SPIFFER: THE Secret Decoder Ring

Larry Goldfarb 4-26-2014

Back in the 1980s, Larry Goldfarb was developing courses to introduce the Feldenkrais Method into rehabilitation. Observing that post-graduate seminars for physical and occupational therapists had a major didactic component, Larry knew that he would need to do more than teach a few movement classes and give a demo. He devised a model for making the Feldenkraisian approach explicit and evident to the medically-minded participants in those courses.

The model Larry created, SPIFFER, has proven to be so useful for unlocking the mysteries of the Feldenkrais Method and making its magic learnable, that it has become the foundation for Larry's teacher trainings and post-graduate programs. It is based around seven dimensions of action and awareness that unveil what Feldenkrais teachers notice, explain how we understand coordination and skill, and disclose how lessons can make learning happen.

Sequence—The chain of motion thru the skeleton.
Path—The line of movement in space.
Initiation—That which happens at the beginning.
Foundation—The relationship of weight to support.
Flow—The role of timing and control.
Effort-The patterns of muscle action.
Respiration—The rhythms and reach of breathing.

In this workshop, Larry introduces you to SPIFFER through embodied experiences, reflective exercises, and Socratic dialogue. He uses SPIFFER to reveal how the way we move and hold ourselves causes—or contributes to—our pain and limitations. Larry demonstrates how this model can help us untangle the logic of learning and, therefore, become more engaging, effective teachers.

Pioneering Feldenkrais teacher & international renowned trainer, movement scientist, Neuro-Linguistic Programming trainer, and multimedia author Larry Goldfarb, Ph.D. trains Feldenkrais teachers, supports them in developing their professional practices, and prepares experienced practitioners to be mentors. He is known for his ability to demystify the Feldenkrais Method as well as for his commitment to each student's individual learning.