Feldenkrais for Life podcast

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In each episode, we discuss ideas and experiences about the Feldenkrais Method. You will learn skills that move you from pain to comfort, anxiety to ease, explore learning and spark creativity. Check it out! You will like what you hear.

Al Wadleigh and Donna Ray


    • May 7, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 25m AVG DURATION
    • 45 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Feldenkrais for Life podcast

    S6E5 Memory Integration – Rewriting the Stories We Hold

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 33:01


    Donna and Al discuss the fascinating world of memory, including how implicit and explicit memories shape our experiences. They reveal how Feldenkrais lessons can soften the grip of old patterns while cultivating new, positive self-perceptions.  Key Takeaways:  • Implicit memories from early life shape our unconscious habits. • State influences how we recall past experiences calm states recall positive memories. • Feldenkrais lessons help rewrite unhelpful memories by changing movement patterns. Resources Mentioned: For guided lessons, visit AchievingExcellence.com  and DonnaRay.com. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and explore Feldenkrais lessons at FeldenkraiforLife.com  

    S6 E4: Vertical Integration – Connecting Mind, Body, and Self

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 30:49


    In this episode, Al and Donna explore vertical integration, the seamless connection between body, brain, and self. They discuss how Feldenkrais practices cultivate this integration, fostering a more embodied and responsive way of being.  Key Takeaways:  • Vertical integration links sensory input, emotional processing, and conscious thought. • Feeling the whole self improves coordination, clarity, and resilience. • Body scans and mindful movement are effective practices for vertical integration. Resources Mentioned: For guided lessons, visit AchievingExcellence.com  and DonnaRay.com. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and explore Feldenkrais lessons at FeldenkraiforLife.com

    S6 E3: Lateral Integration – Balancing the Brain and Body

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 34:29


    This episode dives into the concept of lateral integration, emphasizing how the Feldenkrais Method fosters communication between the brain's left and right hemispheres. Al and Donna share how balanced hemispheric integration supports clarity, creativity, and emotional well-being.  Key Takeaways:  • The right hemisphere handles holistic awareness, while the left focuses on details. • Bilateral integration fosters clarity, creativity, and emotional well-being. • Eye movements can quickly shift perspective and calm the nervous system. Resources Mentioned: For guided lessons, visit AchievingExcellence.com  and DonnaRay.com. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and explore Feldenkrais lessons at FeldenkraiforLife.com

    S6E2 The Spectrum of Integration – Finding Flow in Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 27:07


    Al and Donna explore how habits shape our movement, self-image, and overall well-being. They discuss how the Feldenkrais Method offers practical strategies for breaking unhelpful patterns and forming new habits that align with personal values and motivations. Key Takeaways:  • Integration involves smooth coordination between movement, emotion, and thought. • Recognizing early signs of disintegration allows for timely self-regulation. • Self-awareness is key to returning to balance and flow. Resources Mentioned: For guided lessons, visit AchievingExcellence.com  and DonnaRay.com. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and explore Feldenkrais lessons at FeldenkraiforLife.com  

    S5 E6 - Exploring Your Body Budget

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2024 25:50


    What can interoception, body scanning, and proprioception reveal about your overall "body budget"? We try a left eye awareness lesson as an example. Visit https://AchievingExcellence.com and https://DonnaRay.com to learn more about Donna and Al and to explore our class and product offerings. Visit the show website: https://FeldenkraisforLife.com.

    S5 E5 - The Use of Will Power

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 26:00


    When should we use willpower versus effortless flow in practicing movement? We explore how willpower decreases as ability increases and how too much willful effort gets in our way.  Visit https://AchievingExcellence.com and https://DonnaRay.com to learn more about Donna and Al and to explore our class and product offerings. Visit the show website: https://FeldenkraisforLife.com.

    S5 E4 - Finding Harmony in Movement

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2024 28:13


    Mindful movement can create greater harmony between the voluntary and autonomic nervous systems. We discuss this important brain-body connection for wellbeing. Visit https://AchievingExcellence.com and https://DonnaRay.com to learn more about Donna and Al and to explore our class and product offerings. Visit the show website: https://FeldenkraisforLife.com.

    S5 E3 - Q&A: Yoga, Emotions, Stretching

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2024 30:59


    Answering listener questions on topics like yoga, emotional release in practice, and why we don't stretch in the Feldenkrais Method®. Visit https://AchievingExcellence.com and https://DonnaRay.com to learn more about Donna and Al and to explore our class and product offerings. Visit the show website: https://FeldenkraisforLife.com.  

    S5 E2 - Creative Thinking: Convergent vs Divergent

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2024 34:12


    How do convergent and divergent styles of thinking relate to creativity? We explore how Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lessons can stimulate flexible, creative problem-solving. Visit https://AchievingExcellence.com and https://DonnaRay.com to learn more about Donna and Al and to explore our class and product offerings. Visit the show website: https://FeldenkraisforLife.com.

    S5 E1 - Building Confidence and Resilience

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2024 19:50


    As our physical abilities improve through practice, so does our confidence to meet life's challenges. We discuss how the Feldenkrais Method can cultivate resilience for aging well.  Visit https://AchievingExcellence.com and https://DonnaRay.com to learn more about Donna and Al and to explore our class and product offerings. Visit the show website: https://FeldenkraisforLife.com.

    S4 E8 The Sacred Sacrum and the Pelvis

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2023 22:48


    Ancient civilizations often referred to the sacrum as the “holy bone.” We discuss the “holy bone,” the social impact of our self-image and the pelvis, and the birthing process. Visit: https://AchievingExcellence.com and https://DonnaRay.com to learn more about Donna and Al and to explore our class and product offerings.

    S4 E7 Four Criteria for Coordinated Well-Learned Action

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2023 35:07


    In his book, The Potent Self, Dr. Feldenkrais puts forward four criteria for coordinated, well-learned action: the absence of effort, the absence of resistance, the presence of reversibility, and breathing and posture. We discuss each of these with examples. Visit: https://AchievingExcellence.com and https://DonnaRay.com to learn more about Donna and Al and to explore our class and product offerings.

    S4 E6 Cross-Motivation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2023 22:41


    Cross-motivation is when we enact more than one motivation at the same time. By becoming aware of our cross-motivations and sorting out our intentions so we are acting in a mono-motivated way, we use less energy, feel better, and get more done in our lives. Visit: https://AchievingExcellence.com and https://DonnaRay.com to learn more about Donna and Al and to explore our class and product offerings.

    S4 E5 Trauma

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2023 32:45


    We discuss trauma resolution from the perspective of psychotherapy and the Feldenkrais Method. Visit: https://AchievingExcellence.com and https://DonnaRay.com to learn more about Donna and Al and to explore our class and product offerings.

    S4 E4 Errors Mistakes and Correctness

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2023 21:11


    We discuss how mistakes are essential to learning. Hear a story about how a music teacher encouraged a little girl to make mistakes to help her learn; and how trying to do something correctly limits our success.  Visit: https://AchievingExcellence.com and https://DonnaRay.com to learn more about Donna and Al and to explore our class and product offerings.

    S4 E3 Going Slowly

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2023 21:33


    We discuss why we move slowly when doing Feldenkrais lessons. And how essential that is for learning. Experience the difference between going quickly and going slow. Visit: https://AchievingExcellence.com and https://DonnaRay.com to learn more about Donna and Al and to explore our class and product offerings.

    S4 E2 Going to the Border

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2023 27:43


    Working within your range of comfort, Exploring variations at the border of ability, discovering a greater capacity, Doing too much, Involving more of yourself Visit: https://AchievingExcellence.com and https://DonnaRay.com to learn more about Donna and Al and to explore our class and product offerings.

    S4 E1 Reframing Illness and Building Resilience

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2023 22:41


    We discuss how reframing an illness can improve the healing process. How your brain is predictive, and how to build resilience through intentionally engaging in challenging situations. Visit: https://AchievingExcellence.com and https://DonnaRay.com to learn more about Donna and Al and to explore our class and product offerings.

    S3 E8 Understanding Differentiation

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2022 20:40


    Differentiation is a crucial concept in the Feldenkrais Method®. We discuss and define differentiation and give lots of examples and a guided movement experience so you can sense the differences. We discuss differentiation in emotions, movement, thinking, and sensing.  Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    S3 E7 Your Brain Cannot Think Without Motor Function

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2022 26:29


    A fundamental concept of the Feldenkrais Method® is the brain cannot think without motor movement. We get into this concept through some movement explorations and discussions. We talk about thinking, feeling, sensing, and acting and how we move our attention to these different domains of experience as needed in our daily experience. Shifting our attention like this is primarily outside our conscious awareness. However, we can bring this process to consciousness. Donna guides us through a series of imagined movements that make this phenomenon more explicit.  Norman Doidge, The Brain's Way of Healing  Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    S3 E6 Mind Sets and Priming Mental States

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2022 30:23


    We talk about the work of Alia Crum and the studies she has done on mindsets and their influence on our health and biology. We get into the effects of social suggestions on aging. We discuss auto-suggestion and how health care providers could improve their communication skills. We return to Dr. Feldenkrais and his interest in auto-suggestion and hypnosis and how these concepts became influential in developing his method.  Thinking and Doing: https://achievingexcellence.com/thinking-and-doing/ Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    S3 E5 The Mind and the Brain

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2022 23:08


    How does the mind influence the brain? It was a widely held belief that the mind was a result of the brain, and the mind could not reflect and affect the functioning of the brain. It was just around 2000 that this belief started to change. Dr. Feldenkrais understood this decades ago and applied the idea of using the mind to change the brain in his Awareness Through Movement® and Functional Integration® work. Dr. Feldenkrais is considered one of the first neuro-plasticians. Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    brain feldenkrais moshe feldenkrais awareness through movement
    S3 E4 What is Reversibility?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2022 23:28


    What is reversibility? Dr. Feldenkrais considered this an essential concept of the Feldenkrais Method®. We give examples and do some explorations with reversibility. We also discuss good posture, cultivating quality movement, and choice. We end with how the method is generalized to daily life and how the benefits show up spontaneously without practice. Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    S3 E3 Your Jaw

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2022 18:19


    We discuss the functioning of the mouth and jaw. What is the relationship between the jaw, neck, and eyes? How does the pelvis influence the functioning of the jaw? What part does the tongue play in a well-organized jaw? We discuss and explore these ideas in this podcast, which introduces our audio program, "Release Jaw Tension Now." https://achievingexcellence.com/release-jaw-tension-now/ Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    S3 E2 Making Finer Distinctions for Improvement

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2022 21:59


    We discuss a concept Dr. Feldenkrais presents in his book Body and Mature Behavior. Which is that there are two paths of development. One is the pathway of improvement in which a person continues to make finer and finer distinctions. The other is the pathway of decline in which a person lumps their experience into larger and larger categories. We discuss this in reference to movement, the Feldenkrais Method®, and hobbies such as painting, gardening, and building.  Body and Mature Behavior: https://achievingexcellence.com/body-and-mature-behavior/ Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    S3 E1 The Importance of Resting

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2022 22:13


    Why rest? When to rest? How does resting improve learning and productivity? There is resting as in naps, and there are rests that help us learn. Waking rests helps improve and integrate what you were just doing—facilitating learning. Resting can reset the brain and nervous system for improved performance.  Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    S2 E9 - Feldenkrais Aging with Ease

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2021 21:10


    What happens in the brain as we age? How can we use the Feldenkrais Method® to continue to improve ourselves and do the things that are important to us in life? We each share our insights on how the Feldenkrais Method can keep you moving and vital while aging. Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    S2 E8 - How Language Creates Experience

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2021 17:45


    We discuss how Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett's books “How Emotions Are Made” and “7 1/2 Lessons about the Brain” confirm what Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais taught decades ago and offers a modern way to language what we do as Feldenkrais practitioners. We go into detail about how language creates an internal response in the speaker and listener. Language matters while guiding Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement® Lessons. Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    S2 E7 - Spontaneity and Aging

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2021 28:02


    What is spontaneity? How do social constraints inhibit our spontaneity? Experience spontaneous changes through Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement® Lessons. Discover how we develop responsiveness to our changing environment. Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    S2 E6: Memory and Development

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2021 27:48


    We talk about implicit memory, explicit memory, and re-evaluating memories to create a new present-day experience. We discuss childhood development and learning and how we build new memories while experiencing Feldenkrais® Awareness Through Movement lessons®. Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    S2E5 - Categories of Experience

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2021 27:11


    We discuss the Feldenkrais Method referencing: sensing, thinking, moving, and feeling. We define what a “category of experience” is and create a category to build a new referential concept. We also consider the pleasure of an un-categorized sensory experience and what is the Weber-Fechner principle. Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    S2 E4: Are You Comfortable in Your Misery?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2021 19:16


    Learn to move from negative states into positive ones. Experience pleasant sensations of the present moment. Integrate feelings for more effortless flow from one state to another with the Feldenkrais Method. Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    S2 E3: Prediction Error Correction

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2021 22:11


    We discuss the concept of Prediction Error Correction as  Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett presents it in her book, “How Emotions Are Made,” from subtle adjustments in our nervous system to errors that cause accidents. This process is an essential element in developmental learning and Feldenkrais lessons.  Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    S2 E2: Truth, the Heels, and Body Budget

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2021 21:40


    What is truth?  We find a unique reality in the contact of the heels on the floor. We explore the idea of a body budget.  Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    S2 E1: Self-Regulation, Dealing with Stress, and Improving Posture

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2021 22:32


    We consider the impact the restrictions of the pandemic have had on our brains and nervous systems. We discuss strategies to reduce stress from Zooming and computer use. Why is it “incorrect to correct” from Dr. Feldenkrais's point of view? How do Feldenkrais lessons provide a better way to self-improve? Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    Ep 8: Understanding and Resolving Pain

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2021 35:35


    We discuss pain as a motivator to seek the Feldenkrais Method®; how movement affects acute pain and chronic pain. Donna shares how she managed pain and regained the use of her hand and arm using the Feldenkrais Method.  Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    Ep 7: Mindfulness the Feldenkrais Way

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2021 30:32


    The Feldenkrais Method® can enhance and invigorate your mindful practice. Whatever your practice - yoga, meditation, Tai-Chi, Aikido, or moving boulders - Feldenkrais lessons can make what you do easier. Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    Ep 6: Moving, Sensing, Thinking and Feeling

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2021 28:02


    The Feldenkrais Method® includes movement, sensing, thinking, and feeling in the development of Awareness. Movement quality, how you move, integrates these primary aspects of the experience. Recognize the pattern of anxiety as described by Dr. Feldenkrais in his book, The Elusive Obvious.  Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    Ep 5: Memory and Learning

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2021 26:29


    What is the difference between implicit and explicit memories? Learn to make pleasant memories stick. Become familiar with strategies of learning within the Feldenkrais Method®. Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    Ep 4: Learning, Unlearning and the Self-Image

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2021 30:51


    Conforming to socially accepted learning norms may create habits of tension in the body/mind. What is the Weber-Fechner law, and how does it apply to learning the Feldenkrais Way? Play and problem solving make us smarter. Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    Ep 3: Dr. Feldenkrais, Learning and Habits

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2021 22:47


    Learn about Dr. Feldenkrais and the professional trainings he developed. Consider, competence, confidence, and how beliefs shape our self-image. Donna shares how she became a painter and Al discusses how he overcame his voice's significant limitations. Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    Ep 2: Habits, breathing, and self-regulation

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2021 28:45


    Join us, and experience simple, easy-to-do, powerful Feldenkrais movements that demonstrate the nature of habit.  Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from https://AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    Ep 1: What is the Feldenkrais Method?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2021 24:22


    Understand the difference between Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement® and exercise. Experience a short movement learning experience. Recognizing habits. What are they? And how Feldenkrais lessons impact them. Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from https://AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

    Trailer - Intro to the Feldenkrais For Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2021 4:48


    We introduce ourselves and give you a preview of what's to come in the first season of our Feldenkrais for Life podcast. Visit Donna's site: https://DonnaRay.com Visit Al's Site: https://AchievingExcellence.com Get your first Feldenkrais lesson from https://AchievingExcellence.com. Use coupon awesome-podcast to save 20%.

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