Movement Snack Review: On FOSS Movement Snack 3 Led by Ian Tennant

by Lauren Entract, Emily Hiller, Liam McPherson and Martha Turner 

This Movement Snack, led by Ian Tennant, was described as “taking a small holiday in the middle of a busy day.” That framing immediately resonated with us. As a group of students balancing university deadlines, screen time, and physical training, our days are often fast-paced and outcome-driven. The idea of a brief pause, the permission not to be productive and a reminder to reconnect, felt both unfamiliar and deeply needed. 

Although the session was short, its impact was significant. We began feeling mentally busy and physically tired after a busy morning at university. Our thoughts felt scattered, and we could feel the subtle restlessness that comes from hours spent on screens. Ian guided us gently, making the workshop feel accessible and purposeful. The clarity of the demonstrations meant we could mirror the movements without worrying about “doing it right,” which allowed each of us to stay present rather than self-critical. 

We chose to lie down for the practice. While others on the call remained seated, we wanted to experience the movements in a way that encouraged deeper relaxation. Interestingly, lying down felt harder in some ways; without the structure of sitting upright, we became more aware of subtle muscular effort and contact with the floor. Instead of mechanically copying the shapes, we tried to explore our own sensations and responses. This shift, from performing movements to sensing them, changed the entire experience. 

The session began with gentle rocking and swaying, gradually inviting awareness of contact with surfaces and internal sensations. The simplicity of these movements created a surprising depth of presence. As we slowed down, relentless thoughts began to quieten. There was no striving to stretch further or achieve a particular shape. Instead, the emphasis was on noticing. This approach strongly reflects the principles of Moshe Feldenkrais, whose work centres on awareness as the foundation for change. Rather than correcting or forcing the body, we were encouraged to listen to it. 

One of the most surprising elements was the breathing exercise. Although we expected it to feel easy, it pushed us further than anticipated. The “reverse-engineered yawn,” where we held the breath briefly before releasing it slowly with gentle arm movements, demanded complete focus. For those moments, there was no room for distractions or wandering thoughts. Another variation, including breathing in once and then adding a second fuller inhale before letting it go, helped us notice where we held tension. The intensity was unexpected but grounding. By the end, breathing was much slower, our mood felt lighter, and our attention clearer. We collectively agreed it was the most relaxed we have felt after a movement snack; restored and calm without feeling sedated. 

We were also invited to focus on a body part we had not thought about recently. One member of the group brought attention to her lower back, an area that can often be neglected, and opened space for subtle movement. Instead of stretching it forcefully, we explored how this part might soften and respond. The reaching exercises deepened this curiosity. Repeating movements with the same limb encouraged us to gently extend our range each time, while alternating between different body parts revealed how each body part influences the whole. Every shift altered balance, direction, and sensation. The slow, mindful pacing made it feel safe to explore without strain. 

A particularly reflective moment came when we were asked to imagine our body “going on holiday” and to recall a time it felt pleasure. One member of our group thought of sunbathing or lying comfortably in bed, which was bizarre as these experiences were defined by stillness. It made her realise how strongly she associates pleasure and rest with inactivity, or conversely with pushing her body intensely in the gym. She struggled to think of a time where the body felt pleasure without either exertion or passive collapse. This insight felt important. The session suggested that pleasure might also be found in gentle, attentive movement and in allowing the body to feel safe, curious, and unhurried. 

For those living with chronic pain or stress-related tension, this feels particularly relevant. The adaptability of the practice, whether sitting, standing, or lying down, makes it accessible across a range of physical abilities. The focus on noticing rather than correcting may help cultivate a sense of safety in the body, which is often disrupted in chronic pain experiences. By exploring small, comfortable movements and paying attention to breath, it becomes possible to reconnect with areas that feel guarded or forgotten without triggering fear or strain. 

What we valued most about this session was its subtlety. There were no dramatic stretches or intense efforts. Yet by the end, we felt clearer, calmer, and more connected to ourselves. It truly felt like a “mini holiday”, not an escape from the body, but a return to it. In the middle of a busy day, that small shift made a meaningful difference.