Feldenkrais

Illustration by Jori Baldwin. A single-line drawing of a figure on its back, stretching out arms and legs

Standing up after my first Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lesson in the mid-1980s, I was stunned by profound changes in the way I experienced the world around me. Everything looked sharper, my horizon was wider, and I felt like the floor was giving me a little lift with every step I took … all from following the teacher’s suggestion to “do less.” It was obvious that the room I was standing in had not changed; my way of moving had.

So ... what is this mysterious practice?

Feldenkrais is a method of movement education that helps you become aware of your habits, so that you can make the choices that are best for you in any given situation. On the surface, it's all about movement, but movement is entwined with perception, thought and emotion, and changes can happen on all those levels.

My focus is on teaching Awareness Through Movement, which takes place in groups. These lessons are usually done lying on a mat. The teacher guides your attention by talking you through a series of pleasant and gentle movements. You may recognize elements from child development, martial arts, dance or yoga in the lessons. The focus is on awareness, and on staying well within your comfort zone. Rather than concentrating tightly on one area, you spread your attention. This gives you a chance to discover deeply ingrained habits, and to create new possibilities that are safer, more sustainable, and more fun.

Illustration by Jori Baldwin. A single-line drawing of a figure on its back with knees drawn up

I have been a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner  since 2004. I enjoy teaching group lessons because they’re so empowering. Students are in charge of their own well-being instead of looking to an external authority to tell them what's right and wrong. The group classes are also affordable.

I have a special interest in breathing and pelvic health, and how the two affect each other. To me, working in these areas can provide a kind of laboratory for becoming aware of what we previously thought was beyond the reach of consciousness, and of choice.

I teach regular Thursday morning classes on Zoom as well as the occasional workshop.

Please contact me at mvmeindl at gmail dot com for more information.

Illustrations by Jori Baldwin. A single-line drawing of four figures, rolling over

The illustrations on this page are by the wonderful Jori Baldwin.

Feldenkrais® Awareness Through Movement® and Functional Integration® are registered service marks of the Feldenkrais Guild® of North America.