How the Nervous System senses differences: the Feldenkrais Method® explained

Our nervous system senses fine differences best when the level of stimulation is small. Sensing these differences creates the most potent and lasting neuromuscular change appropriate to the individual, and it's why there's a strong emphasis on movement quality (light, easy, soft, slow, smooth) over quantity (we don't do many rote repetitions or use big ranges of motion very often).

So to dispel a common misconception: Feldenkrais lessons aren't gentle to be nice. They're gentle so they can work, and so that your attention won't be distracted by stretch, strain, or pain and thus diverted from the new, very refined sensations that will lead most rapidly to your improvement, short and long-term.

Under these healthy learning conditions, our nervous system will spontaneously begin to approximate the improved biomechanical organizations that the lesson structures point to. This process becomes fascinating and pleasurable and self-reinforcing-in or out of a Feldenkrais lesson, consciously and unconsciously. Quality of life improvements will follow by necessity as awareness improves.

Over time (even within one lesson) a new self awareness arises. (Awareness is simply a practiced and automatic attention.) Through awareness we begin to spontaneously move more efficiently, pleasurably, and sustainably in the lesson movements and in our own activities.

Eventually we can even consciously call up an easier image of self use when we notice we're in pain, straining, or frustrated in our activities. Self-confidence rises as we feel we are real agents of change for ourselves through improving our comfort and effectiveness in the world.

Given the choice, our nervous system rewires to be able to choose simpler, more efficient self organizations in any activity. This capacity to change how we function is called neuroplasticity.

Muscles are dumb, by the way. Nearly all of them only do what our brains tell them to do. It's just that much of the telling has become unaware habit. Feldenkrais reintroduces awareness and choice.

Finally, we so often lie down to study because it reduces the load on the nervous system dramatically. Some studies show as much as 90% of our brain function is related to not falling when we're standing. By doing lessons in a non-habitual orientation to gravity we have a chance to address aspects of self that were far too locked into habitual postural work to uncover new options safely.

Our self: brain, body, consciousness, spirit if you will...it's all operated by one nervous system. It functions as a whole at all times. We cannot separate out aspects or parts to "work on." Fascinatingly, as we effect change in any sphere of the self image (Moshe Feldenkrais said the self image was composed of thinking, feeling, sensing, and acting), the others all change too. This leads to other applications of the method. Though movement is our "way in" and the primary language of the brain, Feldenkrais can lead to surprising psychological improvement. Many students come to stem anxiety or unlock their creativity.

Source: https://twincitiesfeldenkrais.com/feldenkrais-nuts-and-bolts/