What is
it?
The Alexander
Technique is a practical and valuable tool that can be applied to our
daily lives. Through it we learn a
new approach to everyday activity that prevents undue tension and
unnecessary stress on our bodies. This re-
educative process can lead to an improvement in co-ordination, balance,
and general functioning of the whole self.
Why
would I want to do that?
If
you watch a small child at play, you may notice a quality in her
movements and expression that could be described as alert, poised and
balanced. The child 'uses' herself well. Most of us had these qualities
at this point in our lives. As we grow older, in response to the
pressures of everyday life, we are likely to develop patterns of
thought and action that become habitual. As these habits build up over
time, we are often unaware of them. Sometimes these habits lead to
unnecessary muscular tension and interfere with our well-being. They
may even cause us pain. We have become less alert, poised and balanced
than we would like to be! We are 'mis-using' ourselves.
The Alexander Technique helps us to unlearn these habits, make choices about how we use ourselves and change away from a life dictated by habit to one of greater freedom. In this sense it is a re-education of the self.
Who
uses it?
Anyone wishing to improve their quality of life will find the Alexander
Technique beneficial. Particularly those who
find themselves in difficulties through pain such as office workers
suffering from back-ache, bricklayers with RSI and dentists with
neckache.
Many actors, musicians and other performers hold the Alexander
Technique in high regard. Sportsmen and women have found it can improve
performance. Even those who regard themselves as relatively healthy can
benefit as an improved self-awareness brings about a greated enjoyment
of activities at work, rest and play.
How can I learn?
Because
everybody is different and has their own unique patterns of habit, the
Alexander Technique is best learnt on a
one-to-one basis with a qualified teacher, although much can be learnt
from a group teaching environment such as
evening classes.
If you would like any more information about how the Alexander Technique could help you, then please contact me.
