I launched Sense of Self Somatics in September 2023 after completing a four year training in the Feldenkrais Method.  What led me to Feldenkrais in the first instance was a yearning to discover more about the brain-body connection. After four years of incredible exposure to neurology, physiology, child development, biomechanics, creative practice, embodiment, community, diversity, collaboration and self exploration, I am more convinced than ever that a deeper embodied sense of self is good for health, creativity and happiness. 

When examining my life history it’s clear, to me at least, why I end up here, but my academic and work history may not have followed an obvious path.  In life, I have never had any clear goals or driving ambition which leaves choosing a career path really up to a certain amount of fate. 

I choose to study law at University which I thought at the time gave me good job prospects for afterwards - a sensible option - that’s me, not one to take too many risks!  I absolutely loved my degree - but it turns out the academic study of a subject is no guarantee you’ll enjoy the job that follows.  I explored instead working in marketing (and took the professional courses to qualify) and then when that didn't ignite the passion I was seeking, I dipped my toes in the finance industry (again gaining more qualifications to add to the list of letters after my name).  I have always enjoyed my work and working alongside a dedicated group of professionals and if a career swerve meant I could take on a new evening class I would jump at it.  I now look back and realise I have a real problem - I am addicted to courses!!  I just love learning something new (and in fact, I’m currently on a Counselling Studies course, which I believe will complement my Feldenkrais practice). 

During a break from working outside of the home, when I had my three children I trained as a Pilates instructor and a biomechanics coach.  What followed was a few years working part-time offering private pilates lessons. I considered it a privilege to share time and space with my individual clients.  It was clear to me that the exercise - the movement - was not the only purpose of the sessions.  The movement was facilitating a openness and a discourse which, within the safe and confidential environment of the studio, allowed my clients to explore their emotions.  I was observing first-hand that the body-brain connection is the whole self and there’s no need to even refer to a connection - you are you - the brain is the body and the body is the brain.  Fascinated by all that I was experiencing in my studio, and wanting to know more, I began to read and research and read some more. 

This was about six years ago and I was still studying Biomechanics and Movement with Rachel France and Katy Bowman - in fact I was in Scotland doing Katy’s Move Your DNA course while reading a tiny paperback book I had discovered called Awareness Through Movement published in 1972 by Moshe Feldenkrais.  WOW!  This book blew my mind - it spoke to me in language I could relate to - it was philosophy, anatomy, psychology and story-telling.  Yet half way through, it introduces a series of exercises.

This book changed the course of my life.  I jumped in with a lesson and it was like a little magic happened - who knew I could feel that good with so little effort?  Sorry Katy but my attention was grabbed and I knew I needed to know more about Feldenkrais and less about exercise - it was the nervous system I wanted to study now!

The Feldenkrais training courses only start every 2 years and I had just missed the start of one - just as well with hindsight.  That gave me time to read and learn as much as I could before I started.

My cohort,  30 or so students, were from all over the UK and Europe, consisting of doctors, teachers, actors, artists, engineers, singers, directors, choreographers, professors, osteopaths, mental health professionals, OTs and musicians. We met in East Sussex every 6 weeks for 4 -6 days over the 4 years.  Well, that was the plan anyway - the pandemic pushed us all on to Zoom for 12 months but we were a resourceful and adaptable bunch and that didn’t hold us back for long. 

Through the study of Feldenkrais I have made lifelong friends and developed valued relationships with some very special people.  It was sublime to be surrounded by so many talented and interesting people. 

In addition to equipping me to teach The Feldenkrais Method, the training has unfolded in me a creativity I didn’t know was there and helped me develop an embodied sense of inner calm and a deeper connection with my environment.  Another aspect of the experience which I couldn’t have predicted is how I’ve learned to be content with ‘not knowing’.  I feel it’s something akin to what Keats described as negative capability: not everything has to be analysed or explained; sometimes I can simply trust in how I feel or what I sense, even when the sensation is shrouded in a little mystery, without any need for a why - just an acceptance of being how it is.  Throughout this method,  I have moved and continue to move my spine, my sternum and every other part of me so many times now that I’m beginning to know who I am - and that ‘being’ is enough.  

I chose the name Sense of Self Somatics to convey this message that the Feldenkrais Method is first and foremost an embodied awareness practice. It can also improve and promote graceful efficient movement but in my practice my emphasis is on reconnecting with the essence of what it is to be human - to sense and feel yourself alive in your environment and in your community, something I am incredibly excited to share with those I teach.