It’s such an important part of ourselves. It is actually a two way window to look inward and outward. Many of us don’t realize it, but sensing our own face can give us a lot of information about ourselves. We often think of our face as “important to keep up appearances,” something that others look at in potential judgement. Some people must always have a type of face covering whether it is make up, glasses, a scarf, a beard or mustache.

The face is the outward presentation of emotion if we allow it. Emotion is a type of energy in motion within our bodies. When the facial expression is not allowed to be in agreement with our inner feelings it’s very uncomfortable. How many of us have heard at some point, “don’t cry,” “if you make an ugly face it will freeze that way,” “it’s not appropriate to express your disappointment to grandma.”?

Sometimes we are not even sure how we are feeling on the inside so how can we express it? Osel Nyima, a Feldenkrais Practitioner(TM) of the UK posted this YouTube video in 2017. I recommend that you do it lying down or sitting while turned away from the video display. Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement Lessons(R) are designed to be sensed rather than reproduced. Do the series of repeated movements slowly, delicately, and very small. 10% of your effort is a great learning point. If you can’t do the movement with 10-15% effort just imagine you are doing it. Rest often. Allow an easy natural breath between movements. If you are sitting, make sure your feet are flat on the floor. Stay comfortable throughout. Do less. Notice what your face feels like before you begin and then check back in with the sensations of your face at the end. Enjoy. Sandy