The Feldenkrais Method(R) and spreading the word….

As a Feldenkrais Practitioner, I feel that one of my responsibilities to the Feldenkrais community and to the general public is to help spread the word of this remarkable Method. After all, why should those of us who have experienced it have all the fun? I want to share it, with as many people that I can reach and that are willing to listen to me.

As a result, I never pass up an opportunity to give presentations regarding Feldenkrais. I include a brief description of the Method followed by an Awareness Through Movement lesson. After all, you really have to experience a lesson to get a feel of what Feldenkrais is about. However, in my enthusiasm to spread the word, I have found myself in some very strange and sometimes challenging situations.

I gave a presentation to a professional group during their breakfast meeting. It sounded like a good idea until I found myself teaching a lesson to forty people who were busy ordering, receiving and eating their breakfast. My attention was divided between the lesson, the participants, their breakfasts and the servers flying past me carrying huge plates of food. My nervous system was about ready to short circuit. But, I stayed focused, and I spread the word.

I gave another presentation to a group of student personal trainers. It was a beautiful summer day, and they chose to experience the lesson outside, next to a small lake. It seemed like another good idea at first. But I underestimated the competition from the heat, the mosquitoes, and the bellowing voices of other student trainers directing their clients through workouts. However, it provided an excellent opportunity for me to further organize my teaching skills and to sense my contact with the mosquitoes. And, I spread the word.

I was invited to give a presentation to to a psychologist, his colleagues and his horses. I don’t have much experience with horses. I like them, but they make me nervous. I always felt that they were best admired from a distance. In spite of my lack of experience and my growing apprehension, I agreed, thinking I wouldn’t actually interact with the horses. I was wrong, and it was great! As a result, I was invited to teach a workshop to his group specializing in Equine Therapy, applying the principles of Feldenkrais to their psychology practice and their horses. I taught the lesson in a beautiful meadow surrounded by mountains, wildflowers and horses. What a lovely environment to spread the word. 

I was amazed to learn that horses are the most gentle, sensitive creatures that I have ever had been around. I also discovered that a horse is a powerful teacher, but that’s a story for another day. The point is, sometimes you just have to put yourself out there, even if it’s uncomfortable or challenging. You never know what wonderful new experiences may present themselves. You may even make a few new friends along the way. But, you won’t know until you try.