I recently got a comment from a reader that 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! Let's strip away any confusion and get to the basics.
For those of you new to Feldenkrais, it can sometimes feel difficult to understand exactly how it works or why we use certain techniques. Let me break it down as simply as possible and share why some of the things we do in Feldenkrais are so important—like moving slowly and reducing effort.
Why Feldenkrais Works: It's All About Sensing Differences
One key reason Feldenkrais is so effective is because it helps you notice differences in your body—differences that actually make a difference in how you move and feel. You might have heard me say in sessions, "Move twice as slowly" or "Use half the effort you’re using now."
This isn’t just about making things easier for you, although that’s certainly a benefit. There’s actually a much deeper reason behind it: When you slow down and reduce effort, you make it easier for your nervous system to pick up on subtle changes in your body. These are changes that are hard to sense when you’re pushing too hard or moving too fast.
Think of It Like This...
Imagine you’re holding a barbell in your hand, and a fly lands on it. Would you notice the weight of the fly? Probably not.
But now imagine you’re holding a feather. If that same fly landed on it, you’d feel the feather shift. The fly’s weight would become noticeable because the overall load you’re carrying is much lighter.
This is exactly what we aim to do in Feldenkrais. By reducing the effort in your movements, we help you become more aware of the small, but important changes in your body that you’d normally miss.
The Scientific Principle Behind It: The Weber-Fechner Law
The principle that explains this is called the Weber-Fechner Law, a scientific concept that has been studied extensively. It tells us that the more effort you use, the harder it is to notice small differences.
In terms of movement, that means the more you strain, the less you’ll be able to sense subtle changes in your body. That’s why we use slow, gentle movements in Feldenkrais. The less effort you use, the more you can sense, and this awareness is key to improving how you move.
Awareness Leads to Better Movement
By sensing these small differences, Feldenkrais helps you become more aware of how you move. Over time, this leads to better, more comfortable movement patterns that are sustainable. Instead of forcing yourself into new positions or trying harder, Feldenkrais helps you notice more by doing less.
So next time you do a session, keep this in mind: It’s not about pushing through or doing more—it’s about slowing down, easing up, and noticing the subtle, important differences.
I hope this explanation helps clear up any confusion and gives you a better understanding of what Feldenkrais is really about. If you have any questions or need clarification, feel free to drop a comment or reply. I’d be happy to explain further!
Peace,
Ryan
