The Feldenkrais Method emphasizes the development of awareness. We do this by taking movement sequences that are definitely about moving your body, but are not about exercise, as conventionally understood. Usually, in an exercise class, you aim to develop your strength, or coordination, or flexibility, or aerobic condition, or a combination of the above. The Feldenkrais Method, by contrast, develops another aspect of your physical potential—your awareness of your body and its possibilities in movement and at rest.

Awareness can seem like an airy thing. Good for you, no doubt, but, somehow, light. And, on top of that, hard to define. You may wonder why you would want to give resources to something intangible, especially if you have something really definite that you want to get done.

A good way to bring the study of awareness down to earth is think of it as being analogous to the soil of the garden. As everyone knows, if you want flowers, you have to have the foundation in which they can grow. And, usually, when you begin your garden, the soil is not in the condition to produce the types of plants you want to have. So, you make efforts to improve the condition of the soil. It is the same with our movement. Healthy, powerful, effective, comfortable movement needs a foundation. Awareness is that invisible basis.

If you have some goals for your body—whether to be more able at something or more comfortable in some way—please consider taking time to increase your awareness of how the body works and what its possibilities are. You will get a lot out of it, and enjoy your body in movement at the same time.