I quit giving FI for about 16 months (so far) because I realized that it was getting in the way of spending more quality time with myself and exploring ATM in my own way. I’ve been doing the Alexander Yanai sessions, and Esalen and exploring when it’s useful for me to do them (morning, evening, night, etc) and how often (daily, several times per day etc.). Not only has it been wonderful but my knowledge of myself and the work has improved much more than it ever has. And more than it would have, had I been trying to give better FI or better workshops and such.

I think that speaks to your points….

Though I must say, that when I start practicing again, I will likely be goal oriented in terms of teaching a minimum number of classes and giving a certain number of FI’s and such.

Good to hear from you again – Ryan

I believe, there are two principles of the Feldenkrais work that could be applied in this situation:

1) your intention makes a lot of difference
2) you should be rather process oriented than result oriented

1) making a research thinking of building your practice today is like rolling the pelvis in FI thinking of fixing the lower back. Actually the lower back might get better but the intention is wrong, and this intention might even make the movement counterproductive.

2) Thinking of building your practice is obviously result-oriented. Investigation for the sake of a better understanding is process-oriented.

I think research can be a valuable part of that, but the community doesn’t have unlimited resources, so people need to prioritize. I don’t in any way disagree with your sentiments. But I want Feldenkrais practitioners to contribute their ideas and money to projects that will build their practices today, and not (theoretically) 20 years from now.

Again, thanks for joining the conversation! Multiple perspectives are crucial.

- Ryan