Self-absorption in Feldenkrais

A student at the Y, coming newly to Feldenkrais, referred to the potential for 'self absorption.' She said that when she goes for a walk, she wants to notice the birdsong, the trees, the light, the clouds. Not the angle of her ankle joint or the point where her heel strikes. Too much interoception gets in the way of enjoying the outside world.

I am in complete agreement.

One thing we do in a Feldenkrais class is to bring a precise movement to the forefront of your attention – absolutely it is self-absorption. Because of that precise focus, you may invite yourself to use your ankle differently: more pleasurably, more efficiently. The class doesn't turn you into an expert on biomechanics, but it does turn you into a temporary expert on this kind of paying attention.

After class, going for a walk, the birdsong comes back to the forefront. Your awareness of the angle you make with your ankle slips back into the middle muddle, but the map is sharper. Some students report glimpses – 'oh, I noticed when I lift my heel more my knee hurts less.' But that doesn't mean they are holding a mental protractor to their ankle the whole time – heaven forfend!

Be 'self-absorbed' in class. Be immersed in your outside world when you go for a walk.

Enjoy the birdsong.