You can’t fall off the floor.
― Paul the Apostle
Most Feldenkrais classes start with the teacher asking students to lie on the floor and tune into their physical sensations.
This ritual invites you to shift your attention from whatever you were busy doing to noticing your physical experience in the present moment. You begin to sense the rhythm of your breath, notice the position of your trunk and limbs, and feel your contact with the floor.
At some point, I might ask the participants to consider the floor a friend. After all, the floor is so reliable and dependable. No matter where you go, there it is.
Regardless of how you feel or look, the floor accepts you as you are without comment or apprehension. It is empathic — listening to everything you say without judgment — and trustworthy — you can confide in it with confidence, knowing it will never divulge your vulnerabilities and secrets.
The floor has an even, undemanding temperament and clear boundaries. It has no expectations, demands, or requirements. Though it is forever getting stepped on, the floor never whines or complains.
The floor never tries to hold onto you or hold you back. Instead, it offers a baseline, provides orientation, and gives you a starting place, a springboard for action, for wherever you’re going.
If you think about it, who or what else is so consistent and unconditionally supportive?
I was reminded of this idea last week when I read a New York Times article entitled Are You a ‘Floor Person’? Why Lying on the Ground Feels So Good. The piece extolled the benefits of spending quiet time on the floor and reported that this practice has been catching on lately. It turns out that the hashtag #floortime received millions (millions!) of views on TikTok.
When I finished the last sentence, I could only think, “Come on down; there’s plenty of room.”
Thanks to M. Rubin for letting me know about the NYT’s article.
I took the photo at the top of the blog at the beginning of a class and the other photo walking around Amsterdam.
Your thoughts?
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Responses:
Larry Goldfarb -March 14, 2024
You're welcome, Manuela! I'm glad you appreciated my homage to the floor.
Larry Goldfarb -March 14, 2024
Hello Lucy - I love the floor, too. I encourage you get in touch with one of your local Austin-area Feldenkrais teachers to get that immersive ATM experience you crave!
Moira Bayne -March 14, 2024
Love it!
DORIS SOLOMON -March 13, 2024
l think we all need to take time out from overstimulation of our modern world to quiet things down and lie on the floor, letting go, as well as meditating to clear our minds in a more spiritual way.
Larry Goldfarb -March 12, 2024
YAY! (Thanks for letting me know, Moira.)
Manuela Scheu -March 12, 2024
Thanks a lot It is like the song of love the song /ode to the floor I really appreciate this feeling when I am outdoor barefoot 👌
Larry Goldfarb -March 13, 2024
Yes, I'm with you, Doris!
Larry Goldfarb -March 11, 2024
Thanks, Vicky! I glad you enjoyed this blog post.
Lucy DuBose -March 12, 2024
Larry, your blogs are interesting and the FLoor is my favorite as I do so love the floor. I am so glad you wrote about this and gave me even more reasons to love the floor. I hope you are well. I've been a bit underground for awhile with thissa and thata and coming up for air now--wanting an immersive, live Feldenkrais experience (ATM). It's the Floor calling my name.
Larry Goldfarb -March 12, 2024
Thanks, DQ!
Deborah Quilter Quilter -March 11, 2024
Love this ode to the floor, Larry! – DQ
Vicky Brown-Ravano -March 13, 2024
Hi Larry, What fun to read your blog about how good lying on the floor feels! I enjoyed it very much. Vicky
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