I’m thrilled to share what I’ve learned about the Rosen Method Movement from none other than my Aunt Linda. I am curious about the Rosen Movement because of my neck injury and because I have learned over the years that anything my aunt thinks is cool is cool and worth exploring. I also have come to appreciate that there is more than one Way to being present, to being mindful, to being connected to your highest Spirit. (Plus my aunt and I tend to like the same music, and we both appreciate the importance of movement.)
RO: What is the Rosen Method Movement?
LF: Rosen Method Movement is a very low-impact exercise class designed by Marion Rosen. Licensed in physical therapy in Stockholm, Sweden and at the Mayo Clinic, she developed this form of exercise to prevent physical difficulties before they arise. These movements may be adapted to those who experience pain or have physical limitations. Classes are very low-impact, with people gathered in a circle, using movements from physical therapy and are set to music. These movements are simple, yet enable greater body awareness, freer breathing, increased flexibility and better joint mobility and balance. The accompanying music tailored to the tastes of the participants, makes the movements feel even easier and more enjoyable. Classes are fun, stress releasing and energizing.
RO: Why do you teach it?
LF: I teach Rosen Movement for several reasons. I am passionate about music; it’s a deeply emotional thing for me and I believe music is connected to emotion.
After every class I leave feeling excited, happy and satisfied. Besides the high I feel from sharing my love of music and movement, I get the joy of watching my students have fun, seeing them move to music and often have a break-through, emotionally or physically. Leading my class is a high point in my week and I always look forward to teaching.
This specific modality allows me to bring together two things I’m most passionate about; my love of music and the connection of mindfulness and awareness in our bodies. I feel honored to teach others a vital yet simple act of moving with awareness – to move with whatever feeling is there; joy, love, sadness, resentment, emptiness or peace. Rosen Movement allows our authentic self to move and connect to something deeper in our bodies.
RO: How did you learn about this?
LF: A friend introduced me to Rosen Movement when I still lived in Berkeley. She gave me a brief description and I got that it was movement done with music. I learned that Rosen is a very unique approach to health and wellness.
RO: Who were your teachers?
LF: My teachers were Julia Martin, Marjorie Huebner, and Aurelia Priotto. All are Senior Rosen Method Movement Teachers.
RO: Where do you teach?
LF: I currently teach at an alcohol and drug treatment facility in Taos, New Mexico. I have been teaching at this facility for 7 years.
RO: What is your intention when you teach?
LF: My goal is for my students to have a good time and go away feeling good about themselves and each other as well as have acquired a new sense of mindfulness and body awareness. To have them become aware of their unconscious holding patterns in their bodies which in itself is fatiguing to our nervous system.
RO: What do your students tell you about Rosen Method?
LF: A student in my class shared how my class has allowed her to respect her physical limitations – To simply be in her body and not compete with others.
Another student told me how he feels my class has become an extension of his morning meditation. He sees it as a continuation and extension of his morning “stillness”.
A shared story I love, is when a student told me that he never thought he could dance and laugh without being drunk or high. He told me the only way he knew to let go physically and emotionally was to drink. He continues his sobriety with a glimpse of what is possible for himself without superficial substances in his body.
I feel privileged to share and teach what I have learned to others. To witness people come deeply in contact with their bodies and to see them move with more grace and awareness is a gift my students give me. As a Rosen Movement teacher I am trained to notice where students are holding back as they move through life and I like to think that I am able to plant a seed in them to help them listen to their bodies again. Teaching my class has kept me interested in the mystery and wonder of our amazing and ever changing bodies.
RO: Thank you Linda for sharing a bit about the Rosen Method Movement. And thank you for introducing me to yoga so many years ago. Namaste.
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