From Head to Toe - Feldenkrais+ | Jaw, Neck & Spine

In this monthly workshop series, Pauline Payen will share with you her practice based on Feldenkrais®* Awareness Through Movement lessons intertwined with somatic dance work. Each workshop will address one specific part of the body and how it connects to the rest of you. We will use imagination and attention to our sensations to find pleasure and freedom in moving. By becoming more aware of our self-image and how we “use ourselves” we can allow new movement possibilities to arise and achieve more functionality. It will be soft, joyful, and focused.

The series is open to everybody and you are encouraged to be exactly how you need to be at the moment! Nothing to bring except loose and warm clothes. Blankets, mats, water & tea will be provided. If you have a special physical condition you would like to talk about beforehand do not hesitate to reach out and we will find the best way for you to feel comfortable in participating.

In our second session we will work on the relationship between our jaw, neck and spine.

Why jaw, neck & spine?

Did you know that your jaw and its movements are key players in maintaining both your physical and emotional balance? This workshop looks into reclaiming length and ease, and (re)connect the jaw, neck, spine and the whole body, to learn how it works and release eventual anxiety and pain.

“Modern life keeps us oriented forward and down too often, in fixed positions for too long. The biggest culprit may be our hours with phones and laptops. On top of those biomechanical challenges, everyday stressors and fears generate an anxiety pattern that compresses us, tightening the jaw, neck, shoulders, eyes, and breath.”

— N.S Klein.

“The upper jaw, part of the cranium, connects most intimately with the spine and back of the body. Every movement the upper jaw makes reverberates through the spine. (...) The lower jaw connects most intimately with your body-core, rib basket, and sternum. All of this can have a direct impact on your breath and the carriage of your head. When your jaw joints are out of balance or the muscles are working hard (i.e., tight), your body attempts to compensate to maintain balance. The muscles in your head & neck that coordinate with the jaw muscles will be at odds. Often, this results in an imbalance in the vertebrae of your neck. On another hand, your avenue of expression includes your jaw, tongue, throat, and the surrounding muscles and bones that play an intimate role in making faces and creating the sound necessary to communicate your thoughts and emotions. Having the capacity for free and easy movement in the jaw is your avenue of expression. “

— Buffy Owens

*The Feldenkrais® Method of somatic education uses gentle movement and directed attention to help people learn new and more effective ways of moving. You can increase your ease and range of motion, improve your flexibility and coordination, and rediscover your innate capacity for graceful, efficient movement. Since how you move is how you move through life, these improvements can enhance your thinking, emotional regulation, and problem-solving capabilities.

About the facilitator

Pauline Payen (all pronouns) is a choreographer, performer, and Feldenkrais® practitioner. After studying art and dance at ISDAT Toulouse in France and HZT Berlin in Germany, she completed training at the Feldenkrais Education Center of Aurillac, France.

Payen performs at international venues such as Palais de Tokyo Paris, Uferstudios Berlin, CTM Festival, Tanzhaus NRW, Schwankhalle Bremen, Platforma Hrvatska Croatia, WP Zimmer Antwerp.. Simultaneously, she shares her practice through various workshops, labs and lectures in universities, schools, and community spaces such as the New York University, Catalyst Berlin, School of Machines Berlin, B23 Berlin, Beliash Feldenkrais Center France, Pokretnica Center Serbia, Dancenter HCMC, Vietnam (...)

Her work as a facilitator in varied contexts, both professional and amateur, as well as providing Feldenkrais private sessions to various bodies, including differently abled and aging bodies, has significantly impacted her ability to engage more diverse groups in her audience and collaborative work. With a greater understanding of different communities and approaches, she finds her work grows richer and more meaningful.