In this week’s Awareness Through Movement ® classes we are focusing on reducing the work and tension in our dominant hand. It is usually overworked in most of us though we don’t always realize it.
As a teaser for this week’s class try this short movement sequence. You can do it with your dominant hand or, if the other one is in pain or recently injured, use that one:
- Sit comfortably on a chair, your feet flat on the floor, hip width apart.
- Rest your arms in your lap or on a pillow placed on your lap.
- Slide the fingers of your hand along your thigh, slowly bringing your thumb together with your other fingers. Feel your wrist bend upward toward the ceiling.
- Return by straightening out your fingers back onto your lap.
- Do both movements slowly, paying attention to gently bringing all four fingers to touch your thumb at the same time.
- Notice how you breathe as you do these movements. Try inhaling as you bring your fingers and thumb together and notice the sensations created in the rest of your body. And then exhale as you do the movements. Is there a difference?
- Repeat the movements a few times. Can you sense what is happening along the full length of your arm, neck, shoulder and upper back? Can you reduce any tension in your jaw?
- Rest your hand on your lap. Feel the difference between your two hands, along your arms, in your upper back, and anywhere else that comes to your attention.
In weekly Feldenkrais classes students learn how to reduce tension and overwork in all parts of themselves. Drop in and try a class. Full schedule is here.
