The London Riots, Self Respect and Moshe Feldenkrais
August 14th, 2011 § 3 Comments
By Melinda Glenister
The riots and destruction in London and other parts of England over the last week has got me to think about what causes this kind of mentality in society and in the individual. and what we can do about it, as I think many many people were asking themselves this week. It is particularly the kids as young as 11 caught up in the violence which seems to shock people the most. I can’t help but wonder if what I have chosen to do- Feldenkrais- is helpless in the face of this scale of breakdown in society.
Moshe Feldenkrais was interested in what makes us human, how a person matures, is responsible for him or herself. If what we have been witnessing is a display of lack of responsibility how have we as a society fostered this sense of lack of purpose, angst, and disconnection.
Last week I taught Feldenkrais to tango dancers and musicians at a retreat in France. After a lesson with a young, curious guy who wanted to know more I said that the reason I liked to teach Feldenkrais is because I find it a very respectful way of working with people, and that is a ‘difference that makes the difference’ to use a Bateson phrase. There is no sense that the person you work with is not good enough, not talented enough, not clever enough, or not anything enough. Thinking back to my own youth, to friends, and to these kids who have been on the streets this week, I wonder what might have been different if we had all experienced more time of being treated in that kind of respectful way.
A few days ago after a lesson by my partner Bennie, I said that I wished everyone could have Feldenkrais. Later he asked me why, and I realise more and more that it’s not the movement- although that’s always nice- it’s the deeper layers that make Feldenkrais so worthwhile to me. The connectedness, feeling more whole, the non-judgemental acceptance. And the feeling that you can change and improve & learn. After all what can be more worthwhile than something that increases a person’s self-respect.
I’m not suggesting that if these kids did Feldenkrais they wouldn’t be rioting. But maybe, just maybe, an experience of being respected, and of nurturing self-respect is enough to open something in them, however small. Maybe the people running the country, parents and teachers could also benefit- something to teach the kids.
Hi, I am a Feldenkrais practitioner in Japan and who knows nothing about preventing such riots. But I know from my 58 years of life that Japanese people are oppressed not to do so. I sometimes envy those who act however violent and selfish they are. I recognize freedom and selfishness live very next to each other. Wish we could only strike the balance in between. Not to oppress them but help them learn to respect the others through this method.
A nice reflection. Respect and opportunities to thrive as so important. We had civil unrest on 2001 in Cincinnati, Ohio that was rooted in racism and poverty. It was an awful wake up for us. I led discussions wih employees on what was happening so we could work side by side and perhaps grow. I met daily with my boss who had marched in the 60′s with Dr. King and learned how I was contributing through my own ignorance. I hope never to have to lead such talks again but know that is sheer cowardice and not the high road.
I don’t know enough about the roots of the London situation but trapped people, people that feel little hope that even a single day will be better will take actions that make little sense to those with options.
Feldenkrais is a one way to know one’s own potential and value. One I love as you obviously
do.
Love your involvement, thoughts and words in your blog about the London riots
I’m absolutly sure being respected, being good enough in every possible way, having selfrespect, being connected and respected, makes all the difference in the world. If childeren lack all of that growing up they will become very angry and destructive people. When all of this is combined with financial problems, bad housing and education (sometimes for generations) it can easiliy lead to the violence we saw in London or Paris a few years ago.
There’s not a simple solution for such a immense problem. But I’m sure the answer has to do with a cenrtain mentality. Towards childeren, but also towards there parents, towards immigrants, unimployed etc etc. Everybody deserves and has the right to be treated as a special and worthwile human being.
And we can only do what we can do. Treat ourself and those who are near to us in that way. And do where we are good at. For you it’s practicing Feldenkrais, among al lot of other things I’m sure. For me its the things I’m good at. And that makes a huge difference. I’m absolutly sure of that