Is Feldenkrais a form of meditation?

Someone asked me recently whether the Feldenkrais Method is a form of Meditation.

I definitely consider it to be so.

Apart from your body benefiting in terms of better movement, better posture more flexibility, etc., being a mind-body practice, we are changing what goes on in the brain. (And, of course it's the brain that is making the phyisical changes!)

Practicing the Feldenkrais Method takes us out of our thinking mind and connects us with our sensory perception. We are therefore more in a state of being and of awareness. This, like meditation, is calming and stress reducing. 

As with meditation, the Feldenkrais method connects us to the present moment. We explore ourselves without judgment, accepting “what is”. As a result we experience that positive change occurs in the mind and in the body. This occurs through awareness rather than through willpower. In this state we experience more joy in movement and in life generally.

Meditation is also about bringing awareness to habits and patterns of behaviour. And this is exactly what we do in Feldenkrais. I personally find that the Feldenkrais method gives you a more concrete way - through movement - of applying this awareness. And as a result we can often instantly break free of many deep-seated habits.

So, sure, why not treat Feldenkrais as meditation, and experience the benefits to you in your whole self. You move better, you breathe better, you feel better, you live better!