Erin Finkelstein Phoenix, Arizona

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Movement in the Era of Covid-19

We are all dealing with a mesmerizing level of uncertainty during what is proving to be a historic pandemic. My Awareness Through Movement (ATM) lessons® online are helping people cope through exploring body-based mindfulness. During the past month, over 20 people have come together twice a week from the comfort of their own homes to explore building new somatic or sensory skills to cope with living in this time. The first week of May is “Feldenkrais Awareness” week, and below is information that can be useful for anyone to keep moving during this time. 

What do I get from an ATM lesson?

  • In short, you get whatever your nervous system needs because you learn tools for listening to yourself on a deep level. You learn how to feel better in your body and mind in a gentle, non-invasive way.

  • ATM lessons give your nervous system the tools to be able to recover, and to uncover new ways of dealing with all of the stress and unknowns of our current world. 

  • ATM lessons give you the space to explore body-based mindfulness, and the space in which to find ease in your mind and body. 

  • You learn how to move pleasurably!

Who are ATM lessons for?

  • ATM lessons are for anyone, and no particular skill set is needed except a willingness to learn and to improve the quality of your movements. 

  • They are for the young, the old and everyone in between.

  • They are for the high achiever and for the underachiever.

  • They are for the athlete and the disabled alike.

  • They are for those who can’t sit still and for those who can only sit still.

Do I need a particular skill? 

      Nope, only an open attitude with a dash of curiosity!

  • Lessons aren’t about doing the movements “correctly”, but rather an opportunity to discover “what is” and what options might be available in movement that you haven’t been aware of.

  • Lessons set up conditions for your nervous system to feel how different parts of yourself move. 

  • Your ability to sense distinctions within yourself grows over time, and becomes useful information in daily functioning.

  •  If you have limitations moving on and off of the floor, many lessons can be done in a chair. Additionally, anyone can greatly benefit from doing them in the imagination.

What do I need for a class? 

  • If attending a live class, you will need either a phone to call in and listen, or a computer with strong wifi, camera and microphone. 

  • You need a flat, obstacle-free surface and a blanket or towel to lie on. Yoga mats are not recommended as they inhibit movement.

  • Set up your camera so that your entire body will be in full view on your computer screen.

  • Occasionally, you might need support underneath your head but I’ll let you know at the start of class. 

  • Sign up at least a half hour prior to class times, which are Mondays at 7:30 pm and Thursdays 9:30 am PST, in order to get the link! 

  • If you can’t make the live class, you still get the recording! Paid subscribers receive full access to the videos of all recorded classes to make use of at any time. Non-paying subscribers may access each week’s recording for one week following the class.

This is my May challenge to you!

Share this article with 5 people ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, who you think might benefit from trying this work. I am offering this online ATM class twice a week, and it’s FREE to people who are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. Paid subscribers receive access to all videos and classes for only $40 a month, or roughly $5 a class. 

  • To become a paid subscriber with access to ALL VIDEOS click on the Subscription link.

  • Interested in learning what types of lessons I’ll be teaching? View the SCHEDULE on classes+workshops .