Talking 'Bones, Breath & Balance' with Dwight Pargee

Ira: I'm curious about your upcoming workshop, Bones, Breath, and Balance, and eager to know more about the connection between these three topics.

Dwight: It's an interesting combination! The workshop will feature lessons that explore each topic separately, but come together with a synergistic effect. The lessons that focus on ‘bones’ will help participants to develop something I call "skeletal intelligence," a better understanding of how we move in relation to our skeleton. 

The lessons that focus on breath, will activate muscles in our torso that have dual purposes. These include our diaphragm, our intercostal muscles, and a whole set of synergistic muscles that work together to not only bring air in and out, but to support our posture and our uprightness. When we improve our breathing, in an almost magical way, we also improve our upright posture and our ability to move comfortably.

And finally, the lessons that focus on balance will help to improve our balance and our stability. That said, no Feldenkrais lesson is about just one thing. Our brain and nervous system will select what we need out of a lesson—what you need for "movement nutrients" may be different from what I need.

Ira: Can this workshop benefit those interested in improving their bone density?

Dwight: Well, the idea of skeletal intelligence transfers over. It will make weight training and all of your other activities related to increasing bone density more effective.

Ira: Will your workshop help us as we hike, garden, play pickleball, golf, etc?

Dwight: Yes, I think participants will gain a greater sense of preparedness, lightness, ease of movement, and agility. It’s always good to be able to move from a centered and balanced place without hesitation, regardless of your activity.

Ira: After thirty-plus years of studying movement, was there anything in particular that inspired this workshop?

Dwight: Most of my work right now is coming out of my personal experience of healing from a spinal injury I had six years ago. Learning how to move more easily, more efficiently, and how to have better balance; these are all things I'm personally working on. I am making new connections, and I’m eager to share what I have learned with others.

Ira: This workshop is being offered as an immersion, three lessons a day for two days. What's the benefit of doing that many lessons in a relatively short amount of time? 

Dwight: There can be cumulative benefits in doing a set of back-to-back lessons. With the Feldenkrais Method, we're working with neuroplasticity and the way our brain changes. Immersive learning gives you an opportunity to experience the way Feldenkrais lessons work together, synergistically. 

Ira: Thanks, Dwight, I’m looking forward to it!

Want to know more about Bones, Breath, & Balance on May 17-18? Go to: feldenkraisaccess.com/bones-breath-balance

About Dwight

Dwight Pargee lives in Bend, Oregon, and works with a varied clientele including professional athletes, performing artists, people with chronic pain issues, or traumatic injuries, and people who want to move with greater efficiency and comfort. He has a special interest in dynamic balance and stability, applied biomechanics, and neuromuscular learning. Dwight has studied the movement sciences, martial arts, and Zen meditation for the last thirty years, and holds degrees in Exercise Science & Kinesiology. He is a Feldenkrais Teacher, an Assistant Trainer in Professional Training Programs, and a Strength and Conditioning Performance Coach.