About the Feldenkrais Method®

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The Man

Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-1984) was educated at the Sorbonne in Paris as a mechanical engineer. As a semi-professional soccer player and the first European black belt in judo, he was an active person who was intensely engaged with his environment. Sport-related injuries to his knees led him to a comprehensive self-study to see if improvement was possible. The Feldenkrais Method, which he subsequently developed, is a method of LEARNING, which uses simple, gentle body movements as the means of developing self-awareness. Widely used by musicians, singers, actors, dancers, and athletes, the Feldenkrais Method also has applications in the field of physical therapy, and in the improvement of neurological disorders.

What to expect from a Feldenkrais® Lesson

There are two ways to learn the Feldenkrais Method.  Both applications are compelling and versatile, harnessing the nervous system's ability to self-organize towards more effective and intelligent action.

Awareness Through Movement® (ATM) lessons are taught to groups or individuals. The teacher verbally guides you through a sequence of gentle movements. Usually you will begin by lying on the floor, but some ATM lessons may take place sitting on the floor or in a chair, or standing. Try to avoid eating heavily before your lesson (light snacks are fine), and dress comfortably for movement.

Functional Integration® (FI) lessons are taught to individuals. Dress comfortably for movement. Your lessons may begin with you sitting or lying on a special low, padded table. The Feldenkrais® teacher guides you by communicating through a gentle, listening touch and movement, as well as with words.

In both ATM and FI lessons, you will become more aware of how you move in habitual ways. Each lesson helps you to explore alternatives that you might not have thought of otherwise. Through increased awareness, you learn to move with minimal effort and maximum efficiency. As Moshe Feldenkrais said, “We can. . .make the impossible possible, the possible easy, and the easy elegant.”

What can the Feldenkrais Method do for me?
Want to know more?  Click here to find an index of articles about specific applications of the Feldenkrais Method®, or click on the hyperlinks below:

Call us at 713.622.8794 to book a private session or ask about class information.
 Your breakthrough is waiting. . .™

“If you know what you’re doing, then you can do what you want.”
—Moshe Feldenkrais

Copyright © 2005 MaryBeth Davison Smith. All Rights Reserved.

Feldenkrais®, Feldenkrais Method®, Awareness Through Movement®, Functional Integration®, are registered service marks of the Feldenkrais GUILD® of North America.

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