Customer Reviews

Awareness Heals: The Feldenkrais Method For Dynamic Health

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I got Shafarman's book in the hopes that the exercises in it would relieve pain I experience at night and it does. I exercises are very gentle and effective.

If you are interested in the Feldenkrais method - this book is a
must read. It's much easier to understand and the exercises are
well illustrated and not as complicated as other books I've read
on this subject. The reason I purchased this book is because I
believe the Feldenkrais exercises are the best exercises for back
problems.

I got this book as part of my study to become a certified FlexAware teacher, as this book represents much of the foundational work Shafarman did when developing FlexAware fitness.
Three years later, I still read and re-read the book, as Shafarman's take on Feldenkrais' Organic Learning philosophy, which makes these exercises so effective, is so well articulated, particularly in the last couple of chapters. Also, as a teacher with an MA in Kinesthetic Learning, I recommend these chapters to anyone interested in education in general and/or the teaching/learning process.
As a side note, I find that this movement/exercise philosophy and practice is a natural fit with the theory of biotensegrity which I've been studying. Apparently Dr. Stephen Levin (the "father" of biotensegrity) agrees, as he told those of us in the FlexAware teacher education program when he came to present that "it looks to me like you're re-establishing your natural biotensegrity." It certainly feels that way.
I've used these exercises (and the FlexAware exercises that these are the precursors of) in my work with students from 19-94, and it's always amazing to watch people wake up to a new awareness of their own bodies over the course of only a few minutes. It's also a delight to hear them tell me that their back pain or arthritis is no longer bothering them.
I first met Shafarman when a took a FlexAware class three years ago.As our class neared its end we were invited to stand up and walk around. I still remember the surprising and odd feeling when I stood--Whoa! It was like I'd been realigned. Everything seemed easier, more open, more in balance. I was completely mystified. How could doing something so simple and easy for just a little over an hour produce such dramatic results?

The real proof came when I arrived home later that night. My husband took one look at me and said, "you look different." Wow. It was that noticeable.

I signed up for the teacher education program the next day.

Very good for someone who has taken a workshop or class. Movements are described clearly and can be done alone.

Feldenkrais was the only thing that brought me back to living pain free after a very bad back injury. I had tried every single thing without lasting results! But this works!

it is easy to read and learn, clearly, simply written whit long term effect on everyday life

I bought this book on the advice of my massage therapist. I haven't worked my way through the entire book yet, which is why I gave it only four stars, but so far the exercises I have done have greatly reduced the pain I experience from CMP. Definitely worth the money.

This book isn't as useful as the other book that I bought about movement through awareness. This book remains on my shelf after I tried to read it, I didn't quite find it helpful as the other book I purchased.