I recently received a question from a reader who said:
"I want a real definition of Feldenkrais. No bull about the 'Elusive Obvious.' Talking about that creates mysticism and 'woo woo,' which is not helping at all."
Fair enough! Since there are many new people here, let’s get clear on some foundational ideas in Feldenkrais.
Why Feldenkrais Works: Sensing Differences That Matter
One of the reasons Feldenkrais is so effective is that it helps you notice subtle differences in your body—differences that actually make a difference.
If you've been following along, you've probably heard me say things like, “Do that twice as slowly” or “Use half the effort you’re using now.” This isn’t just about making things feel easier; it’s a way of training your nervous system to pick up on subtle changes in your body—changes that are hard to notice when you’re using too much effort.
The Feather and the Fly: Understanding Feldenkrais through a Simple Example
Imagine this:
If you were holding a heavy barbell in your hand and a fly landed on it, you wouldn’t feel the fly’s weight. But if you held a feather and a fly landed on it, you might feel the feather move. Why? Because the lighter your load, the more you can sense small changes.
Feldenkrais is similar. By reducing the effort in your movements, you make it easier for your body and mind to detect small, yet important changes that you’d otherwise miss.
The Science Behind the Sensitivity: The Weber-Fechner Law
This approach is grounded in science, specifically the Weber-Fechner Law. Thousands of studies have explored the smallest differences humans can detect in various senses—movement, vision, hearing, taste, touch, and smell.
In movement, the more effort you exert, the harder it is to notice small differences. This is why, in Feldenkrais, we use gentle, slow movements: the less effort, the more you can potentially feel.
How Feldenkrais Enhances Your Movement Awareness
By training yourself to sense these small changes, Feldenkrais helps you become more aware of how you move. Over time, this leads to better, more comfortable movement and even helps you create new, healthier movement patterns.
Key Takeaway: It’s About Noticing More by Doing Less
So next time you do a Feldenkrais session, remember: It’s not about pushing harder. It’s about noticing more by doing less.
Thanks for reading! I hope this brings some clarity. If you have questions or need further explanation, feel free to reach out.
Peace,
Ryan
