The Potent Self: A Study of Spontaneity and Compulsion

by Moshé Feldenkrais, Mark Reese (Foreword)

Moshe Feldenkrais, D.Sc., a visionary scientist who pioneered the field of mind-body education and therapy, has inspired countless people worldwide. His ability to translate his theories on human function into action resulted in the creation of his technique, now known as the Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education. In The Potent Self , Feldenkrais delves deeply into the relationship between faulty posture, pain, and the underlying emotional mechanisms that lead to compulsive and dependent human behavior. He shares remarkable insights into resistance, motivation, habit formation, and the place of sex in full human potential. The Potent Self offers Feldenkrais' vision of how to achieve physical and mental wellness through the development of authentic maturity. This edition includes and extensive Forward by Mark Reese, a longtime student of Feldenkrais, in which Reese discusses many of the important ideas in the book and places them in the context of Feldenkrais' life and the intellectual and historical milieu of his time.

Genres: Health, Psychology, Nonfiction, Bodies, Personal Development, Relationships

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Mel Hilario]

The body and the mind are not separate. After becoming an athlete late in life and gaining heightened awareness of my body, I found myself nodding my head at every other page. It's not just about athleticism, however--not at all. Feldenkrais delves into how and why the body learns, how the mind makes connections based on experience. Now I see why all dancers and bodywork people I know always mention him. Reading this book has been extremely enlightening.

[Alea]

As enlightening, and stunning, as this book is, I'll have to read it at least 6 more times to fully grasp all of Moshe's ideas. There are ideas that resonate with me now, and the ones that didn't I suspect will come in time, hopefully as I go through the Feldenkrais training. I look forward to that next time, as I'll read with a different mind-set and a new perspective.

[Benjamin Law]

The book is brilliant. The connection between the way that people control their own bodies and the anxiety and neuroses of the mind is spectacular and tangible. I think everyone should read this book - it's mind blowing.

[May]

the preface and introduction alone have already made me look at things differently. just like that the other day i jumped in the ice cold river and later had my first dive in 15 years.

[Elizabeth AcesoUnderGlass]

Very valuable but incredibly hard to read.

[Grazia Palmisano]

Lettura interessantissima anche se Moshè secondo me la fa troppo facile riguardo l'applicazione della tecnica. Però libro per me importantissimo. Ben due issimi in poche righe.

[Romeo Verga]

Deserves multiple reads. Content requires a practice of high level of self-awareness and conscious adjustments to unravel unhelpful learnt habits. Content in the book has reinforced and generally agreed my personal experience of the result from practicing conscious observation and adjustment.

[Feldenkrais Interest]

Zoran's recommended reading SEAUS3 Segment 2

[Guilherme Pimentel]

The beginings of his method.

[Laurie AH]

His writing is compact - just a few sentences pack a lot of punch. Takes a long time to read and integrate. But amazing ideas and method.

[Amelia]

This was a book that's highly formative for me. Opened my eyes toward the so-called mind-body connection via the nervous system.

[Susan]

Interesting, but is taking a lot of time to read...

[Kim Decelles]

Excellent information on body awareness and brain connections. Functional integration.