By Moshe Feldenkrais
Body & Mature Behavioris considered one of Dr. Feldenkrais's most succinct writings on his study of human development as it relates to the relationships between movement, emotional maturity, and behavioral patterns. First published in 1949, this clear systematic treatment of the psycho-physiological foundations of Dr. Feldenkrais's theories is a widely accepted classic. He describes in neuro-physiological and psychological terms how patterns of movement and posture are acquired and relates movement habits to social and sexual development. This is a rich and somewhat technical book.
A victim of debilitating injuries, Moshe Feldenkrais was intimately aware of the link between bodily suffering and mental health. Through healing himself, he made revolutionary discoveries, culminating in the development of the method that now bears his name. In an intellectually rich and eloquent style, Feldenkrais delves into neurology, prehistory, child development, gravity and anti-gravity, reflexive versus learned behavior, the effects of emotion, especially anxiety, on posture, and most important, the inseparability of body and mind.
What People Are Saying
"Of all his books, [Body and Mature Behavior] remains the most succinct statement of his fundamental theory: A 'whole situation,' systems view of physical movement, thought, emotion, sensation, and environment."
—Mark Reese, Feldenkrais practitioner and coauthor of Relaxercise
"Body & Mature Behavior is a seminal work of creative thinking in which Feldenkrais articulates the philosophical underpinnings for the development of his extraordinary approach to human growth and learning, now known as the Feldenkrais Method."
—Jim Stephens PhD, PT, CFP