Dietmar Edtmayr

Licensed Feldenkrais-Teacher in Linz

deutsche Version

Some approaches
Less is more.

The movements performed in the method are mostly done slowly and preferably with the least amount of effort. The reason for this is that with less effort it is much easier to become aware of what is going on and possibly why.

Scientifically, this fact can be backed by the, “Weber-Fechner-Constant.“ It says: The bigger the effort I am using for something, the bigger the difference in the quality of my action has to be so I can realize it as such. Therefore, my range of perception is bigger, the less effort I use and along with that my ability to choose and distinguish the best matching qualities or differences for me here and now increases.

A practical example is you carrying a full crate of beverages. If one bottle is missing, you won´t necessary notice that weightwise. But, if you carry the same crate containing just one bottle, you will for sure notice the difference between one bottle or no bottle. The difference in weight is the same.

More airy or energetically spoken: A slower more careful and delicate way of treating and using myself will enable me much more to feel, sense and realize blockages or permeability.

Why should I care about the range of possibilities?
                                                   - I just want to know how to do it right!

The question is legitimate but it asks for one recipe. The best recipe is useless, if I don´t know my tools, what the ingrediences are or how to use them. It becomes boring after a short while and I am screwed, if I don´t remember it exactly or I lack something. I have to check my kitchen and fridge before I start cooking and better have some trumps in my sleeve in case I have to improvise.

An example for the connection of mental and physiological posture. Round your back, let your shoulders hang forward, put your chin down onto your chest and maybe make some wrinkles on your forehead. Now think about something beautiful.

You immediately sense that this posture rather helps getting depressed.

To tell you a posture that matches more positive thoughts is not as easy because you cannot help ideas like "upright" or "straight" popping up in your mind that are ever so often including nonbeneficial action for realisation.

I don´t want you to clinch your back, push out your chest and pull back your head so you are what you think is “straight“ but keeps you from breathing freely.

I rather want to assist you to find out what you can do or don´t have to do so your system can permit and take on a more appropriate, individually matching and more healthy way of selfusage. This way you get to know how to dance the Samba of life more lightly and elegant but as well in a more determined and powerful way.