In this episode of our podcast, Alex welcomes back Nicolette de Saint-Amour, affectionately known as Niki, to dive into the intricate world of the Feldenkrais method. Fresh from completing their four-year professional training in Kelowna, Canada, Alex and Niki share their experiences and compelling insights they've gained along the way. As two individuals who started their Feldenkrais journey during the early stages of the pandemic, they've developed a deep compatibility as learners and explorers of this nuanced method. Their collaboration has not only been educational but also a great source of fun and discovery.

Throughout the podcast, Niki discusses her approach to teaching Feldenkrais classes through Red Beard Somatic Therapy, emphasizing how the method enhances sensory awareness and functional movement. Alex and Niki explore crucial concepts for beginners, such as the differences between Awareness Through Movement (ATM) and Functional Integration, two fundamental components of Feldenkrais practice. They highlight how these practices promote bodily integration and improved functionality, making everyday movements more efficient and comfortable.

Interested in understanding how gentle movements can radically improve your life? Then this episode is a must-listen! Dive deeper into the world of Feldenkrais by listening to the full episode where Alex and Niki break down complex ideas into understandable insights that can be applied immediately. Discover the upcoming lessons mentioned like "Uncommon Sensing," and explore more about Red Beard Somatic Therapy to enrich your learning. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your awareness and movement

Key Highlights:

00:00 Introduction of Nicolette de Saint-Amour
01:34 Exploration of Feldenkrais Classes
02:16 Discussion on Creativity and Course Design
04:42 Applying Feldenkrais Principles Post-Training
06:45 Functional Integration in a Virtual Setting
07:55 Reversibility and Movement Options
11:06 Unique Aspects of Feldenkrais for Beginners
16:23 Kinesthetic Appreciation and Learning Efficiency
20:36 Long-Term Benefits and Methodological Learning
24:43 Integration of Teleceptors in Movement
31:33 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

Links and Resources:

Join Niki’s Internal Coherence Workshop in Red Beard Somatic Therapy: https://www.redbeardsomatictherapy.com/workshops

In this episode, Alex sits down with Doshin Shim Roshi to explore the role of the body in Zen Buddhist practice, and its intersection with Hawaiian spirituality.

Alex and Doshin Shim Roshi discuss their shared experiences training in the Chozen-ji style of Zen Buddhist meditation. They share stories of rigorous training, spiritual insights, and the integration of life lessons derived from both Zen and Hawaiian practices. The conversation reveals how these traditions emphasize the physical body's role in spiritual enlightenment and the subtle ways cultural legacies shape personal and spiritual identity.

Engage directly with the rich traditions of Zen and Hawaiian spirituality by listening to the full episode available here. Expand your spiritual horizons and embrace the lessons discussed by two profound practitioners of Zen.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:23 Early Days and Introduction to Zen Training

03:18 First 21 Days of Live-in Training

06:03 Return to Training and Commitment

08:16 The Role of Live-in Training

10:09 The Importance of Kiai and Hara

11:59 Zen Ken Sho: Zen, Sword, and Brush

22:20 The Importance of Hara

25:31 The Connection Between Martial Arts, Fine Arts, and Sitting

29:47 The Healing Arts in Zen Training

38:37 Dub and Audrey's Influence in Healing Arts

41:48 Discovering True Self

43:28 The Unknown and Intuitive Perception

45:12 Breaking Free from Dualistic Thinking

46:40 The Importance of Hara and Intuition

50:40 Zen Integration Bodywork

53:09 Beyond Form in Martial Arts

55:04 The Mind of Intention Having no Dwelling Place

56:35 The Unknown and Intuitive Perception

58:23 Hawaiian Spirituality and Zen

01:05:28 Hawaiian Ancestry and Zen Lineage

01:08:43 Sailing and Teaching the Younger Generation

01:15:44 The Meaning of Nawelu Nakai

01:20:47 The Importance of Daily Meditation

In this episode of our podcast, we sit down with Mohammed Salah, the first certified TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises) provider in the Arab region and the founder of TRE Arabia. Mohammed shares his transformative journey with TRE, starting from his initial skepticism to how it profoundly changed his life, leading him to spread the practice across 22 countries. He discusses the benefits of TRE not just for trauma recovery but as a holistic tool for enhancing overall well-being, including better sleep, reduced anxiety, and improved physical health.

Mohammed and Alex delve into the upcoming TRE initiatives aimed at broadening the reach and understanding of TRE in the Arab world. They highlight the significance of the five-day TRE workshop in Dubai, which marks a pioneering step towards integrating TRE into various sectors such as healthcare, emergency services, and athletics. Furthermore, Mohammed outlines the structure and goals of the online TRE certification training for the Arab region, emphasizing the importance of making TRE accessible to a diverse audience, from professionals experiencing burnout to individuals seeking personal growth.

The conversation also touches on the broader vision for TRE Arabia and the potential of TRE to foster resilience and healing across cultural and professional boundaries. Mohammed's commitment to training more TRE providers in the Arab region is a testament to his belief in TRE's power to improve lives. The episode is a compelling invitation for listeners to explore TRE, whether as a tool for personal development or as a pathway to becoming a certified provider.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 01:31 History and First Experience with TRE
• 09:33 Work in Rehab Centers
• 14:02 Teaching TRE in Chiang Mai
• 16:38 Bringing TRE to the Middle East
• 24:07 Founding TRE Arabia
• 24:43 Teaching TRE in Jeddah
• 25:07 Introduction to TRE in Jeddah
• 26:21 Mission and Vision for TRE Arabia
• 27:14 Certifying Providers in the Middle East
• 28:13 Expanding TRE in Riyadh
• 29:05 Targeting Specific Groups for TRE
• 30:26 Making TRE Accessible to Everyone
• 32:15 Certifying Trainers in the Region
• 33:06 Applicability of TRE in Different Settings
• 34:34 Compassion Fatigue and Hospital Systems
• 35:32 TRE for First Responders
• 36:22 TRE for Athletes
• 37:14 TRE for NGOs and Refugees
• 39:32 Benefits of TRE for Everyone
• 41:30 Finding Home Within Yourself
• 43:27 Fascination with Personal Stories and Experiences
• 45:22 Acceptance and Results of TRE
• 47:27 Upcoming TRE Workshop in Dubai
• 49:10 Module 1 Certification Training in July
• 51:27 Expanding TRE in the Arab Region
• 51:52 Closing Remarks

Links and Resources:

TRE Workshop in Dubai

• Dates: May 27th to May 31st
• Location: Kan Yoga Wellness Center, Dubai
• Details: A five-day workshop open to everyone, with specific days dedicated to different groups such as hospital staff, athletes, police officers, and others. The workshop will feature Dr. David Bercelli, the founder of TRE, along with eight TRE providers from TRE Arabia and other regions.

TRE Online Certification for the Arab Region

• Module 1 Dates: July 19th and July 20th
• Format: Online, conducted in English
• Instructors: The certification will be led by Mohammed Salah, in collaboration with other experienced TRE professionals.