The first module of Mastering the Method began in Melbourne as scheduled—even though it was only two days after the accident where I had broken my right arm and sprained my left knee. Those few days were haunted by one question: "How can I teach a course that highlights hands-on technique with my arm in a sling?" 

When I spoke to colleague Anastasi Siotas about my dilemma, he acknowledged the challenge, pointing out that my favorite response when someone asks a technical question is “let me show you.”

Of course, there is much more to this advanced Feldenkrais training than specifying hand position & shape, clarifying the reason for each technique, and refining self-use. The five-day module takes on one Functional Integration composition, and this time it was a lesson for developing length and support done with the student lying on the side.

Examining the FI as if it were an Awareness Through Movement lesson, I unpacked the learning logic step-by-step, revealing the overarching strategy and detailing how the lesson unfolds. The technical, hands-on aspect plays a larger role in understanding the how and why of each technique. I know if the techniques don’t make sense and aren’t comfortable then the participants won’t incorporate them into their practice.

After a bit of worry, and considerable reflection, I managed to come up with several approaches—some tried-and-true, others novel & untested:

The surgery was a success and the prognosis is excellent. I'm following the doctor's orders to the letter: taking it easy, staying ahead of the pain, making sure to keep active, and getting a short walk or two in every day.

Thanks to everyone who has helped me out—both at home and at work—and to all who sent their good wishes for a speedy recovery. Funny thing about having surgery on a broken arm: seems like nothing inspires folks to write like knowing that I can't write back easily!

For the time being, I'm on limited duties. I'm still learning how to use the talk-to-text software, so it's going to take a while before I can get caught up. Please bear with me! In the meantime, I'll keep posting updates...and musings...here!

This past Tuesday, I had outpatient surgery to repair my broken right upper arm bone. Two screws were needed to reconnect the lateral condyle of the humerus to the shaft of the bone. I'm glad to report that the operation went smoothly and that the patient is now home recuperating.

Already my Feldenkrais experience served me well as I faced everyday activities—like getting in and out of bed—with new limitations. Luckily, I didn't wait to get Functional Integration lessons; the FI the day after the accident was especially significant (Thank you Julie Peck!). I'm looking foward to more FIs and Awareness Through Movement lessons as a central part of my rehab.

The doc says the prognosis is good...it's going to be at least a few weeks before I'm back up to speed, but I'm cleared to start slowly back to work next week. When I do emerge from the fog and soreness, one of the first things on my agenda is to learn how to use the speech-recognition software I bought last year.

People Magazine online is featuring an article about Feldenkrais teacher and trainer Alan Questal's Pregnant Pauses: Movement for Moms DVD program. The article talks about how Alan developed this program of specialized ATM lessons to help moms-to-be stay mobile and minimize pain during pregnancy.

Pregnant Pauses is a down-to-earth program that applies the Feldenkrais Method to the everyday actions that can become difficult when pregnant—such as carrying objects, reaching, getting in and out of a chair, and rolling over in bed. The article tells about the content of the DVD's, explains the rationale for Pregnant Pauses, and relates this approach to more standard exercise programs.

Back in the early 1980's, I met Scott Clark when he auditioned for a position as a modern dance teacher at UC Santa Cruz. I was doing the Amherst training during the summer and completing my Bachelor's degree during the school year.

The beginning of Scott's class immediately caught my attention. I remember thinking, "Whoa, what's this?" Not only were the movements familiar from my Awareness Through Movement experience, but he was teaching in an unmistakably "Feldenkraisian" fashion.

It was clear that we were not doing anything resembling a standard warm-up. We were slowly exploring movements with small variations, building to a more complex coordination, and then that became the basis of the choreography we later danced. I was thrilled, stunned, enchanted. The Feldenkrais approach and attitude had arrived in the dance studio, and I was there to witness—and benefit—from it!