”People do not decide their futures, they decide their habits and their habits decide their futures”

F.M. Alexander

 

  Alexander Technique Lessons. #1- Oppositions

 One area people ask me about most concerns computer posture. We tend to collapse down in front, poking our necks, faces and upper chest towards the screen.  Sound familiar? Feel familiar? How about right now? When we collapse this way we lose our oppositions, one of the principles of the Alexander Technique. 

What we want is for our necks to be free of excess tension, so that our head can move up.  Tension shortens our neck, bringing the head back and down. We want the head to move forward (rotationally) and up.  A simple way to achieve this forward rotation is to slightly, slowly lower your nose, while the crown of your head moves up.   At the same time we want our sit bones to release down into the chair.  When you need to get closer to the screen, or to reach for a cup of coffee, use your hips joints as hinges, rather than bending using your lower back. When you reach for something, think of lifting only your fingertips and move your hands with only the minimum amount of effort needed.

So, head and torso up and, in opposition to that, sit bones down. This opposition facilitates lengthening of the spine and when you get the hang of it, feels good. If you notice that your breathing has become fuller, you’re on the right track.

 

Mark Josefsberg-Alexander Technique NYC

Mark@MarkJosefsberg.com

Call Mark@ 269-POSTURE

or 917.709.4648

 

Related posts:

1. The Alexander Technique And Computer Injuries
2. Computer Posture
3. Alexander Technique Lessons. #2 Head Forward and Up
4. Alexander Technique Lessons. #3
5. Meditation Posture