Gentle Movements

Gentle movements is a practice of soothing exercises that will leave you feeling invigorated. Gentle Movements will help you move a little more easily, encourage you to listen to your body and invite a sense of joy and stillness.

Gentle Movements are especially beneficial for those who:
– experience aches and pains, or
– lead a stressful life

Please note that the sessions are not aimed at people who want to build muscle or lose weight.

I also offer one-to-one sessions either online or face-to-face, that are most suitable for those who:
– are recovering from an operation or injury
– have limited mobility

My Gentle Movements sessions generally start with floor based explorations and relaxation. Towards the end of the sessions we do more active, standing exercises that will leave you feeling energised. If you are unable to stand, you can do the exercises sitting on a chair. If you are unable to lie on the floor, you could join the online sessions and lie on a bed or sofa instead.

Sources of inspiration

This approach is based on a range of movement practices including Qigong, Feldenkrais, Yoga and dance. The sessions will be easily accessible for those who do not have much relevant experience yet. For those who have done Yoga, Feldenkrais or Qigong before, it will be interesting to experience the similarities between these modalities.

Qigong (or Chi Kung) is a system of meditative movements that has been practised in China for thousands of years. It is a way to prevent disease and improve health. Qi is the Chinese word for ‘life energy’, gong means ‘work’ or ‘benefits acquired through perseverance and practice’. Thus Qigong means working with life energy. 

Feldenkrais is a system of body-awareness and exercises, developed by Moshe Feldenkrais (1904 –1984). It leads to easier, more effective and pleasurable movements, reduces pain and promotes general wellbeing. The subtle movements in Feldenkrais are an invitation to explore, to learn and to immerse yourself in the world of your inner sensation. 

Yoga is an ancient tradition that originates from India. Yoga practice often starts with asanas (postures), pranayama (expansion of vital energy/breathing technique) and relaxation. Through increased awareness it can move on to mental and emotional levels. Practising yoga has a balancing and harmonising effect. There are many different forms of yoga. I am mostly interested in a gentle form of yoga.

The Prana (vital energy) in yoga corresponds to the Qi in Qigong. The focus on energy flow in Qigong corresponds to the increased awareness in Feldenkrais and yoga.

The type of dancing I like is moving freely, to music or in silence. This is such a wonderful way to tune into the body and to find movements that feel nice, despite physical problems you may experience.
After all: ‘Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.’

Here is an article about my Gentle Movements: