What happens during an Alexander Technique lesson?
Through touch and verbal instruction, the teacher guides the students to discover ways they are interfering with their natural coordination. By bringing certain habits to consciousness, students are given the opportunity to choose whether or not to continue them. Because the responsibility of choice and change is left to the student, this is an educative process, not a medical one.
The touch of the teacher is gentle, non-manipulative, non-invasive. It guides the student by communicating the way the teacher is attending to herself or himself, and this direct linkage makes the learning quicker than using words alone.
Activities usually center first on the simplest daily ones (sitting, standing, lying down, walking) and then progress to more complex ones such as those required for the student's work or play.
How should I dress for an Alexander lesson?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely.
What IS the Alexander Technique?
F. M. Alexander (1869-1955) was an actor who suffered from hoarseness and performance anxiety. When medical science of his day could not help him, he set about helping himself. As he did so, he developed a process by which we can know consciously that our mind is not separated from our body, that there is a complex interaction between the two that influences the way we think, feel, and move.
What is NOT the Alexander Technique?
It is NOT a series of exercises, although it can complement your present fitness activities.
It is NOT about posture, although as you practice the Technique, your posture may improve.
It is NOT a relaxation technique, although when you stop any habitual action that causes unnecessary tension, you may feel more relaxed.
In learning the Alexander Technique, will I acquire even more activities in my already busy schedule?
Not necessarily. The Alexander Technique is not concerned with WHAT you do as much as HOW you do it. You can practice the Alexander Technique while you are doing your other activities. Indeed, applying Alexander's principles to your thinking IS the Alexander Technique ("doing the work," as we say in Alexander circles)..
How is the Alexander Technique different from bodywork?
Most forms of bodywork--massage, Rolfing, even chiropractic, for example-- are performed on a relatively passive client. There is direct manipulation of tissues and bones which is, in effect, the treatment.
In contrast, an Alexander teacher's use of hands is meant to communicate an experience of ease and freedom that is part of our natural coordination and which, with time and practice, students can experience on their own. Thus students are given the opportunity to let this natural coordination operate while engaging in all their activities, not just specialized ones.
Would group lessons or individual lessons be best for me?
Beginning students in particular may benefit from group lessons, which usually involve two to six in a group. The group process provides support and encouragment from peers as well as from the teacher. Also, you learn by observing others learn, since your ability to empathize kinesthetically is enhanced by practicing the Technique. Group lessons are usually less expensive.
Individual lessons allow the teacher to address your particular needs to a depth not always possible when the teacher's time is shared by others.
Ideally, a combination of group and individual lessons would probably serve you best, but if that is not possible, choose according to your inclination.
Fluid as melting ice, Do you have the patience to wait till your mud settles and the water is clear? Can you remain unmoving until the right action arises by itself?
If you realize that all things change there is nothing you will try to hold on to.
Less and less will you need to force things.
– Lao Tzu / Philosopher, Translation by Stephen Mitchell
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