Dear Reader,

“To correct is incorrect.” I’m not sure where or when he said it, but Moshe Feldenkrais apparently made this statement. As far back as I can remember, I wanted to get things right. Some of that came from my own personality, but it was also encouraged by my parents and teachers. The correct way to do things; the correct answers on tests.

The Feldenkrais Method is an educational approach to improving abilities. So, how do we do that without making corrections? We offer movement experiences which allow participants to bring awareness, not only to how they currently move, but also different ways to move. Ways they’d forgotten or brand new ways.

The difference is that the approach is informative rather than corrective. Not saying this is bad, and that’s good. Rather, here’s new information, new possibilities.

And what’s so great about that? We don’t have to eliminate movements or ideas that have worked in the past. We have more choices. Based on what my late friend, Chris Welsh, called the “new set of initial conditions,” we can get out of our ruts, and do what works best now. That might include old habits of moving and thinking, but it can also include new approaches.

The same applies in my approach to coaching. It’s not about what’s wrong with anyone. It’s about looking at where they are now, where they want to be, what’s in the way, and how might they move forward from here.

For that matter, it also applies in felt-making. I once asked Larry Beede about a felting technique. His response was, “Whatever works. Whatever gives you the result you’re looking for.”

The things we thought we needed to correct often began as the very best response to conditions at the time. Restricting movement of an injured body part. Doing our best to get the right answers on the test. Going the other way to avoid danger. Those options don’t need to be eliminated, but if they are our only options, we’re stuck. Finding new ways of thinking and moving and making, can move us forward toward what we want now.

And, every now and then, perhaps to correct actually is correct. But probably not most of the time.

Our weekly online Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lesson is a great way to explore old and new movement patterns. It’s Free/Pay as You Wish.

If you’d like to work with me privately, in person or online—Feldenkrais, coaching or felt-making—you can Book an Appointment or reply to this email and let me know what you’re interested in.

Have all the fun you can!