Article Archive for October 2009
NEW YORK TIMES August 2009
Since touch can be such an important part in the Alexander Technique, this New York Times article is especially apropos. Although not specifically about the Alexander Technique, it has strong relevance. It was printed in the August 11th, 2009 New York Times by Nicholas Bakalar. Please note the last line, referring to touch: “This is a sophisticated differential signaling system that we haven’t previously known about.” Alexander Technique teachers have been using touch to convey ideas, concepts and feelings for well over 100 years. Please enjoy the following article.
Researchers have found experimental evidence that a touch can be worth a thousand words, that fleeting physical contact can express specific emotions — silently, subtly and unmistakably…
Many times people say to me ‘I did ok this week, Alexander Techniquewise, but I caught myself a few times.’ There can be a negative connotation to ‘catching oneself ‘, but there doesn’t have to be. In fact catching yourself slumping or sitting up rigidly straight is really a positive thing. It’s at those moments where you can employ the principles of the Alexander Technique and make positive changes. As you catch yourself, you’re becoming aware; you’re waking up. Additionally…
When you learn to drive you are taught to grip the steering wheel at ten and two, unless you’re thinking of a digital clock; then it gets confusing. If you weren’t taught by an Alexander Technique teacher, you likely weren’t taught how to grip the steering wheel, how little muscular effort is needed, or how to stop gripping in other parts of your body while driving. I observed that for highway driving I could get away with keeping my hands comfortably lower; perhaps around 4:35, give or take a few minutes. I also noticed, whenever I became aware, I could release tension in my hands. Once I released that extra effort I was able to notice tension elsewhere, including my jaw and my neck, and release that unneeded tension too. Moving up and away from my hands…
