The Feldenkrais Method

As we are going through the often chaotic rhythm of daily life, some of us become increasingly aware of the tension and discomfort that lingers in our bodies. I decided to try various exercises and therapies, searching for a solution that would not only ease physical woes but also foster a deeper connection with ourselves. It was during this quest that I stumbled upon the Feldenkrais Method, a unique approach to movement and awareness that promised not just relief, but a transformative journey. Intrigued by its philosophy of learning through movement, I decided to explore this method further. Little did I know that this would ignite a profound shift in my understanding of my body and myself, inviting me to embrace the possibility of change and the joy of rediscovering my own capabilities.

Moshe Feldenkrais, a pioneering figure of the 20th century, was not merely a founder of a method; he was a visionary who profoundly redefined the concept of health. His multifaceted background as a polymath, scientist, and accomplished judo master uniquely equipped him to explore the intricate relationship between movement, awareness, and well-being. With a compelling personal narrative that began with his struggle against an inoperable knee injury, Feldenkrais ingeniously developed his method to reclaim his own physical autonomy. However, this initial quest for self-healing blossomed into a lifelong mission: to empower others, ranging from people grappling with neurological and developmental challenges to elite musicians, actors, directors and dancers, by nurturing their innate capacity for resilience.

At the heart of Feldenkrais’s philosophy lies a transformative understanding of health, which he envisioned not merely as the absence of disease but as a dynamic state of resilience. For Feldenkrais, true health encompasses the ability to regain one’s balance and equilibrium after experiencing the shocks of illness, injury, or trauma. His perspective was refreshingly holistic, extending beyond the physical to address the emotional, psychological, and social dimensions of life. He provocatively questioned conventional definitions of health by asking, “If a human being requires no medical services for years and has no complaints of pain or discomfort, can we truly call them healthy? Conversely, if this same individual leads a monotonous existence, plagued by relational difficulties that ultimately lead to despair, does that person embody health?”

Through these inquiries, Feldenkrais illuminated a vital truth: health is not merely a physical condition but a complex interplay of emotional and social factors, including relationship satisfaction and the pursuit of one’s potential. Central to his methodology is the concept of sensori-motor learning, which is a process that begins in infancy as we explore the world on a mat, absently waving our limbs in joyous exploration. This fundamental learning, if nourished and cultivated, can weave itself into the very fabric of our lives, helping us thrive well into our twilight years.

Feldenkrais recognised that a select few people manage to sustain their journey of health throughout their lives, particularly into old age. The distinguishing feature of these remarkable persons is often their intuitive understanding that learning is the essence of life, a special journey of self-discovery. These people embark on a quest to know themselves deeply; they become acutely aware of “how” they operate in the world, granting them the agency to manifest “what” they truly desire. This realisation allows for the vibrant expression of their unacknowledged and sometimes overt dreams, heralding a life rich with intensity and fulfilment. In essence, Feldenkrais’s work invites us to redefine health as an evolving process of learning and growth rather than a static state to be achieved. By engaging in the delicate dance of self-awareness and movement, we can reclaim our resilience, nurturing not just our bodies but our entire being. His legacy continues to inspire those who seek to live fully and authentically. It is a testament to the idea that health, at its core, is truly a lifelong journey of discovery and renewal.

A Movement Facilitator Explains How He Operates

As a dedicated movement facilitator specialising in Awareness Through Movement (ATM), I offer both in-person and online classes, as well as personalised one-on-one sessions. My approach blends gentle guidance with an inviting atmosphere, enabling students to explore and reconnect with their bodies in a profound way.

Class Structure & Experience

Welcoming Environment: Participants begin by lying down on mats, creating a safe and comfortable space for exploration. I guide them through adjustments to their positioning and encourage the use of cushions and props to alleviate any discomfort.

Inward Journey: With eyes closed, students are invited to listen to my voice, initiating a journey of self-discovery and mindfulness. Each session is “bookended” with an improvised body scan, inviting students to reflect on any shifts in their sensations throughout the lesson.

The Core of Movement Exploration

Structured Sensory-Movement Adventure: The primary focus isn’t on a specific goal but rather on the process of discovery itself. Each lesson begins with a simple movement that students perform at their own pace, enabling an intimate awareness of their body’s responses. For example, when instructing them to bend their legs and lift a foot from the floor, I might pose reflective questions such as:

• What sensations arise in your other foot?
• Does your pelvis roll, or is the movement isolated to your thigh?
• Are new areas of your back making contact with the floor as your foot rises?
• Is it a moment to allow your foot and leg to rest fully back on the mat

Exploratory Movement Context: Students are gently guided to experiment with their weight distribution, rolling, wriggling, reaching, lifting, lowering, and turning all while encouraging a sense of release and relaxation. Over the course of the 45-minute session, simple movements evolve into more intricate patterns, fostering a sense of playfulness and ease.

The Transformative Power of Awareness

Self-Discovery: Each participant uncovers new ways to engage both their limbs and their entire being, all while minimising unnecessary effort. Habits of tension, bracing, and protective postures begin to diminish, paving the way for feelings of ease, satisfaction, and optimism. By creating a supportive and exploratory environment, I empower my students to connect with their bodies and enhance their overall sense of well-being. In this journey of movement, they not only learn about their physical capabilities but also cultivate a deeper awareness of themselves, unlocking potential both on and off the mat.

The Joy of Teaching Students with Unique Challenges

In my teaching journey, I’ve come to realise that some of the most engaged and dynamic students in my classes are those experiencing various health challenges. Their commitment to personal growth and well-being inspires me daily. Here’s a deeper look into the qualities and motivations of these remarkable students, as well as the unique role my classes play in their lives.

Engagement & Resilience

Meet Diverse Challenges: Many of my students face on-going health issues such as:

Chronic pain
• Fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• Past trauma
• MSK surgeries (musculoskeletal surgeries)
• Mobility limitations

Vibrant Classroom Presence: Despite their challenges, these students radiate qualities that make teaching them a rewarding experience.

Lively Demeanour: Their enthusiasm is contagious.

Motivation: They seek improvement and healing actively.

Open-Mindedness: They are receptive to new ideas and approaches.

Curiosity: They explore ways to enhance their physical and mental well-being.

A Holistic Approach to Well-Being

Before joining my classes, many participants often engage in other therapeutic practices. This reinforces their dedication to wellness. They may:

• Practice yoga or Pilates
• Engage in mindfulness or meditation techniques
• Attend physiotherapy, counselling, or osteopathy session.

They are on a personal journey, striving to:

• Stay active & maintain physical engagement
• Relearn how to move efficiently and with purpose
• Soothe their nervous systems and alleviate pain
• Cultivate a sense of comfort and acceptance within their own bodies and mind

Multifaceted Role of My Classes

In this context, my classes serve multiple essential functions:

Complementary Support: They act as a supplement to students' other health-related activities.

Transitional Steps: They provide a bridge for participants to return to their previous fitness routines.

Safe Sanctuary: For those unable to engage in other forms of exercise, my classes offer a comforting alternative.

Empowerment Through Movement

One of the greatest joys I experience as an instructor is guiding my students toward empowerment and self-discovery. Here’s how I aim to facilitate their journey:

Enhance Comfort: Teaching them how to care for themselves moment by moment.

Mindful Movement: Encouraging gentle, pain-free motion that respects their bodies' limits.

Release Tension: Helping them let go of unnecessary muscular strain, leading to more joyful and liberated movement.

Self-Awareness: Fostering a deeper understanding of their bodies from an internal perspective.

Transformative Experiences: Allowing them to have a positive, affirming experience during class that carries over into their everyday life.

A Sense of Accomplishment

One of my greatest rewards is witnessing the moment of realisation in my students when they discover their capability to participate in class fully. They learn to enjoy the experience without the burden of concerns related to:

• Perceived limitations tied to their health conditions
• Fear of not meeting their instructor’s or their own expectation

In these moments, students not only regain confidence but also strengthen their relationship with their bodies, fostering a profound sense of joy and accomplishment. This transformative journey is what makes teaching people with health challenges such a deeply fulfilling achievement for me.

Introducing Mindful Moves - A Transformative Six-Week Course

Overview: Mindful Moves is a six-week course designed for people facing movement or mental health challenges. Thanks to generous funding, I was able to bring this initiative to life, providing a supportive environment for participants to explore mindful movement and self-care. The course is tailored for those who are experiencing physical challenges such as:

• Injury, stiffness, or pain and seeking renewed confidence in movement.
• Facing mental health issues like: stress and anxiety, looking for effective coping strategie

Duration: The project spans six months, featuring four separate six-week rounds.

Content Variety: Each course includes distinct material with a focus on: Settling in during the first session & Reflecting on participants' progress at the course's conclusion.

Sessions Include:

• Primarily relaxed, floor-based movement explorations guided by my instructions.
• Opportunities for group discussions to share insights, strategies, and reactions.
• Access to audio recordings of sessions and a continual resource bank tailored to participants' evolving need

Topics Covered: Participants explore a broad range of subjects including:

• Pain science
• Learning principles
• Balance & vestibular issues
• Comfort & flow
• Improvisation & play
• Zen Buddhism & Daoism
• Stress & the autonomic nervous system
• Neuroplasticity

Delivery Options:

To ensure accessibility, courses are available in two formats:

In-Person: Encourages social interaction and familiarisation with a gym environment for future pursuits. Students can connect over refreshments post-session.

Online: Provides comfort and safety for those with mobility or anxiety concerns.

Students can utilise personal props and modify their space to suit their needs, even doing sessions from bed if necessary.

Participant Experiences & Aspirations

Physical Challenges Encountered: Students reported a variety of physical challenges, such as chronic pain, fatigue, limited mobility, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and more.

Aspirations: Desire to manage pain, enhance relaxation, and rebuild physical confidence.

Examples of Hopes:

"I hope to exercise in a way that doesn’t worsen my pain."

"I want to regain my physical confidence after my illness drastically affected it."

Social & Emotional Challenges:

Many participants faced social isolation and emotional struggles alongside physical issues.

Experiences: Loneliness, stress, anxiety, and depression.

Aspirations: Yearning for social connections, peace, calmness, and self-help techniques for wellbeing.

Participants reported:

• Enhanced self-awareness about pain triggers.
• Positive exercise experiences leading to reduced muscle tension.
• Profound relaxation.

Participant Quotes:

“I learned to listen to my body and adjust my movements accordingly.”

“This was such a calming experience; I felt completely relaxed.”

Comments:

“This course offered a refreshing take on body awareness.”

“I did not expect such a restful experience; it wasn’t what I anticipated at all.”

Moving Forward

At the end of the course, discussions focused on future steps, encouraging students to:

• Reconnect with activities they once loved or explore new paths for wellbeing.
• Share local opportunities and classes with one another, fostering community ties

An Expanded Sense of Self

The most profound change observed was the shift in how participants viewed themselves, moving beyond diagnoses to reclaiming their identities, affirming: “It feels great to be seen as more than just my mental health challenges.” and “I’m rediscovering my sense of physical and mindful presence.”

By the end of the program, people expressed excitement and motivation toward pursuing new activities, realising that transformation is possible even within their limits. “I feel like myself again.”

What you read above captures the experiences of a movement facilitator in Chiang Mai, Thailand. If you're interested in learning more, you can visit the official website of the Feldenkrais Guild UK.

Also Read: Tai Chi & Qi Gong – Holistic Healing