Embodied Wisdom: The Collected Papers of Moshe Feldenkrais

by Moshé Feldenkrais, Elizabeth Beringer, David Zemach-Bersin

A thorough study of the Feldenkrais Method, a leading form of exercise therapy designed to improve your mental and physical well-being through mindful movementAn educational system of neuromuscular re-education known for its gentle approach, the Feldenkrais Method has been shown to dramatically improve individual functioning by increasing self-awareness and facilitating new patterns of thinking, moving, and feeling. Intended for those who need to improve their movement repertoire for professional reasons—dancers, musicians, martial artists, gymnasts, and athletes—a well as those wishing to reduce pain or limitations in movement, Feldenkrais is based on the idea that learning to move better can improve anyone’s overall health on many levels.Using Moshe Feldenkrais’s own words, Embodied Wisdom clearly explains the basic principles underpinning his techniques, Awareness Through Movement (ATM) and Functional Integration (FI). These thoughtful articles and lively, sometimes humorous interviews explore a diverse range of the importance of bodily expression, the primacy of hearing, the mind-body connection, martial arts, sleep and consciousness, movement and its effect on the mind. Embodied Wisdom gives readers the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the scientific and spiritual principles behind the Method and offers sound strategies for incorporating it into their lives.

Genres: Health, Psychology, Nonfiction

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 17, 2010

Reviews

[Grazia Palmisano · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Quello che posso fare è creare le condizioni in cui possano imparare a capire qual è il loro sogno inconfessato, e scavare fino a scoprire che in se stessi possono trovare anche i mezzi per realizzarlo. Non esiste una persona sana che non sia così. Io credo che chi non ha mai confessato nell'inconscio i propri sogni senta di aver perso il suo tempo, e lo capirà da vecchio. Quindi l'autorealizzazione è una necessità reale, vitale."


Feldenkrais ha la grande capacità di rendere tangibile e concreto ciò che si crede siano sogni o illusioni o aspirazioni cui si può rinunciare senza danno. Lui rende chiara e comprensibile l'unità dell 'essere umano, in cui psiche e corpo non sono entità separate, Feldenkrais sa mostrare come questa unità sia effettivamente indissolubile e come l'una sia espressione dell'altra. Lo fa con termini esempi metodi chiari. Sto continuando l'esplorazione dei suoi testi per finalità assolutamente pratiche e di necessità immediata e, per quanto i concetti che esprime mi siano diventati familiari, la lettura conferma che il suo "imparare ad imparare" è sconfinato e privo di limiti, rispetto all'imparare consueto cui siamo normalmente abituati.

[Lauren Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super interesting! But niche and a little all over the place, since it's a compilation of disparate articles. I'm training in the Feldenkrais method so found it fascinating, but even so some parts were obscure and confusing. Or, does the fact that I didn't understand everything fully based on my prior knowledge mean it was even MORE worth reading? :)

[Joyel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good points. Good for expanding connections between other concepts. Not one I would start with in the subject matter. First half of the book is better than the interview sections.

Training. Repetitive nature of training, spatial awareness and positioning. Movement and awareness. Better for seasoned trainers or individuals having a training of movement/exercise/martial arts.

[Feldenkrais Interest]

Zoran's recommended reading SEAUS3 Segment 2

[Kim Decelles]

Excellent!

[Elisefur · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a bit repetitive, but i really love Feldenkrais's ideas. Wish I could have meet him in person.


2025.7.28

just finished rereading this and it’s still quite incredible.

[Kim Decelles]

Excellent on the subject of Functional Integration