Thank you to everyone who responded to my previous blog post, Not a Happy Camper. Though I lacked the oomph to respond to your good wishes immediately, their mood-elevating effect did manage to make it through my post-anesthesia fog.
As with every injury or surgery, recuperating from my recent hernia operation made for a conspicuous eye-opening experiential education about my muscles’ action. First, just finding ways to get out of bed proved an unforgiving laboratory for discovering the painless path of least resistance. Then there was the matter of picking the full teapot or picking up something from the floor. Sudden motions were definitely out of my ken for a week or so.
When I started feeling better and doing Awareness Through Movement® again regularly, in class, and on my own, my moments of inefficient movement — when I was not proportionally distributing my muscular effort — announced themselves. Mind you, I’m not talking about creating pain. The action of abdominal muscles that usually operated below the level of my consciousness became unmistakably evident. During one lesson,the improbably and inscrutably named SWINGING BENT LENGS TO STRENGTHEN K FERM or LENGTHENING THE ERECTING MUSCLES*, I was startled when the belly muscles of the right (healing) side engaged when I moved my left leg.
Yes, that is the title of the ATM®. And, yes, doing this lesson was a sign that I was already feeling and moving much better. Being on the mend has, indeed, made me happier.
The image above is from a brand camper trailer. I don’t own it, and I’ve never been in one. I was curious enough to check out their website, www.happiercamper.com, and be impressed by what they have to offer. Maybe, if I see the neighbor who owns it out in their yard, I’ll strike up a conversation and find out if I can get a peek inside.
*For Feldenkrais® teachers and aficionados, this is Alexander Yanai Lesson 227.
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Responses:
paula Baratta -April 11, 2021
I celebrate you are feeling better.
Larry Goldfarb -April 11, 2021
Thanks for understanding, Joyce, and for your good wishes. I'm looking forward to sporting the hat of the day and a smile when next we meet in class . . . or elsewhere!
Larry Goldfarb -April 11, 2021
Hello Diane - Yes, a C-section would also provide quite an education of the actions of the abdominal muscles. I hadn't thought of the analogy of the experiences -- tho, by comparison, my procedure was a much less unforgiving teacher and that my tutelage didn't last anywhere near as long as yours. I have a new appreciation and respect; THANKS!
diane-sowerby -April 11, 2021
Hey Larry. great to hear you are feeling better. Definitely with you on the post surgery road. I remember the day post C section that I could move rather than image lesson 3 Some fundamental properties of movement. Maybe before Chanukai , you will be doing the lesson! cheers from Diane in NZ
Joyce Silver -April 11, 2021
Glad you’re on the mend. Discovering new muscles is a challenge. Years ago, I purchased a Temperpedic mattress , comfortable & new give. After hip revision, swinging my legs off the bed was a challenge. Lol. Be well and see you soon with your smile , hat & tea cup in hand. All my best wishes. Joyce
tmsaxon@optusnet.com.au Saxon -April 11, 2021
So pleased you are recovering AND feeling able to tackle that ATM! Sending hugs
Larry Goldfarb -April 11, 2021
Thank you, Paula
Larry Goldfarb -April 11, 2021
Good to hear from you, Tanya! I'm pleased -- and <em>relieved</em> -- as well.
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