Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Contreras.
Hi Karla, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have been teaching movement for 30 years. Among the methods I teach, Pilates and GYROTONIC are the most popular and known.
Also, I am a structural Integration Therapist and a Franklin Method Educator.
After many years of teaching and many experiences with bodies such as fitness enthusiasts to professional athletes, and dancers, I came to the realization that we are multidimensional beings in motion. No matter which modality or exercise method someone has practiced and for how long, the body always OPENS to a better range of motion, more flexibility, and strength when we use our bodies according to its design. According to what and how the body is meant to move, according to its nature…
When movements are done from this familiar place from our bodies within, a joyful sensation moves inside us with a sense of freedom and wellness. This sensation is registered in the brain and the brain reorganizes its messages to the body and a new circuit of body-mind and mind-body begins.
These sensations transfer as a ripple effect everywhere in our existence.
From our thoughts and our emotions to our MULTIDIMENSIONALITY all the way to our spirit. We begin to become more and more interested in our bodies, in our original and very efficient design.
Strength, flexibility, and full range of motion merge from a place of wisdom within us, our true nature. We stop wanting to manipulate our bodies and start listening to them instead.
We begin to understand our interconnectivity inside us and with each other. We begin to embody our multidimensionality and the potential of this realization. This action reorganizes and updates our beliefs, emotions, views, and movements.
Our physical movements show a quality of effortless efficiency, of elegance, and finesse.
We are unlimited in our movements. We were born into this reality with many bodies (emotional, physical, mental, spiritual or energetic, etc.) that relate and affect each other.
We are multidimensional beings in motion.
I am Karla Contreras founder or Open Body Concepts and creator of OP/EN Method.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My biggest challenge was to not be afraid of what others think and be faithful and truthful to myself. To allow myself to openly share my views and knowledge without the fear of judgment…
My biggest obstacle was that English is not my first language.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Open Body Concepts?
I help people to overcome chronic pain, movement challenges or expand into their practices by teaching them about how their body is designed to move. I help people find a better place within themselves.
My Pilates, GYROTONINC,
I am known for having the skill to talk to the bodies and find the place of stagnation and release the movement patterns that are creating pain or movement restrictions.
Also, people come to me pre. and post-surgery to help them reestablish full range of motion, balance, strength, etc.
I help professionals to embody their practice for better results. Including works-related movements.
I teach people how to use ground force and gravity force to produce power in their movement
I am proud of my 30 year career that has trained my talents and skills to put them in service to help others have better experiences with their own bodies.
I want the readers to know that the their bodies are a system not a mechanic devised. That the way we understand and see our bodies is the way the body will respond back to us.
If we grow a heathy relationship to our bodies and take the time to understand and grow this relationship, the body will respond back with amazing healing and expansive ways to show us our true power.
I teach people how to move better. and become embodied.
I am a movement educator. for the most part.
People come to see me to help the improve their movement. I do this
by teaching them how to train the mind to consciously improve their felt sense of their own body and reconnect with the areas of their bodies that are not being property innovated by the nerve system to move.
I also teach Pilates, GYROTONIC movements systems. And teach Franklin Method workshops.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
What works for me is seeing myself as my own experimental laboratory. Learn and listen to my body, question everything that someone tells me about movement, and research and find people from all over the world that resonate with my views and learns from them.
Contact Info:
- Email: Openenergymethod@gmail.com
- Website: Openbodyconcepts.com
- Instagram: The_open_method
- Facebook: OP/EN Method
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG6C_79nh-IjwTq0VvvNr9g
Image Credits
Alex Cely Becklyco
