“Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity.”
~Unknown
To make sense of ourselves and the world, we divide things into parts and organize them in groups. For the most part, this makes life easier, but it can also create problems. The spine, for example, is usually grouped into three parts: cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (low back). Because of this, there is a tendency to think and use the spine in parts instead of a whole unit.
The majority of spinal injuries occur in the neck and low back. Why are these areas most
at risk?
The ribcage is thought to be strong and unyielding. It protects vulnerable organs such as the heart and lungs. Because of this belief, there is a tendency to stiffly hold the ribs and thoracic spine in place. This locking in disconnects and isolates the neck and low back making movement more difficult and stressful. Most people are unaware of the unused potential of the ribs and thoracic spine.
When you change your thinking, you also change your life. Instead of a cage, imagine your ribs as a basket or an accordion. Once freed from the limiting belief of a ribcage, the door to change and improvement opens. As you walk through that door, you need to know two things: where you are and where you want to go.
The Feldenkrais Method offers the opportunity to become aware of your habits (where you are) and more importantly, discover new patterns of movement (where you want to go). As the new patterns integrate into your nervous system, you literally move into more efficient and effective actions. Through this method you will find your keys to unlocking the ribcage and setting your spine free.
We all have the power to be free. It is simply waking up and shining the light of awareness into our actions and being. This both restores our human dignity and enlightens our spirit. Speaking of free, try a S3NSE’s zoom class for free.