“How can I use the Alexander Technique in my life?” I hear this question, and versions of it, while teaching Alexander Technique lessons. It’s really a great question and gets to the heart of the matter of the benefits of the Alexander Technique.

The Alexander Technique is done as you think about it. If you’re thinking about the principles of the Alexander Technique, you’re using the Alexander Technique, or you’re ‘doing’ the technique, or you’re practicing the technique, or you’re performing the technique, or you’re applying the technique, or you’re incorporating the Alexander Technique into your life.

As an Alexander Technique teacher I emphasize awareness of initiating movement; how you start actions like moving your hands,  walking, or how you begin to hinge forward in a chair by using your hip joints. So, one way of using the Alexander Technique is to give attention how you begin something, before you get caught up in it. If your good use starts to deteriorate after a few hours, or a few minutes, or a few seconds, that’s alright. It’s a beginning. It’s improvement. If you’re sitting at your desk ready to begin computer work, take an extra few seconds to think about and apply some Alexander Technique principles. Free your neck, let your head rotate forward and up, allow your sit bones to release down into the chair. Think of lifting your fingertips (using your neck, shoulders and upper arms minimally) and lightly place them on the keyboard. Don’t concern yourself with trying to do it right, because the Alexander Technique doesn’t work that way; and trying to be perfect involves extra effort. Also, during the course of the day, there’s always time to take small breaks, even 15 seconds or less. This is a time to regroup, and incorporate appropriate Alexander Technique principles again.

Another way to use the Alexander Technique is by applying it to simple activities you do every day, such as brushing your teeth, like the cat in the picture. Use the alexander Technique as you brush your teeth.  You probably brush you teeth while standing. Think of your feet flat on the floor, 50-50 left and right, 50-50 front and back. Let your knees be unlocked and soft.  Again, neck free, head forward and up, using only as much muscular effort as needed to raise the tooth brush, which weighs approximately… nothing. How little of your shoulder muscles need to be involved? How little arm can you use? Notice your breathing. Is it restricted or full? Notice how you brush your hair, if you’ve got some…

Reading about the technique can be very useful in using the Alexander Technique more frequently. I list some of my favorite Alexander Technique books here. You could also receive short posts and Alexander Technique lessons via email when you join my enewsletter.

Additionally, there is a thin line, or no line, between when you’re using the Alexander Technique and when you’re not. Just the simple act of being aware of your breathing, for instance, can change things for the better. Being aware of breathing usually allows it to be slower and fuller. At that moment of change, you’re using the Alexander Technique.

There will be times when you put the Alexander Technique in the front of your consciousness; during your Alexander Technique lesson for instance. As you get more used to applying the principles when you’re giving them your full attention, they will start to be applied, to some degree, when you’re giving them less than your full attention. The Alexander Technique starts seeping into your life, possibly at moments you least expect it. So USE the Alexander Technique whenever you can.

Join in the conversation!

When do you use the Alexander Technique?

What are some unique uses of the Alexander Technique?

Are there times when you have trouble using the Alexander Technique?

Please leave comments below.

Mark Josefsberg-Alexander Technique NYC

Mark@MarkJosefsberg.com

Call Mark@ 917.709.4648

Related posts:

1. The Alexander Technique For Dummies
2. Stop Not Doing The Alexander Technique
3. What Is The Alexander Technique?
4. Alexander Technique But Not All the Time
5. How Does The Alexander Technique Work?