Alexander Technique PositionsToday I worked with an older gentlemen who was extremely responsive. It was his first lesson and to his surprise and delight, he kept “moving up” throughout the entire time. Once, after I removed my hands from his head/neck, he smiled and said “I could stay in this position forever!”

That’s was my cue to go into my “There are no right positions; only right principles” routine, but this time I didn’t. (In Alexander Technique terms, I inhibited.)  It was a teaching moment; for me. I didn’t assume my usual Alexander Technique position. I wised up; hopefully, once and for owl.

I decided not to ruin the good experience he was having; a pedagogical decision that I thought would ultimately help him. There will be plenty of time for “there are no right positions” later. In this moment, I chose to let us both take a moment to enjoy his newfound feeling of uprightness, ease, flexibility, and freedom.

And, he was in a position, if you will.

Positions may have connotations of stiffness, holding, and rigidity. Position may also be defined as “attitude”. Just sitting, looking ahead, with the minimum amount of tension and full breathing, is a neutral, free, open position. It’s a position of attitudinal, and mechanical advantage; a position of readiness, grace, and poise. That was the Alexander position I chose for myself as well.

Mark Josefsberg-Alexander Technique NYC

Mark@MarkJosefsberg.com

Image courtesy of Dr. Joseph Valks/FreeDigitalPhotos.net