Ethan Cowan - Feldenkrais for Children

one of my friends who's son is autistic shared another insider's perspective on "challenging behavior"

‘He’s abusive’ The comment I seem to continuously receive. I guess there’s no educating people who aren’t willing to learn, but it’s a comment that hits a nerve. Ewen can’t use a single word, he cannot hand gesture, point, or say ‘no’, he can’t make a sound in context, on queue or in response to anything remotely verbal. Actions are the only way he can communicate. He is never trying to hurt someone, he’s trying to tell us something’s wrong. He’s screaming out for help, asking people to make it stop — the misunderstanding around behaviour that challenges is huge, sadly even within our community sometimes 🥹 Instead of judging, we can choose patience, empathy, and understanding. Every person deserves to be seen for their heart, not just their struggles ❤️ #autism #nonverbal #autismawareness #autistic #sibs

Sometimes it’s very helpful for me to tell myself, “the practice is for me,” especially when I’m too focused on someone else (worrying, trying too hard to help).

On the other hand, sometimes it’s very helpful for me to tell myself, “I’m practicing for the benefit of others,” especially when I’ve been on my own hedonistic treadmill too long.

The fun-service polarity map is from “The Path of Empowerment” by Tasshin and

The illustration is a little artifact of doing a lesson by from his reversibility workshop.

Have goals?
Have a hard time reaching them?

Sometimes nothing stands between U and Ur goals except an inner tension that holds you back.

U can learn to reach Ur truth thru inner resolution 🗝️🔓

Stephen Nachmanovitch says, “You don’t have to practice boring exercises, but you have to practice something.”

Turning the toes under

“You’ve been swimming in gravity since the day you were born. Every cell knows where down is. Easily forgotten. Your mass and the earth’s mass calling to each other…”

From “The Small Dance, The Stand” by Steve Paxton

Leaning the head against the wall

“I believe there is no essential difference between what we call a genius and everybody else except the so-called genius finds the correct method of using their self.”

I recently spent 9 days at SCNM in Fredensborg, Denmark. What a wonderful center and community. I’m so glad to have established learning relationships with such great kids, parents and colleagues. Looking forward to more in 2025.

Beginner’s Breath

Touch is the great hope. Touch is the Ur communication of support, because it’s the deepest. Touch came first of all.

Beforehand in the womb, there was all-around support. Touch from all sides. Every need was taken care of. No need to deal with gravity or anything really. Nourishment provided. Favorable temps.

But when you come out, all of a sudden, you can’t take anything for granted (except earth’s gravity), and you aren’t sure where the support went. And where does it come from now?

Touch can communicate. Not all touch does, but the best touch communicates. Some significant other touches you, and you know: It’s okay. There it is. There is the good old support.

(the touch-giver sometimes mixes their ego in too—you have my support—but, as a baby, you just experience the support).

It’s okay.
You’re okay.
You have my support.