CENTERED Movement - A ForCE for healthy life
I have been practicing movement arts for more than 40 years. This time in practice has built up my body, provided time for multiple changes, questioning, searching, evolving and forming a deep understanding of the unbounded capacities of human body/mind “system”.
The teaching which I share with you comes from my practice of the Centered Yoga of Dona Holleman, the Japanese martial art of Aikido together with Qi gong, and the Franklin Method (FM) - a science-based “cocktail” of tools with a strong anatomical “inside” and movement with touch and imagery.
Centered yoga underlines the wholeness of the body, the importance of the human mind and Hara (center of gravity, center of mental and physical power of the body). I am certified to teach Centered Yoga by Dona Holleman personally. I also hold a Franklin Method educator Level I certification (first and only in Sweden), as well as a “Franklin Method Fascia Trainer for lower back” certification.
The understanding which I have gained from my many dedicated teachers - Aikido and Qi gong practices with Jan Nevelius Shihan, Peter Spangfort Sensei, guidance from Tom Pierce Sensei and Charles Woolfson Sensei - contributes beautifully to the one and only “goal”: to re-balance vital life-force energy and make the body poised, graceful and light.
The human body doesn’t learn from talking. Human bodies are like “copy machines” and learn mostly from “copying” others and from “touch” (proprioception). Therefore, it is important to learn from people who perform movement well and can help you through “feeling” your body.
What you can expect in my classes
1. Small groups: Each of my students benefits from my attention. I explain and demonstrate physical shapes. Encourage each student to discover the individual range of movements, forms and breathing in order to reach innate natural functions.
2. Presentation in a simple way: I want people to understand that centered movement and practice it is not what we do, but rather the way we do it. We were meant to live that way from the beginning, but modern western life heavily interfered with our innate instincts.
3. We start classes with exercises that have nothing to do with specific physical shapes: Modern bodies have physical misalignment from our original anatomical shape. This translates into stagnated energy areas, causing pain, discomfort and even disease. Therefore, before we can impose any pre-set forms on one’s physical body, we need to “undo” our habitual postural imprints. It takes time, but it makes practice very exciting as one learns so much about oneself.
4. Understanding comes through “not-doing” : We need to learn to let go of the “will”, “ambition” and “goal-seeking perfection” in postures. We simplify our movements and shapes, we calm our thinking, we practice “total attention”. Happiness, youthfulness and child-like joy fills you after successful practice.
5. I use props during my classes to facilitate students in imagery, balance or opening-up “stagnated energy flows”.
6. I identify different age groups: Later, as the student progresses, chronological age stops to play such an important role. The “openness” of the body leads the way. These days you can find that a 16 year-old may be so much more stiff than a 70 year-old. I have experience in teaching 60-75 year-old students, as well younger ones.
7. A logical and well-defined practice: Centered movement is not at all something mystical or esoteric. Its roots are in the East, but today the finest masters are more likely to be found in the West.
8. I am ready to create a friendly learning environment and explore with you ,but I cannot make the journey for you: If we want to change, we need to walk our own line and be ready to “ride the wave” when it comes.