How to Choose?

Awareness through Movement? ® Functional Integration?®

Which one is for me?

Have you ever wondered what this Feldenkrais® jargon is all about?
Have you heard these terms, Awareness Through Movement®, Functional Integration®? These words are part of the daily language of a Feldenkrais teacher like me. What are they? What is the difference? Why should I do one or the other?

I am going to give you a brief introduction to my work, including the distinctions between them, and why one should/would participate in one, or the other, or both.

First of all, this is what I’ve been doing for 34 years. Do you think that I think this is a wonderful method to teach and to experience? – rhetorical question.
At the very least it is working for me, soon to be 73 years old

The Feldenkrais Method® is practiced through two modalities. One is called Functional Integration, ®, FI, and the other is called ”
Awareness Through Movement.
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Functional Integration is done one to one, practioner and student. Your individual needs are addressed through gentle touch and movement. “Lessons” are comfortable and respectful, and supportive.
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Awareness Through Movement is usually done in a group where the student explores relationships between movement in the body and thought. Lessons are also done slowly and with comfort and respect, even pleasure.
Both modalities can be done on your back, sitting, standing, in every position.

These two modalities are different, and the same. Can’t get more Feldenkrais than that.

The end product is the same for both.

I know that this discussion is short. If you would like a deeper explanation, reach out to me. I’d love to spend hours talking about this with you, as it is my passion.

Both change the student’s experience of moving and lead to a change in function that can be quite profound. Unnecessary muscular strain is eliminated, balance is improved, pain decreases. Students learn how to manage day to day activities; walking, driving, reaching, bending, getting up from the floor. This work also can improve whatever sport is of interest to you, whether it be tennis, judo, a martial art, running, meditation, singing, or dancing.

Why one, why the other? both? It is personal preference combined with timing, finances, social needs. What do I prefer…..both.

I teach Functional Integration three days a week, limited hours (been doing it a long time) and I have one Awareness Through Movement class one time a week. I teach in six week segments but you are welcome to join any week. ATM can be done in person, at my studio or on Zoom. If you sign up you will receive the video of the class to do at your leisure.

[Sign up on line, at my website,(http://bethrubenstein.com/appointments)
for an individual Functional Integration, FI session.
Contact me at hello@bethrubenstein.com to register for the ATM class

Even if you don’t sign up to come for a visit or a class, get in touch. I’d love to know how you are and what you are up to.

Until we see each other, keep moving and having fun.
Best,
Beth

“Nothing is permanent about our behavior except our belief that it is so.”

Moshe Feldenkrais, Doc

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