‘Movement is life. Life is a process. Improve the quality of the process and you improve the quality of life itself.’ Moshe Feldenkrais
The Feldenkrais method offers a unique and practical way to help to realise our potential and live our life to the full. Life is movement. When movement ceases, there is no life. Practically everything we do is learned, from our physical movements to our behaviour and thought patterns. The method developed by Moshe Feldenkrais (1904–84) is centred around these simple truths. He used movement as a tool for exploration of who we are and how we learn and how we can improve the way we move and live, so that we can live with less pain and more ease. ‘Awareness Through Movement’ is the official name for a lesson, and, as this suggests, the method lives comfortably alongside meditation practices.
The Feldenkrais method can be experienced in as many different ways as there are people. I have asked my students to describe in a few words what the method has meant to them. I received a great variety of answers that you can find here.
Here are a few things that the practice of this method has meant for me: – a relief of physical pains and discomforts – a greater sense of ease and freedom as a performer – it has helped me live more fully in the present and leave the past for what it is: the past – fun!
More generally, with the Feldenkrais method you can learn to – improve your balance, posture, flexibility and coordination – enhance your breathing, vitality and well-being – relieve chronic pain and reduce tension and stress – find more ease in everyday activities – improve your performance in sports, dance, music or drama
How is it taught?
The method is taught in two ways: 1. Group classes These are called ‘Awareness Through Movement’ (ATM) lessons. They take place lying on the floor, or sometimes sitting or standing. I talk you through a sequence of movements that works like a physical riddle. Each new movement is explored enabling you to become familiar with it and to begin to play with movement relationships. By engaging your curiosity you learn to explore yourself and to use this awareness to release chronic patterns of tension and invite new movement possibilities. For details of my group classes click here. 2. Individual, one-to-one lessons These are called ‘Functional Integration’ (FI) lessons. Each lesson revolves around a question: how do your habits of movement and thinking help you, but at the same time stand in the way of doing better? In a typical lesson, we both discuss this, then you lie fully-clothed on a low table as my hands gently support you, suggesting, encouraging and guiding you towards new ways of moving, feeling and organising yourself. For details of my individual lessons click here.
Who can benefit?
Both Awareness Through Movement classes and Functional Integration lessons are appropriate for a wide range of people, of all ages and all abilities.
Who can benefit? – anyone wishing to improve how they move in daily life so everyday activities become more comfortable and easy to do. – people who would like to improve and refine an existing skill in sports, martial arts, music, dance or drama. – people who are recovering from an injury or are dealing with chronic pain or repetitive strain injury (RSI). – people who are looking for help with a neurological condition such as Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis or Cerebral Palsy.
Please get in touch with me about any injuries or other issues that you might have, to discuss which form of teaching would be most appropriate for you.