The Potent Self: A Guide to Spontaneity

by Moshé Feldenkrais

This monumental, foundational book fully explains the theory behind the author's revolutionary techniques for improving the functions of the human motor system.

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

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Mel Hilario · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very valuable but incredibly hard to read.

[Grazia Palmisano · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginings of his method.

[Laurie AH · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.