Corollary Discharge, The Forgotten Link

This article is part of the Legacy Feldenkrais Books Archive.

Intro

Corollary Discharge: The Forgotten Link by Yochanan Rywerant explores a subtle yet fundamental aspect of human movement and perception: the internal communication between the motor system and the sensory system that prepares the body for action. This communication—known as corollary discharge—plays a critical role in coordination, skill development, and the integration of mind and body.

Drawing on insights from neuroscience and the Feldenkrais Method®, Rywerant sheds light on how this largely unconscious process shapes our ability to move with ease, precision, and coherence. His concise monograph invites readers to become more aware of the dynamic dialogue between intention, action, and sensory awareness.

For students of somatic education, the work offers a powerful lens for understanding how learning through movement can refine the relationship between perception and action.

About the Book

In Corollary Discharge: The Forgotten Link, Yochanan Rywerant examines the neurological process that connects intention, movement, and sensory awareness.

When we intend to act, signals from the motor system are sent not only to the muscles but also to the sensory systems. These signals prepare the brain and body for the expected movement and its consequences. This predictive communication—known as corollary discharge—helps the nervous system anticipate and organize action.

Although it operates largely outside conscious awareness, corollary discharge becomes highly refined in skilled individuals such as musicians, athletes, surgeons, and dancers. Through repeated practice combined with sensory awareness, this internal communication becomes an integral part of one's self-image and movement coordination.

Rywerant brings this subtle process into conscious consideration. Through the perspective of the Feldenkrais Method®, he explores how developing awareness of corollary discharge can help resolve conflicting movement patterns and improve the integration between sensing and doing.

Key Ideas in the Book

• Corollary discharge is a communication from the motor system to the sensory systems that prepares the body for movement.
• This internal signaling helps coordinate perception, intention, and action.
• Skilled performers develop highly refined corollary discharge through repeated, aware practice.
• Awareness-based learning can strengthen the connection between motor intention and sensory feedback.
• Understanding corollary discharge can help resolve inefficient movement patterns and improve coordination.

Closing Reflection

Corollary Discharge: The Forgotten Link offers a concise but illuminating look at the neurological dialogue underlying coordinated movement. By bringing attention to this subtle process, Yochanan Rywerant helps readers appreciate how awareness-based learning can refine the relationship between intention, perception, and action.

For practitioners and students of the Feldenkrais Method®, the monograph provides a valuable conceptual bridge between neuroscience and somatic education, highlighting how mindful movement can transform both skill and self-understanding.

Related Reading

About Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais
What is the Feldenkrais Method®
Research on the Feldenkrais Method®
Other books by Moshe Feldenkrais