I have to admit, often when I’m asked “what is the Alexander Technique”, the answer I give depends on the situation at hand, and the person asking the question.

This video shows a sequence of people’s experiences, and starts with a quote from Mary Holland that sums up the problem…

It is an illusion if we think that one day the perfect paragraph will be written explaining what the Alexander Technique is… We know that not everything can be expressed in words, otherwise why would we need music, art and dance.

The authors add to this, that…

This film does not define what the Alexander Technique is, nor did it ever intend to. It is rather an attempt to capture an impression, a rough sketch of Alexander’s discovery with a mosaic of voices.
For those who have had lessons, these voices will surely resonate with a sense of familiarity. For those who have never encountered the Alexander Technique, perhaps these voices will spark a curiosity to learn more.

You can’t put it clearer than that. Although some of the video is subtitled, it’s still well worth watching.
I hope you find the video inspiring enough to come and try a lesson….

Experience Speaks for the Alexander Technique from Thomas Glen Cook on Vimeo.

They reported that

All of the subjects reported a subjective improvement in their overall posture following the AT training session.

And that

The subjects also demonstrated improved ergonomics and improved ability to complete the skill sets with the PostAT load time test, suturing and cutting demonstrating statistically significant differences.

That looks like a pain in the neck for everyone here, not just the patient

So its good news if you’re a surgeon who wants to improve your skill, and reduce your pain.

Of course, this is well know to Alexander Technique afficionados, whether for improving sport, acting, music, presenting, you name it.

And we see a lot of dentists and hairdressers, who like surgeons spend a long time leaning over their clients.

So whatever your job, I’d urge you to find out how you can get better at what you do, and do it with less pain!

I trained there, and it holds very fond memories for me. Not just for the range of teachers, and the skill with which they teach Alexander Technique.

Nestled on the slopes of Kendal, Fellside Alexander Technique School

The views are magnificent. Many a morning I’d find myself looking out of the broad, tall windows across Kendal to the old Castle on the other side.

I trained with some great teachers there….

Michael Hardwicke, who teaches beginners and advanced alike at Grange-over-Sands, and at Lancaster University, as well as being joint director of the Alexander Technique teacher training school here.

Michael enjoying the fresh air, and sat with poise

Michael has a wealth of patience and the strength to share his skill without judging. Michael is a master at teaching anatomy and regularly runs workshops and weekends in this beautiful town for the public and for trainee teachers – check them out.

Michael shares this mantel with Jamie McDowell, the other joint director. Jamie complements Michael perfectly with his detailed understanding of the working of the hands and wrists.

Jamie looking poised and alert

Jamie was previous chair of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, and brings a wealth of experience to teaching beginners and to trainee teachers alike.

Supporting Michael and Jamie is Vida Hedley, a movement and dance expert who studied at the Laban Centre and brings her joy of movement to the regular movement classes at the school. Vida’s classes were always a hit when I was there.

Also there’s Zohar Peleg-Hartley, brilliant at helping you feel more expanded and helping you be aware of yourself in true relationship to your surroundings.

And Joan Diamond, a massively experienced teacher who offer refresher courses to Alexander Teachers from all over the globe. I make recorded CD’s for Joan that are always very popular with the Alexander community.

Joan's book, Understanding the Alexander Technique

And that’s all not to mention guest teachers who float in and out now and again from all over the world… Misha Magidov, Avi Granit, Patrick Gundry-White, Malcolm Williamson, Penny Ingham, Robert Taylor, Jean Clark, Rivka Cohen, Bernadette Riley, Joanne Thompson, Glenn Swift and other too many to remember. I’m grateful to each and every one of the brilliant Alexander Technique Teachers I’ve mentioned above. Next time you’re north of Manchester make sure to look them up. Each teaches from a slightly different angle, and each has something to add. So if you’re ever thinking of training to be an Alexander Technique teacher yourself, in this fascinating and infinitely rewarding field, then you can’t do better than checking out Fellside.

Come back soon, I’ll be talking about how different learning styles affect the way people teach and learn Alexander Technique, and how I implement these styles to make sure you learn the technique quickly and get to apply all the benefits it has to offer.

Bye for now,

James.

An Irreverent Video

I spent some time thinking about this and came up with 5 P’s. Over the weekend I received a comment from Ever-Eloquent-Hawaii-Based-Franis (from the Big Island), who had looked at my website and noted the benefits of Alexander Technique. It was a real pleasure to read through but somehow didn’t show up as a comment on this site itself, so I’ve added her ideas here and take no credit for the fine touch she added. Although I do take credit for finding the daft photo at the end

But first, what are the 5P’s of Alexander Technique?

1. Posture

2. Pain-Reduction

3. Performance

4. Presence

5. Poise

So here’s what Franis had to say…

Yeah, Alexander Technique sort of sounds like snake oil, doesn’t it?
Good for whatever ails ya!

What all these definitions have in common is they address what people have trained themselves to do by accident. Unintentional habits can be learned or retained while someone was intending to deal with another priority.

This is why we Alexander Technique teachers feel it’s so important to think of A.T. as educational.

Posture

In posture A.T. would address the unnecessary tension and postural attitude unintentionally retained.

Pain Reduction

In pain-reduction A.T. would address the cumulative effects of multiple habits pulling at odds against each other.

Presence

In presence A.T. would unify intention, calming internal distractions of thought and response, as an awareness discipline.

Performance

In performance, A.T. notes progress & reveals specific refinements with a template for constructive objective self-observation & teaching ability.

Poise

Poise describes the impulse control, elegance and non-reactive qualities of A.T. Poise also implies a stillness, economy of movement and a sense of self-possession and alertness. Poise describes the “grace under pressure” stress reduction, the psychological effects that the practice that A.T. offers.

All these benefits come along with being able to indirectly influence and update one’s own movements that have been taken-for-granted, allowing you to rebel against the ordinary!

If I’d pick one word to describe Alexander Technique, it would be “poise.”

Thanks for this elegant list of “Five Peace.”  ;o)

Well, thank you, Franis

If you too would like to comment, there’s a form below…

The video below was sent to me by my good friend Martin at dancewith.co.uk, who lists dance events in Manchester and the North of England. Many dancers use Alexander Technique to improve their posture and form.

Note how the head can rotate nicely, perched on the atlas and axis right at the top of the neck. Getting to know these bones can only help you learn Alexander Technique more easily – so do take a moment to watch the film through, and as you do, pay attention to the relationship of your own head to your own spine. Neck and back ache are often caused by unnecessary tightening of the neck muscles, which cause the head to be pulled down on the neck. Releasing muscles around this area allows the head to be free to poise lightly on top of your spine… If you find this difficult then get an Alexander Technique teacher to show you how.

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Alexander Technique can’t cure Multiple Sclerosis but it can help you to manage better.

Here’s some feedback from a recent Alexander Technique workshop I gave to the Multiple Sclerosis Society…

Your friendly and laid back approach made everyone feel at ease, and I’m sure you will have some new clients.  In particular Vanessa was very impressed as she had had a painful neck for weeks and with your magic touch she found instant relief. I am going to come and see you at your Stockport clinic, so I will ring you to book an appointment. Many thanks James for coming to speak and demonstrate to Trafford MS Society, it was a most enjoyable evening.

This reminds me of some feedback I got from another person with MS, who said I’d given her back her feminine wiggle!

Find out why here…

My method involves really getting you into the learning process. So I’ve broken down some of the technical terms into easy-to-understand chunks.

In other words – Plain English!

Alexander used words like “Inhibition”, “Direction” and “Primary Control”.

When I start to teach using these words, most people glaze over. And that’s the last thing I want! So I use terms like these…

6 Step Plan

My AlexanderPlus 6 Step Plan also revolves around HOMEWORK. Arg! I hear you shout.

Dear James,

Thank you so much for an excellent evening.  Its rare indeed to find a roomful of teachers laughing and having fun after a long day at work but that was just what did happen tonight.

Your approach was interesting and very practical so that we all came away having a good idea of what the Alexander Technique is all about and how valuable it could be to us. I adjusted my car seat before I set off home and I’m quite sure that I wasn’t the only one to have done so!

A really great evening and one that we will most definitely repeat.

Kind regards,

Frances