The Alexander Technique

What are the basics of the Alexander Technique?

The way humans are designed to move is based on gravity, balance, structure and our nervous system, to put human existence simply. From the moment we were created in utero the conditions were percolating for us to become upright humans. We developed and grew. Learning movement patterns that would help us strengthen for the next growing phase in life. Eventually, we got ourselves to this moment, of reading this article.  Attention to this moment in your life.

How are you in contact with the ground? This is your support, how are you using it? Are you leaning against a counter with one foot on top of the other? Are you resting on the couch with your head propped up high on a pillow? How did you physically transition from laying down to siting…….how did you move…..do you remember?

Bring a bit of attention to your physical self- can you feel the top of your head with out reaching for it with your hand?

What else are you doing: multitasking, distracting yourself online from your computer work, helping your child with homework?

How is your thinking affecting your movement choices?

I always teach a bit of anatomy, it depends on the day and the students what parts I teach. The shape of all 27 bones in your hand affects how your hand moves, types, grips, scratches an itch and holds a steering wheel. Do you know what these bones look like?

Movement understanding can come from learning anatomy and noticing how we move and think. Another important part of the Alexander Technique is feeling movement in a different way. As you work with a teacher, in what is referred to as hands on, they are able to transfer a new type of movement understanding. This is best experienced, as each teacher has a different feeling, a distinctive way of using his or her hands to transfer motion.

Here are a few commonly used words and how I define them within the Alexander Technique:

Gravity……..is a part of our environment.

Balance…..is the weight and counter weight within our body.

Nervous system……is the communication between our mind and body.

Structure………….the parts that comprise our body- the bones, muscles, organs, fascia, tendons, the list goes on and on.

Every Alexander Technique introduction is different, just as we change with each new breath. Above are a few important topics I tend to include with new students. How do you live in this world? In my classes, I teach for you and your activities; the way you walk and talk. To experience how I would work with you, you must come to class.