Buddhism offers the idea of "two arrows.", which has relevance to Alexander Technique. The first arrow strikes when pain comes upon us; an inevitable occurrence. The second arrow is the mental anguish we experience, or put ourselves through, because of the original pain. Mental pain enhances and prolongs physical pain. It's as if when shot [...]
Alexander Technique teachers help you improve your posture, but not your military posture. Alexander Technique good posture feels good; military posture, not so much. Military posture requires a lot. You have to throw your shoulders back, suck your stomach in, stick your chin back, thrust your chest out; stiffen up. That's a lot of throwing, sticking, sucking, thrusting, and stiffening.
I am an Alexander Technique teacher in New York City, and Manhattan is about as far away as you can get from the stillness, calmness, and tranquility of the woods. Once in the woods I immediately notice the sounds- that peaceful, open sound of the wind moving the branches and leaves of the trees, or the sound of rushing water. I notice those sounds, and I notice the sound of my changed breathing. I hear an open 'ah' type sound, either said or whispered on an easy exhalation. I've noticed this sound with other people as well, in response to any calming, peaceful, beautiful, or awe-inspiring stimulus. This open 'ah' sound
...Good posture while you meditate, or your meditation posture, can be a challenge for those new to meditation, as well as those more experienced with meditation. Improving one's Meditation posture is important for people who meditate for ten minutes, and those who meditate for hours. The Alexander Technique can help with meditation posture, as it helps with posture in general. In researching various instructions for proper meditation posture, a suggestion that keeps arising is ‘keep your spine straight.
