Upcoming Events
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Learning to Listen: A Feldenkrais Approach to Decoding Embodied Patterns of Chronic Pain In-person workshop POSTPONED UNTIL SEPTEMBER Date: TBD Time: TBD Location: Pilates4Physio 56 The Esplanade Ste 307, Toronto, ON M5E 1A6, Canada Cost: $125 (slide scale fees are available, please inquire) *Spaces are limited. Please fill out registration form on the right to reserve your place. *Workshop participants will receive 50% off their first 60-minute, private Functional Integration session. Description: Individuals suffering from chronic pain experience the world differently than pain-free individuals. Beyond being burdened with the frequent, if not constant physiological sensations of pain, those with chronic pain experience neurological adaptations that increase sensitivity of the nervous system, leaving them in a state of high-alert to potential threats and greater sensitivity to both internal and external stimuli. Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais understood that the starting point of healing for individuals with chronic pain depends on helping them learn strategies for communicating an embodied experience of safety to a nervous system that is already in a state of hyper-vigilance. He recognized that attempting to correct a musculoskeletal problem directly without first attending to the individual’s nervous system regulation would likely be ineffective, since the nervous system could interpret the intervention as a threat. From the nervous system’s perspective, the heightened state of sensitivity is a strategy for protecting the individual from further damage.Therefore, it often reacts more strongly when an external force contradicts the patterns it has put in place for protection. In this workshop, Dr. Jillian Beacon (Ph.D., Human Kinetics, Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner) will lead you through Feldenkrais’ strategies for calming the nervous system using slow, mindful movement sequences. You will learn to become aware of subtle sensations reflecting patterns of muscle tension, breathing, and orientation of the head and eyes related to fear, hyper vigilance, bracing, and shielding. By learning to listen more closely to the subtle sensory signs our nervous system is communicating, we can learn to effectively respond using mindful movement to gradually and gently reshape neuromuscular patterns related to chronic pain. The strategies you learn in this workshop can be integrated alongside other forms of treatment you may be receiving to help optimize outcomes. The class is open to people of all ages. No prior experience with the Feldenkrais Method is required. The workshop may be especially helpful to those experiencing chronic pain. Please wear comfortable clothing. Bring water and a snack or lunch. We will take a 20 minute break at 11:45. Mats are provided. 
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Past Events
Learning to Listen: A Feldenkrais Approach to Decoding Embodied Patterns of Chronic Pain In-person workshop Date: Sunday, August 2, 2026 Time: 10:30 am-2:00 pm Location: Pilates4Physio 56 The Esplanade Ste 307, Toronto, ON M5E 1A6, Canada |
The Feldenkrais Approach for Health and Wellbeing in Music Making May 22, 2024 1:30-3:30 PM Royal Ottawa Hospital MHRI Symposium |
Research Presentation A Theoretical Model of Variability in Music Performance Applied to a Pianist Undergoing a Feldenkrais Method Intervention Co-Presenters: Dr. Jillian Beacon and Dr. Donald Russell Wednesday, May 22, 2024 10:00 am Royal Ottawa Hospital MHRI Symposium |
Feldenkrais for Musicians May 4, 2024 3:00-5:00 PM National Arts Centre Young Artists' Program |
Mindful Movement Practice for Anxiety Reduction in Musical Performance and Practice December 5, 2020 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
Feldenkrais: An Introduction for Musicians February 16, 2024 Musicians' Wellness Week University of Ottawa Creator Space May 4, 2023 MHRI Symposium Royal Ottawa Hospital April 27, 2018 1-3 PM University of Ottawa Creator Space |
Embodiment as a Skill in Musical Interpretation University of Ottawa School of Music Research Colloquium March 3, 2018 2:10-4:10 PM University of Ottawa |