Often at the start of Alexander Technique lessons here in New York City, I’ll ask ‘how did it go this week?’ A few responses: ‘I did the Alexander Technique, but not all the time,’ or, ‘I thought about the Alexander Technique, but not all the time.’ These are honest answers, and does anyone think of the Alexander Technique all the time? Would we want to be thinking about it constantly, and thinking of nothing else? Is that any way to enjoy a movie, a book or a companion?
As you incorporate the Alexander Technique into your life, new more beneficial habits are formed. I’ve heard the Alexander Technique described as ‘a golden thread running through your life.’ Even when we’re not directly thinking about the Alexander Technique, we’ve changed. We begin to have less tension with everything we do. We sit at the computer, stand, walk, bend, play the bassoon and bowl in a different way, though the Alexander Technique may not be in the forefront of our thinking. Most of us don’t have the luxury of working at the computer, or anywhere else hours a day, thinking only of the Alexander Technique principles (except for Alexander Technique teachers)
There comes a time when thinking of the Alexander Technique principles (doing the alexander Technique) takes a split second, and a myriad of positive changes take place. At any moment, we up the volume of the principles and bring the Alexander Technique into the foreground.
It’s not a bad thing that the principles of the Alexander Technique fade sometimes; by my definition they have to. When we do think of them again we have the opportunity to pause, notice our habits, smile, make some adjustments and realize that our breathing has changed, and we have an overall sense of well-being. Then get back to the movie.
Mark Josefsberg-Alexander Technique NYC
(917) 709-4648
Nice article, Mark! This is one of those things that most intrigates me 🙂 Do you think it would be useful to have posters or images around the house to make oneself remember about the principles of the AT?
Keep writing these wonderful articles 😉
Hi Walt,
Regarding posters around the house reminding you of the Alexander Technique: Whatever works! It would drive some people crazy, while for other people it’s just what they need. Whatever works for you.
Thanks,
Mark
Fabulous writing, as always. I think you should write a book. I just went to the fab AT Congress in Ireland. I look forward to meeting you in person someday, and I truly enjoy all of your posts. The next Congress is in Chicago, my hometown. Hope to meet you then or perhaps in NYC if I can visit sometime. Keep writing, it’s obvious you’re a wonderful AT teacher, as well as a clear, thoughtful writer.
Thank you so much, MaryJean. Writing certainly helps my Alexander Teaching. It would be great to meet you too. Let’s see about Chicago!