally, I feel cared for & soothed. I feel more integrated & whole upon leaving.
    Terry

  • patience, understanding & intuition

    Marlene's extraordinary patience helps to create an atmosphere in which to melt. She has an understanding of our class needs & intuitively guides us. As a very approachable & accessible person with a warm smile & a cool glow, she is there with us on the journey to better health by allowing us to discover ourselves ~ like a hot air balloon captain one trusts to get into the basket, then she takes us up & inward on a tour to a different site, guiding us along & then back to stand again on our own two feet.

    Sa'ad

  • Healing & centering touch, profoundly balancing

    Marlene Kennedy heals & centres with her touch. She senses how to read your body & through her work & healing touch, I've come to many deep understandings of myself & my own work, my writing & teaching. She is a spirit guide, a profound mentor of balance who strives to bring out the light that's in us. I've often found courage, stamina, inspiration, trust & insight from simply being silent on her table, letting her healing & heated stones warm me. Combining science & health care with vision & intuition, her activities are deeply needed today. I recommend her to many people as I recommend her to you. And I express my gratitude that she makes her attentiveness & learning, her wisdom & her spiritual aspirations available to us all.
    B.W. Powe, Ph.D, Associate Professor, York University & Author

  • Chiropractor says

    My husband experienced such a powerful, major change with your treatment, that even his chiropractor said,
    “Wow, I’ve never seen your spine so pliable”.

    Rose & Ed

  • My feet & ankles floated up to the subway after ATM class; it was effortless.
    Carol
  • Sunnybrook doctor says

    "If there’s one thing that you have to do for yourself, it’s to stay with the Feldenkrais course".

    Faith
  • The Hot Stone Massage was awesome & I feel renewed! My angst is gone & I must say, my head is very clear. I wasn't really tired but I did sleep very well on Saturday night. Thank you so much. I would like to come to Feldenkrais classes. Thank you again for helping me heal.
    Brenda Marshall, NOW Office Manager
  • grounding, learning process for relieving Anxiety & Depression

    Feldenkrais is one of the best Methods I have encountered for not only addressing my particular health challenges & personality. I find Feldenkrais to be such a good fit for helping Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, as well as the Anxiety & Depression that I experience. I love the gentleness & quietness of it. I also love how I am in control of my body. It's a learning process. I am not just a passive client & I am sure if I continue, the benefits from this work will keep on surprising me.
    Mayra

  • I felt at ease with Marlene. My felt sense told me she was to be trusted. After just a few sessions, lying face up & fully clothed on the practitioner’s sheepskin covered table while Marlene worked on my body, I found that – when I got up off her table – I was walking differently. My head was pulled back & my chest was open. When I tried to explain the experience, I could only say I was standing & walking in a plumb line, the weight on the end of a string that carpenters & plumbers use to find a straight line.

    With the postural change came new awareness of how I perpetuate an old protective stance I no longer need. In my current life, I want to be open & loving, not “protected” by my shoulders & not on the lookout for danger. My body & my mind have worked together to help me discover a new, authentic way of being in the world.

    Mary K. Armstrong, Focusing Therapist

  • Marlene is a true healer. It's like a rebirth to experience your body opening up & releasing ancient tension, thanks to her gentle & intuitive touch. Sometimes after my treatment, I feel almost giddy with joy.

    Judy Steed, Pilates Instructor

  • It has been 2 weeks since my treatment. I came hoping to reduce teeth clenching & Marlene explained that Feldenkrais works with interconnections in the body & that she would not necessarily be working directly on the jaw.

    After the treatment, I was surprised to find the clenching very significantly reduced & 2 things happened afterwards that I did not expect. At my weekly exercise class, a friend stopped me to ask if I had studied dance; she said I moved so gracefully. No one has ever said that to me before. Also, the man in my life, also a senior, looked at me & exclaimed, “You have such good posture!”. (He has known me for years, yet this sentence has been repeated several times in the last 2 weeks.) Each time I stop & realize that yes, I am standing or sitting much differently than I did before.
    Judy G.

Healthy Movement

YOGA

EASY  Does It! Though many individuals seek out Soul Connection through the act of doing yoga, … read more...

Healthy Thinking

Meditation

Meditation "And the day came when the risk to remain closed in the bud became more painful than … read more...

About Marlene Kennedy

Marlene Kennedy offering Feldenkrais, Spa and Private classes in Toronto

BIO

Marlene Kennedy A RELAXED BODY HEALS ITSELF! All affective human experiences are body … read more...

Copyright © 2023 Your Body Tells the Truth