Have you ever wondered how Moshe Feldenkrais himself practiced his movement sessions?
Years ago, one of his direct students Ruthy Alon, told me on a podcast that Moshe would demonstrate movements just about anywhere. He could get animated during a meal at a restaurant and get on the floor to show certain moves and concepts. And that several times during his trainings in the United States she and other students would hear Moshe's bed "creaking" in the middle of the night.
But he was not with a lover, he was doing and exploring movements. If he had an idea, he would try it out, regardless of the time of day or night or what he happened to be doing.
But did he practice what he preached?
Did he go slow, was he gentle?
Did he do less than he knew that he could do?
Here's a telling moment from the 1981 Amherst training. When several students were puzzled by the "bell hand" session (several of which I teach in my "Deep Relaxation Through The Hands" series)
He explained to them:
"I think to myself what is the smallest, easiest thing that I can do ....and I do that.
And now [demonstrating ] I start with my hand making the smallest, easiest movement I can do."
So, yes, Moshe, even with his decades of experience was constantly in search of ways to go slower and deeper so that he could discover new differences in his movement.
If you're intrigued by the bell hand sessions that Moshe considered vital, I invite you to explore my "Deep Relaxation Through The Hands" series. Instead of a traditional sale, I'm offering this series with "pay what feels comfortable" pricing, starting at $14.
Peace!
By the way, even after decades of practicing the bell hand techniques, I still find myself rediscovering the easiest, gentlest, and most effective ways to perform it. Given how much we all use our hands, taking time to relax them—and by extension, the related areas in our brain—is essential.
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