2024 APRIL Newsletter: Week 16 – Think Outside the Chair

April 2024 Newsletter

 

Hi All,

 

“Think Outside the Chair”

Part One

 

In my February newsletter I quoted V. Cregan-Reid; “If movement were a diet in modern life, we would be starving”.

 

Most people I know are deprived from wholesome movement and archetypal postures.

Wholesome movements are movements and positions we are configured to and help preserve good posture, mobility, strength and longevity.

 

I agree with bio-mechanist Katy Bowmans idea, “think outside the chair” and here is merely one reason why:

 

There are a multitude of unfortunate modern-day cultural practices that start very early on in life which influence a process called osteo-genesis.

Osteo-genesis is the formation of bone which begins at week 6 in utero through to age 25.

This suggests that a key contributor to the shape of your bones stems from the environment you grew up in, which in turn translates into the way you move.

For example, the shape of your pelvis and the depth of your hip sockets would be quite different today if you grew up squatting and floor sitting versus sitting in chairs during your formative years.

 

I have two questions this month and I’d love to hear from you.

 

Question One - what are we inherently most configured to?

 

Question Two – based on your answer, which of them do you package into your life on a daily basis?

 

If you and your loved ones need a safe and sensible approach, I’m your coach...I came up with that all by myself.

 

Yours in Health & Movement,

 

Fem.

 

(photo: mountain goat Hannah)

Come Into Alignment

March 2024 Newsletter

Hi All,

This month is “Come Into Alignment” month!

Align your spine, your gut and your vibrational energy! 

Three practitioners, each at the forefront of their profession who love to bring people together, share insight, and enjoy some delicious food with stunning views of the south coast.

When: Saturday March 23rd 
Where: The Lyall Bay Surf Life Saving Club
What time: 1:30 – 3:45pm
Cost: $85

For bookings and purchase tickets (click here). Sponsored by The Longtable  www.thelongtable.co.nz. Thank you Commonsense Organics Kilbirnie for your support

This beautiful illustration called “The Movement of Flax” (Harakeke) is a painting by my dear friend Sue Wickison who is an internationally acclaimed contemporary botanical artist. 
Harakeke is very versatile and resilient. It symbolises nourishment, medicine, healing, shelter and a strong but flexible backbone. Quite fitting for this years workshops! 

It would be so amazing if you can join us or recommend us.

There will be goody bags, takeaway nuggets (chickens don’t have nuggets in case you didn’t know that) and an opportunity to expand on whatever it is you want to expand but preferably not your waist line. 

Life is choice – let’s make it a great one! 
Yours in health & movement.

For bookings, txt 021 269 5741

Fem.

Fluid dynamics is life

February 2024 Newsletter

 

Hi All,

 

“If movement were a diet in modern life, we would be starving” _ V. Cregan-Reid

 

The month of February signifies purification, derived from the Latin word Februa which means ‘to cleanse’.

Very convenient for us in the southern hemisphere as we go about our summer sun and swim rituals, reflect and re-set for what will inevitably be an interesting year.

 

Let’s be part of the solution, not the problem?

 

From a movement perspective, fluid dynamics is life and life is movement in all living things. So, move to improve your immunity – get out in nature and walk, twist, bend and extend to motivate your kidneys, your gut and everything in-between!

 

Workshops for 2024

 

Like our environment, our mind and bodies are also struggling to keep up and for that reason I will be part of a wonderful wellness collective contributing some helpful tips and practical tools to help you help yourself.

 

The first workshop is scheduled for:

March 23rd from 1:30 – 3:45pm at the Lyall Bay Surf Life Saving Club.

 

I am hoping you can join us and be part of what I envision to be an amazing community focused event - I will forward the booking details and information as soon as possible.

Commonsense Organics is also coming to the party so no doubt there will be goodies to be had!

 

Yours in Health & Movement,

 

Fem.

I want to bring people together

January 2024 Newsletter

 
Happy New Year folks, 

Time is absolutely flying and sadly we can’t wind back the clock but we CAN wind back our Anthropocene bodies (or at least restore what we can) and be role models for our young ones.

“ Your DNA evolved expecting a different environment from the one we have made” _ V. Cregan-Reid.

What makes humans surprisingly unique is our feet, which allowed the hands to develop nuanced abilities.
So what steps can we take this year to not only improve the environment you inhabit internally but also externally? Many seem to have forgotten that they are mutually dependent. 

Despite all the modern conveniences though, I’m observing a strong desire towards a way of life that is inherently better and more fulfilling. We really do need to “look up” and pay attention from the inside-out to truly excel.

So how do we re-create that perfect harmony? 
Don’t forget, our entire make up is geared toward nature, food, love, belonging, safety, shelter and happiness. Would it be fair to say that most if not all are compromised?

Could we be more open to collaboration versus competition? Most of you who I have the privilege to work with already run an internal competitive dialogue with yourself on a daily basis, in fact 24/7, causing extreme anxiety. The last thing you need is external pressures adding insult to injury. 

It feels very odd to teach and facilitate workshops that relate to embedded wisdom and yet they are so pertinent because they are (for the most part) forgotten.

This year, instead of social media, I will choose to focus more on interactive workshops and communication within communities.
I want to bring people together, share and connect and what better way than to do that with you. 

If you would like to participate, please let me know and I will send you the details.

Life is choice – let’s make it a great one! 
Yours in health & movement.

For bookings, txt 021 269 5741

Fem.

2023 DECEMBER Newsletter: Week 49 – May your Christmas sparkle

December 2023 Newsletter

 

Dear Santa,

I’ve been really good all year.

Most of the time.

Once in a while.

Never mind I’ll buy my own present

 

I hope you all have a cracker! Peace love and kindness is the ultimate gift to self and others but if you’re on the hunt for something simple and handmade I’ve got a few Rimu foot-rollers and Kawakawa & Rosemary infused after-shower oils that I am happy to post your way.

 

I am available for sessions until midday December 23rd and back on deck Tuesday January 9th.

 

Thank you for your commitment and perseverance this year! I have enjoyed every moment of it and it is truly a privilege to do what I do and help you help yourself.

 

I asked ChatGPT to write a funny Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, yes, I actually did that and I suddenly felt my brain cells rapidly deteriorating.

 

So here goes, “May your Christmas sparkle brighter that the tinsel on the tree, your New Year be as lively as a confetti cannon and may your resolutions last longer than your holiday leftovers!”

 

Yours in Movement and Longevity,

 

Fem.

November Newsletter 2023 - Posture in Motion

What better way to show up in the world than with poise, grace and self-confidence! It really stands out these days because those with poise and ease are a dying breed indeed.

During the Victorian era, demeanour, composure and upright posture was an economic symbol or gauge and not to mention, a social and political statement as much as it was an embodied one.

 

Today however, modern day living is having a negative impact on our wellbeing in body and in mind yet if we look at tribal cultures and traditions where the ancestral ways are still intact, the people of all ages look gorgeous and move with spectacular efficiency.

 

What can we learn from this, or better still, what can we remember? What are we configured to and how can we safely restore the damage done or prevent unnecessary harm?

 

Saturday November 18th will be my last workshop for 2023 – if you want to stand tall, move well and excel, click here: https://bookwhen.com/bonoboworkshop/e/ev-so4e-20231118140000

 

Alternatively contact me directly for 1:1 appointments. It would be a privilege to help you help yourself!

 

Yours in Health & Movement,

 

Fem.

Relax Into Length

September / October News 2023
 
Hi All,
 
Poise is: feeling graceful and suspended, the ability to “relax into length”.

You too can spring or prance around like this character, it’s optional. All you need is “crimp”, lalalalala. The more crimp in your connective tissues, the more bounce in your step!

It’s important to consider that structure influences motion and motion influences structure, which brings me to some important news about my work-from-home studio in need of urgent structural repair work.

Thanks to my dear friend James, I have a temporary solution to see us through to completion which might take several months. The new space is light and bright with extraordinary views over the south coast situated at 20 Welland Place, Island Bay. 

I will be available for sessions there commencing Tuesday October 3rd.

2023 Workshops
For all you swingers, batters and fast bowlers out there, chances are you are running into hip, back or shoulder problems (or you’d like to prevent them) so I’m repeating workshop Two especially for you. 
The workshop is scheduled for November 18th from 2-4:30pm at Bonobo in Lyall Bay.
For booking and details click here
It would be amazing to see you again and pick up where we left off, however, there are no pre-requisites and your referrals are much appreciated.

Timon and I have also set aside a separate workshop for swimmers scheduled for October 18th from 6-7:30pm (also located at Bonobo in Lyall Bay). The workshop is centred around helping you understand the fundamentals of human architecture and we will be exploring special considerations to help improve and prolong your performance in and out of the water.
If you are interested, contact Timon on 021 499 483 (and check out the Bonobo website here).

Lastly, just a friendly reminder regarding my standard 24 hr cancelation requirement. I have been experiencing a high volume of late cancelations this year which is significantly challenging. I hope you understand my predicament but know how much I value you as a client (and friend).

On a lighter note, here’s my brothers dog Waireka, not a care in the world. None. Bit like me when I’m out for a wave

Happy Spring 😊 see you soon,

Yours in health & movement.

For bookings, txt 021 269 5741

Fem.

2023 JUNE Newsletter: Week 23 – Feet Foundations And Fads

Feet Foundations and Fads – A brand new workshop series!

Understanding your body architecture, your posture and ways of moving.
 
Hi All,
 
Many fads and trends have come and gone during my 30 years in Health and Fitness, some good some not so good and everything in between. Meanwhile, the industry is booming and incredibly diverse making it difficult to decipher what is best for your body (and mind).
 
My role as a Holistic Exercise Kinesiologist is to help people restore their natural body architecture and ways of moving for sport, work, play and every-day so I have developed a series of exploratory workshops called Feet Foundations & Fads to help you understand your body better by way of “self-assessing & addressing” and delving into some natural laws that may have been forgotten or not adhered to.
 
Over the years I have been aggregating and experimenting with various methods in order to create and curate my own in a way that is accessible, incremental and cohesive and it is a great pleasure to do so in collaboration with Bonobos commencing June 24th from 2pm -5:30pm.
 
It would be great to have you with us, explore, and form new connections. The workshops are limited to approx. 12 participants so if you are keen and curious click here.

Yours in health & movement.

For bookings, txt 021 269 5741

Fem.

2023 APRIL Newsletter: Week 16 – Physiology of Stagnation

“The best posture is the next posture” – Limber, NZ

 

Hi All,

 

Dampness, darkness and stagnation are all setting in, so now is a great time to attune to the qualities of the Autumn season. Perhaps you feel a sense of sadness or perhaps you’re quite happy to embrace the Taoist philosophy of ‘letting go’ and flowing with the beautiful and natural transformations that make up the cycle of life.

 

So, for the month of April I thought I’d touch on the physiology of stagnation. Stagnation is a state of not flowing or moving. The fluid fields of the body are governed by your kidneys and gravitational forces hence movement is life, and life is movement.

 

My Exercise Kinesiology approach fosters an enjoyable way of tuning your body under the demands of an urban-industrial environment where stagnation is a high risk.

 

As part of the solution, I am now a proud affiliate of Limber! It’s a welcome win/win arrangement whereby you will be supporting a groovy Wellington company with values that align with my own, plus you will be supporting me, AND most importantly you will reap all the benefits from using a beautifully designed Limber desk!

If you choose to invest in a Limber desk through me, you will receive a 60-minute introductory lesson on how to stand, sit and modify the archetypal floor postures to suit your individual needs and why. Flow through your day and keep stagnation at bay!

 

Check out Limber:  https://www.limberlife.co/fem

 

I’ll wrap it up with a quote from one of my favourite Somatic Movement educators:

 

Aging is: a gradual deterioration due to gradual surrender and inactivity physically and socially.

Maturation is: a process of learning and acquiring a repertoire of movement skills – T. Hanna

 

“Function sustains Structure and Structure sustains Function”.

 

Yours in Health & Movement,

 

Fem.

2023 MARCH Newsletter: Week 10 – Somatic Movement

March newsletter 2023

 

“The body becomes the battlefield for the war games of the mind” – Dr B.Seaward

 

Hi Everyone,

 

When was the last time you had a conversation with your body and paid close attention to sensations from the inside-out and the corresponding emotions?

 

For the month of March, I invite you to make time for mindfulness, meditation, and movement, or combine all three by practising Somatic Movement (my personal favourite).

 

My first introduction to The Feldenkrais Method and Hanna Somatics was back in 1995, hippie-ville California of course! I was in my 20’s and needless to say I wasn’t particularly patient or present and had very little appreciation for its effectiveness.

 

To explain Somatic Movement, I’ll steal a chapter from one of my Facebook posts:

 

To yourself you are a ‘soma’, subjective, self-sensing and self-aware, however, to others, you are a body viewed from the outside which is objective.

 

A guided sensory movement session facilitates mind-body connection by way of information substances called peptides, the molecules of emotion. It also helps with issues relating to anxiety and relaxes muscles that just won’t let go. The outcome is positive, empowering, and long-lasting. “Trace the pain back to the brain”- T. Hanna.

 

Try one of my gentle classes or a 1:1 sometime and let the movements work its magic on you.

 

Ps: I have beautiful affordable Kawakawa balms available (postage not included).

 

Yours in Health & Movement,

Fem.

To yourself you are a ‘soma’, subjective, self-sensing and self-aware, however, to others, you are a body viewed from the outside which is objective.

2023 JANUARY Newsletter: Week 5 – Balancing “me and we

Hi all,

Happy 2023 to you – I hope you are settling in and feeling grounded, loved, and deserving?

 

In my August letter last year, I included a few life-movement examples to help maintain and restore all-round functionality. For January & February 2023 I’m choosing balance, and balancing me/we - I came across this analogy: “Balance isn’t necessarily about keeping things even, it’s about not falling over”.

 

So how do we dance with gravity? Carefully I hear you say, and you’d be right. Balance requires awareness and from a motion perspective, a degree of concentration because “everything orbits around centre and your perceived centre dictates movement, posture, pain and potential”. (G.Ward)

Centre, meaning the midpoint of all things and ‘perceived centre’ because many of us haven’t the slightest idea where on the spectrum that is unless you explore and challenge your movement potential in a 3-dimensional way every day.

 

“Who feels it, knows it” and that is what I’m here to help you with – to help you find your flow state (which often translates into multiple aspects of life), and an integral component of this is called “mass management”.

Interestingly, your centre of mass is approximately an inch below your navel and collides with the L4/L5 inter-vertebral joint, a region of the spine where a fast majority of people suffer from back pain and present with structural deficiency. If you are among that group, chances are you could use some re-calibrating.

 

On a more spiritual note, my dear friend James and I are excited to host Timber Hawkeye, bestselling author of Buddhist Boot Camp, Faithfully Religionless and The Opposite of Namaste.

It’s a free book talk, discussion and Q & A on Wednesday February 15th from 7-8:30pm at the Marine Education Centre on The Esplanade in Island Bay (across the street from my home and work studio at 224) – it would be great to see you there and mingle among like-minded people.

 

The only other thing I have brewing is my Kawakawa Balm beautifully infused in hemp seed oil. Kawakawa leaves contain myristicin which is mildly antiseptic and has pain numbing properties. Maori have used Kawakawa preparations for a wide variety of ailments including wounds, bruises, rheumatic pain, and it’s amazing for dry and itchy skin. The additional anti-inflammatory quality is thanks to the NZ hemp seed oil which contains essential fatty acids. Txt or email me if you’d like to order a pottle or two and I’ll send it out to you.

 

Enough from me for now.

 Yours in movement and great health,

 Fem.

2022 DECEMBER Newsletter: Week 50 – “Those who play together, stay together”

December 2022 Newsletter

 

“Those who play together, stay together”

 

Hi Everyone,

 

It’s the season to be jolly!

 

Sun, fun and play will wash the moody blues away, and I don’t know about you but bring it on I say!

Back in the 90’s I studied and worked at the C.H.E.K Institute where we had a moto “Exercise is our drug of choice” and it still holds true to this day, although I prefer the term play or movement.

For me that means paddling out into a beautiful swell for a dawn or dusk longboard surf.

What about you? What do you do for sheer enjoyment? Or is this something that needs reigniting?

 

Candice B. Pert, the scientist who connected brain and behaviour, mood mind and body, explains in her literature how molecules of emotion are opiate-like in structure, hence we inadvertently become addicted to certain feelings.

Mental health is extremely multi-facetted and something I’m very mindful off and passionate about. Research shows that regular physical activity triggers a release of endorphins (your body’s own pain suppressors and ecstasy inducers) and dopamine (a feel good and movement molecule), so I am incredibly privileged to be able to assist by way of play and restorative movement with an almost immediate shift toward a more positive mood. That brings me great joy!

 

If you need more ‘body play’ to complete your day, come along and try my Friday or Saturday groups sessions - Friday 7:30am sessions are outdoors this summer in Island Bay and Saturday 9am sessions are held at Jhana Millers Gallery.

 

To wrap things up for 2022, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your support and most importantly, thank you for our friendship!

Have a lovely Christmas, and may the sun and fun be with you 😊

 

Yours in health & movement.

 

Fem.

“Those who play together, stay together”

2022 SEPTEMBER Newsletter: Week 39 – The pandiculating cat

“Blessed are those who are flexible, for they shall not get bent out of shape!” – beautifully said by a foster mother of 8 from the documentary “The Horse Whisperer”

 

Hi Everyone,

 A great metaphor, isn’t it? Perhaps something we can all work on, in mind and in body.

 You may have heard me say that one of the primary objectives is not to seek perfect symmetry (which is anatomically impossible because we are not platonic ideal), but to develop the capacity to dissipate shock or jarring also referred to as kinetic energy.

 In my previous letter, I shared a few examples of an ideal day from a movement perspective. Pandiculating was one of them – what does it mean and why is it so important?

 Pandiculating, also known as “Instinctive Stretching” is a full body reach and stretch often signalled by yawning, a natural way of maintaining healthy myo (muscle) fascial (connective tissue) integrity.

Many animals, especially cats, do it so beautifully.

 When elastic integrity is lost, the capacity to maintain tensional balance and dissipate stress strain and shock is significantly compromised and the risk of premature aging and injury is imminent.

 Tension integrity is at the heart of all my movement cycles and pandiculating is one of the main features by way of oppositional reaching and lengthening.

 So, if you want to feel springy this spring, yawn reach and stretch every day and join me for a personalised session in Island Bay.

 Classes are held at Jhana Millers Gallery every Saturday at 9am and fortnightly Fridays at 7:30am in Island Bay.

Alternatively, you may choose to participate from the comfort of your own home.

For bookings, txt 021 269 5741

 

Yours in health and movement,

Fem.

“The pandiculating cat”

“The pandiculating cat”

2022 AUGUST Newsletter: Exercise bush craft

Hello All,

For years I have immersed myself in the subject of movement, the practical and inherent knowledge we can carry with us in our minds and in our muscles.

Alongside movement, I also have great admiration and respect for bush craft which are vital skills handed down from generation to generation for outdoor life and survival.

 

Unfortunately, despite our affinity with nature and ancestral ways, bush craft is a lost and forgotten art along with the dexterity, physicality, and archetypal postures required.

Every day I work with people young and old, who suffer from pain and structural disfigurement due to modern ways of life stripping away resilience and robustness needed for work, sport, play, and every day.

 

So as a continuation from my previous newsletter, what would be an example of a well-rounded day from a movement perspective?

In essence, what I’m going to remind you of is quite simple but to restore what is inherent is not, and in terms of technique, surprisingly nuanced.

 

Here are a few examples, each with its own incremental set of variables, modifications, and unique objectives:

 

 

Reach high (pandiculate)

Reach low (hip hinge)

Decompress (hang/brachiate)

Compress (floor-based postures)

Walk

Balance challenge

Move weighted objects

Play

 

Spring is just around the corner so now is a good time to incorporate a movement practise that’s uniquely your own with the guidance and support from someone like me, or consider an assessment and to help re calibrate. The path of progress is not always linear, but that is part of the unforeseen nature of life and life movement development.

 

As always, it’s a privilege to be part of the journey.

Yours in health and movement,

Fem.

Exercise Kinesiology Umami

Hi All,

It was exactly this time 2 years ago when Shaun, who I miss so much, helped carve out my value proposition and what it is I do.

Half way through the process he said the coolest thing, which was, “your system of Exercise Kinesiology is to movement as umami is to food”.

I’ve been practising and helping people help themselves for almost 30 years, and Shaun’s description of my work is no doubt the biggest compliment that I will cherish forever.

Umami means “essence of deliciousness” and the 6 characteristics of umami taste are tongue coating sensation, mouth fullness, long lasting, balanced taste/well rounded, salivation and complexity.

To be a creator not an imitator means trying new things, letting go of rules and paradigms and not be afraid to experiment and fail. I surround myself with problem solvers and get my inspiration from those that challenge and advance my thinking, many of whom are close friends, peers and clients.

“Take what is useful, discard what isn’t, and add what is uniquely your own” – Bruce Lee.

Getting into your body and utilising movement as a tool to overcome pain and limiting beliefs is one of the best investments you can make because your experience will create your learning.

To move effortlessly and conserve energy, bring umami into the recipe - find balance and well roundedness (I don’t mean your belly), develop complexity and reap the long-lasting benefits to compliment your longevity.

Yours in movement and vitality,

Fem.

News from Femke Koene: New in-home studio is all set up

Get into your body and let your experience create your learning


Update from Femke

Hi All,

The new in-home studio is all set up, welcoming and ready for action!
A big thank you to Aaron, Steve from Red Pencil Construction, Lisa, Benjamin who is a master mover and my son Soul who did a great job of fixing and painting the room.

I am learning to “flow with the go” (stole that one from Aaron) and then, on my big moving out day, Helen G Hancox (who always seems to know just what to say at the right time) quotes Darren Weissman:

Emotions transform energy,
Energy is movement,
Movement is change.
Change is the essence of my life.
The more I consciously embrace change and choose to change, the more liberated and energized I feel.
I am liberated and energised, it is my nature.

I choose liberated and energised – what would your feeling words be?

“Energy is movement and movement is change” really resonates with me and equates to L.I.F.E:

Learn
Implement
Feel
Experience

“L.I.F.E” with respect to LIFE MOVEMENT is an oldie but a goodie and an essential ingredient for general wellness and growth.

For example, to boost winter wellness, include a daily ritual of side-bending and twisting.
Side bending is great for your liver and spleen and twisting is great for your gut and kidneys!

So, in essence, life is movement and movement is life.

The objective of the movement cycles that I have developed is to restore your natural body architecture and ways of moving to the best of your ability in a way that is holistic, fun, and educational.

If you are interested in private sessions and/or classes held at Jhana Millers Gallery, contact me via my website or email.

I hope to see you soon!

Yours in health and movement,
Fem.

News from Femke Koene: I’m on the move – come along!

Get into your body and let your experience create your learning


Update from Femke

Hi All,

COVID certainly influenced how I’ve worked in the last couple of years. Like you, I have ridden with the ups and downs, sometimes working from the CBD studio and other times solely online. You may have joined me for one of the 2020 Zoom sessions.

I learned how to "pivot" in this new world.

I am shifting premises on the 30th of May 2022 to my home studio in Island Bay. This lovely space is set aside for private lessons only, and you will experience the same high-quality service, cups of tea, and a beautiful sea view.

I will be available for private appointments Tuesday through to Saturday with a new online booking (and payment) system and the option to package in sessions at yours, mine and occasionally online. 

Friday and Saturday morning group sessions will continue on Level 1, 85 Victoria St at Jhana Millers Gallery. Thank you Jhana!

An official opening of the new studio will be held after Queen's Birthday weekend. It would be wonderful to have you be part of this transition and a new beginning.

As always please know how much I enjoy having you onboard as we learn, explore and navigate together. It is truly a privilege.


Yours in movement and vitality,
Fem.