Bios

Russell Delman

“Russell is a True teacher and healer”

– Ram Das (Dr. Richard Alpert)

“In Russell two streams meet: Zen and the teachings of Moshe Feldenkrais. He weaves them into a uniquely powerful, transformative teaching where mind, body and spirit evolve together. Russell touches deeply into the soul”

-Rabbi Zalman Schacter-Shalomi

In 1993, after years of practice, study, and teaching, Russell developed “The Embodied Life,” an integrated learning program. This was influenced by his 50+ years of Zen meditation, training under Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, and a close friendship with Gene Gendlin, creator of “Focusing.” After many years of guiding retreats and seminars, he created “The Embodied Life Mentorship Program” (ELMP), a three year immersion in this work.

Russell’s exploration of body/mind perspectives and human potential began in 1970 while studying psychology at University, sparking a lifelong commitment to awareness. He deepened his understanding through experiences like workshops at The Esalen Institute (1971), time at the Gestalt Institute of Canada (1972),travels in the jungles of South America (1973) and training as a yoga teacher (1974). His journey continued with studies in Gestalt therapy under Dr. Robert Hall (1975-1978) and training with Moshe Feldenkrais, starting in 1975 during the first U.S. professional program. A significant turning point came in 2006 with his friendship and study with Gene Gendlin.

In 1984, Russell was one of the first teachers chosen to lead Feldenkrais® Professional Training Programs. He’s since taught in 50+ international programs, helping train over 2500 Feldenkrais teachers internationally.

Russell and his wife Linda, both Feldenkrais trainers, founded the Feldenkrais-India Project, introducing the method to India. Their work at Mother Teresa’s Mission in Calcutta involved training the “Sisters of Charity” to aid brain-injured children. This period also brought numerous private meetings with Mother Teresa.
Central to Russell’s life are his nearly 50 years of marriage with Linda and their journey as parents to their daughter, Liliana. These relationships fundamentally shape and enrich his life’s course.

View this video clip called “The Movement of Attention” where Russell discusses a key aspect of both “The Embodied Life” and the “Feldenkrais Method”.” Explore his recommended writings and book titles in our collection.

Guided Conversations

Linda Delman

“Your calm presence has helped me so much during this time inside. I am grateful for the experience to slow down, really look and feel things and enjoy this beautiful world right outside my window. I love your greetings of good morning, good afternoon and good evening wherever you are on this beautiful planet. It makes me feel so beautifully connected to everyone and everything around me. Thank you does not seem like enough, I am deeply grateful to you for sharing your many gifts. I wish you continued success.”

– Mary Dunham

Linda Delman’s life journey has led her to a profound exploration and understanding of Body, Soul, and Spirit for more than 45 years. She had the privilege of direct tutelage under Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, subsequently becoming a Trainer and Educational Director for global programs. Her grasp of the Feldenkrais Method® has not only endured but evolved over 43 years.

Immersing herself in a comprehensive 5-year Spacial Dynamics® program under its founder, Jaimen McMillen, Linda augmented her knowledge of bodily organization and expanded her insight into the intricate interplay between individuals, nature, and the broader space they inhabit.

Linda’s quest also encompassed diverse meditation forms, sacred dance, music, and various awareness practices. This extensive personal exploration deeply informs her work with others. Over the course of 25 years, she delved into Anthroposophy, studying under Karen Rivers and Robert Powell, co-founders of the Sophia Foundation.

For a period of 12 years, Linda engaged with Wisdom University, led by founder Jim Garrison, director Karen Rivers and notable faculty members Andrew Harvey, Carolyn Meese, and Apela Colorado.

In 2013, she assumed the role of faculty member and co-teacher at the Embodied Life School, established by Russell Delman. This role allows her to share the wealth of wisdom she has accumulated over five decades of dedicated study and teaching with emerging generations of students on their own paths of awakening.

Embodied Life™ Teachers

The Embodied Life™ refers to an integrated approach to human transformation developed by Russell Delman. Methodologically this work is grounded in three main practice areas:

  • Movement awareness based in the teachings of Moshe Feldenkrais
  • Guided Inquiry based in Focusing as developed by Eugene Gendlin and Ann Weiser Cornell
  • Sitting/walking meditation based in the Zen tradition

Finding an Embodied Life™ Teacher

Teachers of The Embodied Life™ offer private sessions, classes and seminars. Some of the teachers offer all aspects of this approach and others specialize in certain practices. Russell Delman offers seminars, retreats and three-year mentorship programs internationally.

List of European and non-U.S. Teachers
List of Teachers in the United States

The Embodied Life™ School is dedicated to the evolution of consciousness, understood as the movement from fear to love, as our basic operating principle. Embodied Awareness offers “direct access” to the wisdom living in us and around us and is the foundation for honorable living in the world. This school is also committed to supporting human dignity whereby each human being and each human body is treated with deep respect.