Today, I taught a lesson to a rower. He taught me a bit about rowing, and I helped him apply the Alexander Technique to his rowing, and his life. Rowing is particularly interesting to me, as I consistently row every …..never. I don’t row. So I was afforded the opportunity to apply the Alexander Technique to a sport about which I knew nothing.
I learned that after you make the stroke, (while having the oar in the water for the maximum amount of time for power), you go into a phase called “recovery”. When I heard that word, my ears picked up and I thought “Alexander Technique Recovery”. The Alexander Technique is, in part, about recovery.
What is Alexander Technique recovery?
The dictionary describes recovery as regaining, repossession, getting back, reclamation, recouping, and my personal favorite: redemption.
In rowing, the recovery phase takes up approximately the same amount of time as the stroke. That means you spend half the time rowing, and half the time recovering. The Alexander Technique helps with efficiency during the stroke, and assists in reducing stress during recovery. The Alexander Technique-infused recovery period allows you to quickly let go of extra muscular tension.
One of the common directions for rowing’s recovery phase is to: “get as tall as possible”. Once my student learned about Alexander Technique style inhibition, allowing, non-doing, and oppositions, he couldn’t wait to get his “oars in the water”; or more precisely, his oars out of the water.
And, for you non-rowers, you ingrain the Alexander Technique recovery phase into your life numerous times a day. The Alexander Technique helps you do nothing better!
When do you use Alexander Technique for recovery?
Every time you free your neck, your jaw, or release tension in your shoulders, you’re in a recovery phase.
As you free your legs, allowing them to move away from your torso, you’re reclaiming ease.
When you slowly exhale, whisper ah, and think of something that makes you smile, you’re recovering.
When you inhibit before you act, you’re recuperating.
When you allow your spine to lengthen, you regain your strength.
You are recovering your inheritance to be upright and free.
Mark Josefsberg-Alexander Technique NYC
(917) 709-4648
Photo by Paul Martin Eldridge/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
When I settle onto my books for an AT lie down, I am in recovery.