One of the benefits of the Feldenkrais Method® of somatic education is its ability to improve so many aspects of people’s lives – even a meditation practice. At a time when more and more people are turning inward, the Feldenkrais Method can offer a “way in” for those who find stillness too daunting. In Touch recently sat down with Fariya …
Embodiment: Freedom Through Awareness
By Russell Delman Previously published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Therapies, June 2018 Used by permission Russell Delman began his study of body/mind perspectives and human potential in 1969 as an undergraduate student in psychology. His lifelong commitment toward awareness and freedom began consciously at this time, along with his practice of Zen meditation. Through workshops at The …
Does the Feldenkrais Method Help With Grief?
by Angela Alston, GCFP I was asked a few days ago, “Is Feldenkrais helping you grieve?” It’s not a trivial question. My first answer was, “I don’t know.” Sometimes it’s difficult for me to tease out what is Feldenkrais, what is meditation, and what is coming from other influences in my life. I’ve practiced both meditation and the Feldenkrais® Method …
A Conscious Commute
by Buffy Owens, GCFP Are you one of the many that commute to work every day? I am. My office is nearly 25 minutes from my home. At first, I dreaded the commute. But now I LOVE it! My drive time has become a resource for refining my Awareness Through Movement® skills and building my mindfulness muscles. Plus, all of …
Mindfulness, Bodyfulness, Heartfulness
by Mike Morrell “Try doing less, Mike.” These four words are a frequent refrain I hear in Awareness Through Movement® class. I’m on the floor yet again. Usually followed by something like “What would it be like to be easier on yourself?” I then have the opportunity to move my arms, legs, head or torso more gently, lightly, or slowly …
Images from the 2019 FGNA Conference
The 2019 Conference was a powerful community-building event with many of the volunteers, from CORR to Legacy, bringing material to share with Members. This deep level of communication and openness have yielded information and resources for all Members. Rolling on the floor together, dancing after days of ATMs (what a feeling!), discovering collegial connections, sharing meals and ideas reminded all …
Keep Playing!
by Annette Weiss Paralysis-Agitans – sounds like a great name for my new band. Paralysis agitans is the Latin name for Parkinson’s Disease and it vividly describes what happens to professional keyboard players like me: when you want to move, you can’t, and when you want to be still, you move involuntarily! I was diagnosed with this movement disorder six …
Finding A Voice
As a classically-trained singing teacher and vocal coach, it has been my privilege to teach aspiring performers at all levels. I always think of developing the person first, believing that the voice inside will emerge. To me, voice is an almost sacred form of self-expression. To help someone unleash that expression — or to find a self that has something …
The Feldenkrais Method® and Parkinson’s Disease
by Ernie Adams, GCFP For a person with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), the natural rhythm and flow of perception, feeling, and movement is disrupted. There is a disconnection between the intention to move and the ability to start or complete an action. Routine automatic behaviors, such as those involved in walking, speaking, breathing, swallowing, and facial expression, become difficult or unavailable. …
2 Masters and 1 Nerd
by Roger Russell This year’s conference features a unique and potent collaboration among three of the Method’s most experienced teachers. Jeff Haller, is an Aikido black belt. Moti Nativ, is an internationally acclaimed proponent of the Budo Taijutsu, an ancient Japanese martial art. Roger Russell calls himself a passionate “nerd”, but is deeply involved in research; always looking for ideas …
