Gentle Movements are soothing exercises that shift your attention away from daily hassles and worries towards the needs of your body. Regular practice of these subtle and flowing movements creates space to feel grounded, centred and connected. Combined with the use of imagery and focus on breathing, Gentle Movements give you a sense of freedom and joy. Experiencing calmness, harmony and stillness enables you to truly listen to your body.

We do the exercises lying down, seated and standing.

Everybody is welcome to join my weekly online Gentle Movements group sessions. Please note that the sessions are not aimed at people who want to build muscles, break into a sweat or lose weight. I also offer one-to-one sessions either online or face-to-face, that are especially beneficial for those who:
– are recovering from an operation or injury
– experience aches and pains
– have limited mobility
– lead a stressful life

This approach is based on a range of movement practices including Qigong, Feldenkrais, Yoga and dance.

Qigong (or Chi Kung) is a system of healing exercises and meditation 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. Qigong exercises, practised from a standing or seated position, are generally slow and soft movements with a focus on energy flow in the body.

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 that is not about body control, but rather brings freedom to your whole being.

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.

My daily practice consists of a combination of Qigong, Feldenkrais, Yoga and dance and it has made me feel healthier and more peaceful. I believe that regular practice of Gentle Movements would be beneficial for many others.

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. 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.

For more information about Qigong, Feldenkrais and Yoga please have a look at the resources page.