7 Tips for Feldenkrais Lessons
- Don’t strive, strain, or grunt. An important aspect of the Feldenkrais method is increasing your body awareness. And the more you strain, the less you can feel. (Of course working within your easy range of motion is a great way to avoid injury as well!)
- No pain…no pain! Just like you shouldn’t strain, you shouldn’t feel pain. The Feldenkrais method is very much against the concept of pushing through pain. If something is hurting (any at all!), first stop. Then see if you can modify the movement, or just do the parts of it that feel good to you.
- Feel different parts of your body. Most of us focus only on what we can see…but your back side is still 50% of you! Through free online Feldenkrais lessons, you can reclaim your neglected aspects of yourself.
- Learn to differentiate. Where do you feel more weight? What is your effort like when you perform the movement this way versus another? These distinctions are important as you deepen your body awareness to develop better patterns.
- Listen closely. Awareness Through Movement lessons require that you listen closely. It is verbally based and you do most of it with your eyes closed. It’s a great opportunity to heighten listening skills while dialing down our visually centered lives.
- Take frequent breaks. Your teacher will invite you to rest many times. This is in part so your brain can process the sensory-motor information it’s receiving. Rest is an important aspect of how the Feldenkrais method works.
- You do you. Individualism is an important part of the Feldenkrais method. While the instructions in these free Feldenkrais lesson are there to guide you deeper into yourself, you are also encouraged to break when you need, hang out with a particular movement that feels good or is instructive, or even diverge if something gets you curious.
Setting up your Space
- The Surface: Practice on a carpeted floor or mat, not a bed (too soft).
- Props: A folded towel or thin blanket for head support; comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
- Environment: Ensure a quiet, warm space free of distractions.
To read the advice given from Dr. Mosche Feldenkrais himself, check out Feldenkrais Some Practical Hints ATMs.
