Monique Hunt

Embodied movement refers to a holistic approach to movement and physical expression that focuses on cultivating a deep connection between the mind, body, and emotions. It emphasises the integration of movement with awareness, encouraging individuals to engage in a conscious and present experience of their bodies. 

Being “embodied” signifies feeling connected to your body with an increased ability to be present in the moment and to feel all of its sensations; emotional and physical.

In embodied movement practices, such as yoga, Feldenkrais, dance and other forms of mindful movement, the emphasis is on bringing awareness to the mind/body through exploring, listening to, and observing its processes. It involves becoming attuned to bodily sensations, so that there are distinctions between all the many different things that can be known: senses that bring in the outside world, the felt experience of the body, and our mental activities. We can even explore our felt connections with others. 

Through embodied movement, individuals can develop a heightened sense of self-awareness, improve body-mind integration, enhance emotional well-being, and foster a deeper understanding of their physical and energetic selves. It offers a pathway to self-discovery, self-expression, and personal growth by tapping into the wisdom and intelligence stored within the body. 

The Feldenkrais Method® is a somatic educational method based on brain plasticity and our innate capacity for integrative and non-verbal learning through movement and touch. It is named after its originator, Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-1984), an engineer and physicist as well as a Judo teacher. When you explore the Feldenkrais Method, it brings about improved movement and enhanced functioning by altering the neuromuscular structures of the body, to build patterns and habits that can bring about positive change. It focuses on organic learning through awareness, and in doing so, it teaches self- regulation, enabling you more choice of action over habitual compulsive reactions that do not serve you. 

Though the Feldenkrais Method is not yoga, it has some similarities – it also has some important differences. 

The Feldenkrais method does not come from an ancient religious or philosophical root. It was developed by a scientist and engineer, Moshe Feldenkrais, who was also an expert martial artist. He spent most of his life developing and improving the Feldenkrais Method for the benefit of people’s lives, health and well-being. 

Like yoga, the Feldenkrais method encourages regular physical activity. These activities will increase the practitioner’s flexibility and strength, but that is not their primary purpose. The primary purpose is to train the body in non-damaging movement, and to correct habits of harmful movements. 

In an Awareness Through Movement class, the emphasis is on guiding students’ attention to their internal sensations, allowing them to discover personalised “ideal” movement patterns. Teachers primarily use verbal guidance instead of demonstrating movements. They lead students through a series of movements while encouraging them to listen to the body’s signals, to move within the non-resistant range, but with intense mindfulness and purpose. The practice involves slow, deliberate movement rather than held poses, and avoids strain. 

It helps in fostering awareness of the student’s habitual movement patterns, while facilitating the exploration of new, more efficient alternatives.  

For more information see the Feldenkrais page.   

Many people have reported positive experiences with the Feldenkrais Method in addressing pain, tension, and injuries. It can be particularly helpful for musculoskeletal issues, such as chronic pain, postural problems, and movement limitations. By increasing body awareness and promoting mindful movements, the method may help individuals identify and release habitual patterns of tension or compensatory movements that contribute to pain or injury. 

Many people state that they learn to move more freely, with greater ease, flexibility and grace. It’s been noted that if practiced regularly, The Feldenkrais Method can permanently improve your posture, balance and coordination.  

• Emphasises whole body integrated movement rather than isolated movement. 
• Utilises various developmental movement patterns to enhance coordination and balance. 
• Considers movement as a means of improving overall human functioning. 
• Places a greater focus on subjective experiences of movement. 
• It is a process-oriented approach. 

Moni’s teachings are rooted in ashtanga vinyasa, alignment based vinyasa, and yin styles of yoga. Her classes are often dynamic and flowing synchronising breath with movement.  

Her Vinyasa Yoga classes offers a creative and diverse range of poses and sequences that suit the needs and abilities of different levels of practice. Moni encourages exploration and personal expression, while focusing on building strength, mobility as well as flexibility! She interweaves knowledge from the field of dance, Feldenkrais, functional anatomy and neurology with traditional asana practice and yogic philosophy. Her classes are educational, detailed with alignment, dynamic, challenging and playful.  

For more information on class descriptions, go to the Yoga page.  

Feldenkrais and Yoga, are incredibly complementary practices. Both utilise movement as the primary vehicle for cultivating awareness and presence. They invite students to explore and investigate their current state of being, deepen their understanding of the intricate architecture of the moving body and the nature of self-awareness.   

The enhanced embodied awareness developed from one practice can then be integrated into the other movement practice, whether it be physical, mental, or even spiritual (although I want to emphasise that Feldenkrais does not explicitly delve into the realm of spirituality; however, individual experiences may lead to spiritual outcomes). 

Yes, I offer yoga, Feldenkrais and movement classes that are suitable for all ages and abilities. From beginners, intermediate to advanced. My courses, classes and retreats will always state the level of experience needed.

Yes! I am the co-founder of Vim Yoga Academy. We run 200HR Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Trainings. The next one starts January 2024. It is a hybrid online- in-person Vinyasa style teacher training. The online portion allows you to access all of your training materials online. The final two weeks of the training is in-person at the stunning beach front location, Little Cove in South Goa, India.  

Yes! Take a look at my events page for upcoming retreats.