“An Awareness Through Movement lesson is a guided journey that provides each student with an organic learning experience of developing more self awareness and appreciating how they can learn to move and live with greater ease. ” In the words of Moshe Feldenkrais, who developed this method, “More delicate and improved control of movement is possible only through the increase of sensitivity, though a greater ability to sense differences.”
My introduction to “Awareness Through Movement” was thanks to an intriguing postcard I received in the late 70’s promoting Moshe’s second training in the United States. Fortunately, that postcard led me to an ongoing adventure of learning the most effective, efficient, and enjoyable means of discovery, profound self development, self care and a means to help others in their process of learning self exploration. With each step along the “Feldenkrais” path of learning, my work as a Physical Therapist was influenced and enriched.
After I was disabled by a debilitating case of Lyme Disease in 1989, my familiarity with the “Feldenkrais Method” became a personal gift and led to my rehabilitation through participation in an 800 hour training. I completed the training in 1994, with a heartfelt appreciation for the healing process, on many levels. I also gained a deeper understanding of illness, pain and loss of function and an abiding wealth of gratitude for such possibilities such as: relaxing tight muscles, finding ease and efficiency of movement, and coordination of body parts.
If I can learn, so can others.
“By shifting our attention to the means of achieving instead of the urge to succeed, the learning process is easier, quieter, and faster.” Moshe Feldenkrais – The Elusive Obvious. It has been my pleasure to teach “ATM” lessons to individuals and groups in a variety of settings including public schools, physical therapy outpatient clinics, nursing homes and public workshops and classes.
Credentials
- P.T. – Physical Therapist
- G.C.F.P – Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner
Relevant Work History
Bette graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1975 with a BS in Physical Therapy. In 1990, Bette began Feldenkrais Training led by Gaby Yaron in Evanston, Illinois. Over the course of 4 years and 800 hours of training, she graduated in 1994. Bette participates in ongoing professional continuing education, including Feldenkrais advanced trainings.
Personal
Movement is my passion with both my family and friends and “solo”. Thankfully “The Feldenkrais Method” allows me the freedom to dance, snowshoe in the winter, bike, and kayak in the summer. When possible I love to walk barefoot on sandy beaches while listening to the sounds of the waves and the birds.
Offerings
- “Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement” group classes
- “Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement” workshops
- “Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement” private instruction, during sessions Bette incorporates “Functional Integration” (the hands-on application of the “Feldenkrais Method”)