Continue the learning w/ Deborah Bowes
Student Experiences from Abdominals in Action with Deborah Bowes:
Pelvic Floor, Abdominals, Movement and Posture as an Integrated System
“After a lifetime of having a very rigid back, I feel like I can move for the first time in my life in ways that I never have been able to. Having a better appreciation for abdominals has helped that.”
“This series and others of Deborah's seems to have helped my pelvic floor, IBS and posture issues. I loved learning and experiencing how my abdominals connect with so many other parts of my body. Amazing!”
“I discovered the presence and activity of my abdominals and muscles of the pelvic floor during the lessons ! The sensation of the holding of my tronc and pelvis stays during my daily activities (while sitting, standing). That’s great and makes life easier.” - Iris Fleur, Feldenkrais Practitioner
“She uses imagery in her teaching which was helpful to create this clear internal image of my abdominals, their reach, their edges, their function and how they support everything I do. I have a great deal more awareness of how I use my abdominals now and the connection to breath and the pelvic floor is so clear. She has thoroughly researched all aspects of the lessons and brings a great deal of knowledge, expertise, and experience to the lessons she creates. I think her teaching is brilliant and always recommend to others.” - Nancy Piper
“For me the most valuable experience was to feel the abdomen as a whole in combination with the pelvic floor and what strength I can achieve by using it in appropriate way without using force”
“This workshop was perfectly timed to support me physically and emotionally. I Loved that she focused on the area I have so much trouble activating: the abdominals and also pelvic floor. Therefore it was like being offered water while walking in the desert! I learned that the abdominals are activated when I become Aware…..sensitized to the minute beginning of a movement right when the first activation occurs. I love experiencing the change at the end of the session when I feel so easily aligned, taller, and more elongated in the torso and region of the abdominals. My pelvic floor function also improved.” - Alice, Teacher
“I now have a clear idea of how all the Abdominal Muscles work as part of a team (a system). I was especially interested in their interplay with the muscles of the Pelvic Floor --so I just purchased Deborah's Outstanding Pelvic Floor course. I have completed 4 of those lessons-- and I encourage anyone who has any type of pelvic floor "issue" to work with the Pelvic Floor course--in conjunction with this Abdominal series -- the two courses work synergistically- I can feel positive changes already. Prior to all these classes, I could just barely feel the contractions (or the letting go) of either my abdominals or my pelvic floor muscles. Now I can much more clearly feel those important sensations -- and the feeling is improving with every lesson I repeat.... and every new lesson I do.” - Cheryl Kozak, Retired Admin
“Deborah Bowes' Abdominals in Action was a game-changer for me. Over the years I have been to four pelvic floor therapists. Each time we focused on kegels to target pelvic awareness. One therapist used vaginal ultrasound as a biofeedback tool. Another had me use an Elvie trainer as an at-home tool. All four therapists approached the pelvic floor as if it was a separate muscle that could be strengthened in isolation. From Deborah's class I learned that it isn't!
I now understand that the abdominals and pelvic floor are part of an integrated system. For the first time I'm learning to access my pelvic floor as part of a larger whole. It's making such a difference. I feel stronger working out and doing everyday functional movements. I never would have put it together without Deborah's class.
Another breakthrough for me is finally understanding the fundamental importance of breath. A habitual shallow breather, these same therapists encouraged belly breathing. In their offices I would self-consciously practice deep breathing. But it never transferred to daily life. That changed with this program. Working through Deborah's lessons I began to notice how my breath changed with different positions and how I could regulate my breathing patterns. I'm surprising myself how naturally I am able to regulate breath and how much better I feel.
Learning how breath, abdominals and pelvic floor are all part of an integrated system has been transformative for me. Thank you both for this game-changing program.”
Self-Awareness and Self-Care
“I am more accepting of myself the way I am”
The more I study and teach Awareness Through Movement, the more I appreciate how it creates the conditions for self-knowledge and self-sufficiency.” - Margaret
“I sleep soundly and my digestion is different, for the better.”
“The series reinforces learning in other contexts. I appreciate how Feldenkrais brings awareness into connections, creating support from the ground and among body parts and body systems. Deborah’s focus here on abdominals is a valuable lens to view how the whole benefits from this active conversation among parts.” - Suzanne Snijder van Wissenkerke, SEP bodyworker
“I feel like I have a different body”
“Enjoying the redistribution of effort, my low back is especially grateful” - Jenna Blaustein
“Taking the time to get into my body for a full hour promoted relaxation, less anxiety and more bodily connection and fluidity.”
“It was very good for me to explore how much I felt and how much I didn’t feel. It was enlightening and I learned something from every lesson.”
“I have felt a greater sense of well being, of calm, and of presence after each lesson. I'm finding I can tap back into these sensations as I move on through the week.”
“Paying attention to my body always helps me emotionally become more centered and calm. A good thing.” - Thomas Amderson, Retired engineer
“I love and cherish the fact that we have the audios because what I am finding is that doing it every day makes a huge difference ..I started off just occasionally if I had time …now I make time and it's such a help to the brain to have Deborah’s voice”
“The outcome was some pretty exciting and surprising changes at the end of every class.
during the last part of the Diagonal Lesson I felt an unusual quality of empowerment-which translated to such an ease of being in standing. I generally feel more sensitive to my Self - which of course changes everything!”
"So much of what changed was interwoven with an emotional shift."
Waking Up Core Strength
“I now feel my abdominals in all of my movements.”
“The area of abdominals is more active and more present during all the activities I do. In sitting, standing, walking....” - Darja Šoštarič, PT and Feldenkrais practitioner
“I don’t think I had ever before felt the abdominals just doing their job without interference, and the experience of freedom throughout myself was exhilarating. I now have a much clearer sense of the actions of contracting and lengthening, as well as better understanding that the Feldenkrais “let go” in the lower abdomen is not an invitation to perpetually let it all hang out.
“Prior to taking Deborah's course, I had only a very superficial understanding of my Abdominal Muscles -- I knew there were 4 different muscles - but the Rectus Abdominis was the only one I had any real awareness of - so I mainly thought of these muscles as being in the front - I could just barely feel them when I first did the lessons - and I had no sense of their relationship to my Spine, Ribs, Pelvic Floor, Diaphragm, etc. Happily, all that has changed, and I am delighted to now have a new, more global awareness and understanding of my Abdominals. I have repeated the lessons many times each (and I plan to continue working with them) and I am just beginning to sense using my Abdominals in my everyday actions (e.g., reaching, bending, turning, walking, sitting). .... just as the name of the course promised. YAY!!” - Cheryl Kozak, Retired Admin
“I was able to connect with my abdominals in a gentle and loving way, not having to work them hard. My abdominals seem to feel more awake to my body and bridge my upper and lower body, allowing me to feel more whole and my body parts working more as a team than individually.”
“I felt my awareness of my abdominals awaken.”
“I appreciate her pace, calm and her clarity. I am more "aware" of the abdominals in walking, biking and skiing.” - Luisa Zitta, Feldenkrais Practitioner
“I experienced the abdominals working as they are supposed to, without interference. I knew, as a woman and former dancer, that I was used to holding in my abdominals, but I had no idea how liberating it would be to let go of subtle but compulsive habits.” - Margaret, Feldenkrais Practitioner
“I felt more awake and powerful.”
“I found it very energizing and uplifting to work with the abdominals this way. I walked around with more confidence and sense inner of stability.” - Margaret, Feldenkrais Practitioner
“After every segment I have found more ease of movement , and more ability and freedom in what I can do… it was as though after lesson 6 my abs went ‘oh ok you mean if we work you can do xyz so much more efficiently and way easier.’ I ‘have' been able to walk better lift easier and all sorts of things don't hurt like they did ..wow Happy happy camper here”
“I am gradually regaining movement and strength throughout my abdominal region after severe illness and a loss of tonus through the area. The final lesson was the highlight because it helped me gain confidence that I really am making tremendous improvement.
I wasn’t previously aware how significantly involved my abdominals were in so many movements throughout the rest of my body.
I feel more confident and sure that I am able to regain the strength and suppleness that have been lacking for the past few years
“After being unwell with SIBO for many years, my abdominal muscles had forgotten how to contribute to my core strength. The systematic awakening of awareness over the the six weeks of classes was gentle and challenging. My back muscles, my pelvic floor, my glutes, my thighs were all compensating for my abdominal disfunction. I look forward to practicing these lessons many more times and feeling increasingly more balanced with less pain.
I am able to feel my abdominals so much more. This awareness gives me many opportunities to use them more fully, more often - especially my upper abs. Climbing stairs, bending over, reaching. as I engage them more, I can feel my pelvic floor saying thank you, thank you. The other places I've been holding tension (left glutes, left aductor, psoas,etc.) are more clear.
Finding a path to regain my core stability makes me feel so much more hopeful.”
Easier, Fuller Breathing
“I really love her presence in the lesson. This makes it easy and enjoyable for me to be present with myself in the lesson. I especially appreciated that Deborah very often in her lessons made the connection between a movement/ experience and breathing. This helps me to connect to my inner core, my inner self.... I can find inner peace with myself and my present situation” - Heike Boeren
“The abs series helped me to be more fluid and patient with myself. I am very excited with my deeper and more comfortable breathing especially at my sternum & low back. I love the improvement to my heart.”
“It helped me find easier, fuller breathing, more length, and more fluid walking. I loved being guided toward more uprightness with far less strain through gradually finding the distance between my pubic bone and my sternum. I loved all the movement reminders to sense the movement of the abdominals. I was able to let go of more unnecessary tension than I knew I had.”
Support for Feldenkrais, Pilates & Yoga Teachers:
“Although, I've been in the movement business for over 50 years, I never get tired of exploring my body and finding new connections. The Feldenkrais method is a revelation and I find it fascinating. It not only helps me to deepen my understanding of my own body, but it enhances my sensitivity and skills as a yoga therapist who specializes in teaching children with special needs… I plan to revisit the classes many times in the future.
The Feldenkrais Method has been a great comfort to me during the pandemic as well as expanding my movement vocabulary. I found this series particularly exciting because it taught me new information that I was more than ready to discover and I enjoyed the challenge.” - Sherry LeBlanc
“as a Pilates teacher the encouragement is all about drawing in the abs but I loved the emphasis on the letting go! I definitely felt stronger and softer after the classes. I feel that my abdominals are now working more effectively. I feel more resilient in my day to day life” - Ali, Kinesiologist Pilates teacher
Deborah’s Teaching:
“I love Deborah. She is so clear in her instructions. I also love how she always reminds me to take care of myself, and to not do too much. She has so much knowledge and I always learn so much from her.” - Helga
“I really like Deborah as a teacher. Her calming, gentle voice along with her explanations of why we don't have to push through it or work hard makes me feel okay and supported when a movement doesn't happen easily.”
“Deborah has an engaging teaching style - I appreciate her enthusiasm - the depth of her knowledge and experience - her creative, innovative teaching focused on areas of the body that are so often either misunderstood (as in the case of the Abdominals) - or largely ignored (as in the case of the Pelvic Floor). Studying with Deborah has been a privilege and a joy!” - Cheryl Kozak, Retired Admin
“Deborah is clear, easy to follow and presents with a calm and easy manner that translates to my own increased sense of ease and calm. Her explanations and added comments are most helpful. Love her approach and appreciate the insights!”
“I love her warm teachings, her voice, the structure of her lessons, how she answers the questions and explains the background. She is very clear and I can follow her well, although English in not my native language. She answers many questions that I had in my subconscious for many years and has a lot of knowledge and experience. She is one of my favorite teachers.”
“I really appreciate her clarity, her knowledge, her focus, and her sensitivity both during the ATM lessons and during the Q & As.”
“LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Deborah. She doesn't shy away from complexity and teaches in a way that is crystal clear” - Wendy M Kann, Feldenkrais Teacher
“I truly appreciate Deborah’s amazing breadth of knowledge, experience, and skill. I feel like I am in such a well organized, safe space when I am with her in class.” - Chell Norton, Rescue Director Feline Fairies/501 (c) 3 cat and kitten rescue
“Excellent teacher. Clear and precise instruction; kind but no-nonsense demeanor.”
“I love her clearness, her wisdom and her wording.”
“I have had a hip injury and arthritic pain is ongoing. When my abdominals are better coordinated it takes the strain off of my hip. Wonderful! She gives us confidence. Her teaching style is calm and competent. Her instructions are clear. Her answers to the Q&A are very helpful. Her deep knowledge of the principles of Moshe Feldenkrais that she shares is wonderful.” - Ellen Turgasen, Massage Therapist
“Astonishment! Deeply grateful for her clarity of understanding and articulation of the power inherent in the small and subtle movements.”
“I find Deborah very gentle, informative, supportive, and encouraging. I always learn something new from her!”
“She gives really great cues that bring the attention to key places and actions. She is precise, calm and kind at the same time. She fields questions with great skill.” - Margaret, Feldenkrais Practitioner
“This series supported my longing to be well-guided - to work with subtlety - without compromising the challenge and integrity of the lessons. Deborah provided the perfect balance of guidance - permission - structure and encouragement. The highlight, was how much pleasure there was to be had in feeling so 'safe' in a class. ” -Jennifer Herzog, Feldenkrais Practitioner
About Deborah Bowes
Deborah Bowes is a Feldenkrais® Teacher and Trainer. She initially trained as a physical therapist at Columbia University in New York and later earned a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University in Virginia. She holds a B.S. in Biology and Physical Education from Rhode Island College.
As a Guild Certified Trainer of the Feldenkrais Method® since 2000, she has taught widely in the United States, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Australia and Colombia in over 35 training programs. Her other related in-depth studies and practices include Tai Chi Chuan, Qigong, yoga, sensory awareness, meditation, and dance.
Deborah had a private practice in San Francisco at the Feldenkrais® Center for Movement & Awareness for over 30 years. She now teaches and consults online. She is an adjunct faculty member at Saybrook University, teaching Movement Modalities for Wellness. Her doctoral research demonstrated the benefit of her Feldenkrais Method program, Pelvic Health & Awareness for Men and Women. Her other courses are on Movementandcreativity.com