building a sustainable creative lifestyle

by Lydia Roberts

Move out of pain into health & resilience

Eva Knörles takes a ‘whole body’ approach to address pains associated with repetitive movements experienced by creatives - writers, illustrators, musicians, makers ...

Aches and pains after long periods of focused creativity can often be prevented by making small changes over time.

​That’s the message from massage therapist and breathing educator Eva Knörles, who will be conducting a workshop, Your Creative Body, for the New England Writers’ Centre on Saturday, October 9.

“It’s common for creative people to experience aches and pains associated with repetitive tasks, particularly sitting at a desk and using a keyboard for long hours, or standing at an easel,” Eva says.

“At the workshop, I will take a ‘whole body’ approach to each individual to help address the issues unique to them and the way they like to work."

Photo credit:  Laurence Nussbaumer

"I will work with the individual on correct breathing and posture habits that will help focus the mind "​

​“This ‘whole body’ approach means looking at mind, emotion and body as they are effected by changes in your health. Taking care of your body frees up your mind to be your best creative self. "

Participants will be able to take home 3 easy steps to regain and maintain their creative flow.
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Eva will  also discuss natural breathing. ​

“Inefficient breathing can lead to neck and shoulder tension, headaches and brain fog,” Eva says. ​“I will work with the individual on correct breathing habits that will help focus and calm the mind.”​

People who might feel their asthma, sleep apnea and anxiety is affecting their creativity could find the breathing techniques helpful.

Stiffness and muscular aches, particularly in their hands, neck and back after hours sitting in front of the screen are avoidable.

At the workshop, Eva will explore with you your habits around your work station and how these can be modified with small changes for better creativity.​

You will get an understanding of how to prepare, create and recover using nature's best tools.

Optimal alignment, correct natural breathing, taking care of hydration, nutrition, sleep and exercise.
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“We will be looking at how you can set yourself up so in the end, you feel good, your brain is clear, your body is at ease and you feel that what you have achieved is giving you a sense of nourishment,  instead of depletion,” Eva says.

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Many residents will know Eva, who settled in Armidale 40 years ago, having grown up in Germany and East Africa. It was there she learnt to value nature’s economy of scale, so beautifully displayed in the Australian landscapes too, a fascination she has sustained since childhood.

Eva’s academic background is in physiology and biochemistry and musculoskeletal management, disciplines that have helped in her day-to-day career as a massage therapist with her own business, Smart Breathing and Bowen Massage.

You can reach Eva via her website or clinic phone  (02) 6771 3171

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Workshop Details
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Where:  University of the 3rd Age, 166 Barney Street, Armidale
When:   10am - 12pm
Cost:      $60 NEWC members | $75 Non-members

​This is a small group workshop and spaces are limited.

BOOK NOW

Click here to find out more and book your place.