An intro to the Feldenkrais Method

In this introductory workshop we will explore a couple of lessons from the Awareness through Movement repertoire from the Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education, seeing how our movement can feel easier and effortless in a matter of hours. The workshop will end with interactive, functional movements and games to gain tools to apply what we`ve learnt to daily life. 

What is Feldenkrais and Awareness through Movement?

Created by Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, the Feldenkrais Method® is part of the field of somatic education and is based on knowledge from biomechanics, martial arts, physics, brain plasticity, learning and human development. By addressing the entire nervous system, it takes into account the individual on a sensory, emotional and intellectual level. Awareness through Movement® is one of two applications of the Method.

Awareness Through Movement® (ATM) involves verbally guided gentle movement sequences with participants sitting, lying on the floor, or standing. A lesson generally lasts anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes and consists of comfortable, easy movements that gradually evolve into positions with greater range and complexity. The practitioner does not demonstrate the movements and the participants are invited to direct their attention to their sensations and the relationships between the different parts of their skeleton and musculature.

The emphasis is on learning which movements work better functionally and noticing the quality of positive changes in the body. Many of these movements are based on ordinary functional activities that occur during normal human development (reaching, standing, lying to sitting, looking behind yourself, etc.), whereas some are based on more abstract explorations of joint, muscle, and postural dynamics. The lessons create conditions for the nervous system to learn and make choices and new connections that can lead to more efficient functioning, ease, flexibility and overall well-being.

Who is this for?

Anyone interested in their own personal well-being and development;

Those who wish to expand and improve their movement repertoire and complement existing movement practices (dancers, athletes, actors, musicians, etc.);

Those who wish to reduce pain or limitations in movement.

Because this Method is gentle, non-invasive and does not force individuals through any movement they cannot do, there are very few if any instances where it should be avoided. There are thousands of lessons that work with various positions making the Method accessible and adaptable to people of all ages, levels of fitness and experiences of pain or limitation.

What are the benefits?

The benefits can include:

Facilitating coordination, concentration, flexibility, balance;

Refining movements and self-perceptions;

Breaking inefficient movement habits and creating new neural connections;

Reducing pain, limitations, or discomfort;

Moving with ease and pleasure

Please wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in and bring: 

- a yoga mat or sheet to lie on 

- a small ball (tennis ball size)

- a flat surface like a hard cover book or piece of cardboard 

- a pen or pencil 

About the Facilitator:

Karunya Srinivasan graduated with a triple major in Psychology, English Literature and Communication Studies in Mount Carmel College, Bangalore; and completed a Master’s degree in Cognitive Neuroscience from the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona. She is currently pursuing her PhD in body perception, movement, and action possibilities at the Universidad Carlos III in Madrid, Spain. She is a Certified Feldenkrais Method Practitioner from Feldenkrais Zentrum Biel in Switzerland. Her studies and work have followed her belief that it is in movement where the body finds its meaning.

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