The Alexander Technique and Preparation

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.

We often prepare for future events by getting nervous.

(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

Mark@MarkJosefsberg.com

(917) 709-4648

Comments always welcome.