Feldenkrais Resources & Feldenkrais Institute of San Diego

I have attended an Awareness Through Movement workshop here focused on the spine and careful twists and turns in each direction for better awareness of the back. I’m a huge fan of Roland Mathews’ teaching, having attended his classes at Soul of Yoga in the past, and this workshop was also fantastic. The space itself is as warm and inviting as a studio can get (completely unexpected on this particular block). The high ceilings, wood floor and fireplace lend an air of Northern California enlightenment ;). It is well ventilated and the instructor and assistants were extremely careful to monitor students’ comfort (as the workshop took place in the evening of one of our hottest and most humid days on record!) I noticed what appeared to be a small library and reading area, as well as a kitchen in which coffee and tea were provided prior to the start of the class. There are two bathrooms, each adequate to serve as a changing area; convenient cubbies near the door were large enough to hold my large-​size shopping bag with shoes, clothing, etc., slid in sideways. I’d brought my own yoga mat but didn’t need it because the studio provides its own very nice, clean stuffed cotton cloth mats. I was so comfortable during the class that it was tempting to go to sleep! Parking is the same as most places in Hillcrest: nonexistent. (Street parking.) If you are there before 6pm M-​Sat you will probably have to pay a meter. I arrived at 6:10 and found a spot only about a block away. This neighborhood after dark always weirds me out, but I’ve been assured by different people that it’s perfectly safe. I’ve never had a problem, either – except for rude people who park too close to my car and then act obnoxious when I’m not speedy enough with the 24-​point-​turn they have required me to make in order to exit the space. :P
Good thing I was feeling so Zen after my awesome Feldenkrais workshop with Roland! (Ask about Wrena Mathews’ Creative Visualization workshops, as well. These are not affiliated with the Feldenkrais Institute, but she is amazing.)

This is actually the best spot in the country for Feldenkrais trainings. I am currently in a four year training program here to become a Feldenkrais practitioner, and I feel extremely lucky that I can go to this school. Elizabeth Beringer, the educational director, trained directly with Moshe Feldenkrais in the 70’s and is an excellent teacher, leader, and mentor. The space is bright, beautiful, clean, homey, comfortable, and the staff is friendly, efficient and a joy to be around.
As for public classes and workshops, San Diegans are lucky to have this place! Top teachers with years of experience lead the Awareness Through Movement classes several times a week for the general public. If you’ve never tried the Feldenkrais method, come to a class and check it out. You will leave feeling more relaxed, limber, centered, and strong. Come every week and your body and life will improve in countless ways. I also recommend booking a one on one session with Elizabeth to get the full experience of the work and to learn more about the method and your self.