Be Prepared with the Alexander Technique
The Boy Scout motto is “Be Prepared”. Healthy preparation includes having the right equipment, knowledge, forethought, provisions, readiness, and training. Preparation also includes rehearsing, practicing, researching, studying, and physical conditioning. Being prepared helps us face circumstances both expected and unexpected.
Unhealthy Preparation.
Unhealthy preparation includes tensing, tightening, bracing, clenching, and growing anxious.
(A Jewish mother sends a note to her son: “Start worrying; details to follow.”)
While the Alexander Technique is best known for improving posture, relieving back pain, and reducing neck tension, it can significantly help reduce nervousness and anxiety.
The Alexander Technique and Movement.
The Alexander Technique shows us that when it comes to movement, it may be best to prepare by un-preparing.
How do we usually prepare for a simple move like standing up? We tense and brace. We make ourselves shorter, we tighten our neck, our back, and our legs before we attempt to move. We are actually fighting ourselves.
This gripping and tightening continues throughout the movement. Eventually this tightening continues throughout the day, the week, and then throughout our lives. No wonder we feel stressed, have poor posture, back pain, and neck tension.
The first thing we may notice is our poor posture, seeing ourselves in a picture, a mirror, a video, or a store window reflection. We may hear about our posture by way of a comment. This might all arise because of un-useful, un-needed, unnecessary preparation. This is part of what F.M. Alexander referred to as “end-gaining”. End-gaining is preparation gone wrong.
Alexander Technique Preparation.
Like stars are born in the dark matter of space, original thought is born from silence. -Lawrence Carroll
And, with the Alexander Technique, movement is born from release.
The Alexander Technique teaches us to prepare for any movement with release; with opening up instead of closing down. Release for real ease.
We can then use the amount of muscular effort that is needed, and no more.
Frank Pierce Jones wrote a great book regarding the Alexander Technique entitled: “Freedom To Change”. We could also think of preparation, Alexander Technique style, as: “From Freedom To Change”.
Movement born from release.
Mark Josefsberg-Alexander Technique NYC
(917) 709-4648
Comments always welcome.
Great post — many thanks, Mark.
My teacher used to suggest that we can can prepare with “Ready, UnSet, Go”.
I find it interesting that in Britain they apparently say “Ready, Steady, Go” — so interesting how language directs our movement habits!
Thanks Ariel,
Maybe, with the Alexander Technique, we should say ready, set, stop!
Mark the timing for this piece was extraordinary and synchronous. I was literally noticing the tension in my feet and knees today when I was walking and standing. I started to release and become very conscious of the unnecessary tension I was bringing to my body. Now you add the awareness of transitions as an even more apt time of tensional release.
Then my quote appearing here as well.
It’s like all my birthdays at once.
Thanks for an important piece of the release puzzle.
Keep up the great work.
Fantastic, Laurie!
I happened to read your quote as I was writing this. It was/is perfect. I’m using what we learned in our coaching course all the time as I teach the Alexander Technique. It’s really been invaluable. Thanks again.