What is the Alexander Technique?...
The Alexander Technique is a method of self-help. Its purpose is to help people to avoid doing things that are harmful to their general wellbeing. The method is unique because, unlike most systems that advise people what to do or how to do it, this teaches what not to do and how to prevent it. Thus the Technique requires, first of all, a practical demonstration, conveying the experience of what actions are wrong; and then clear instruction as to how they can be avoided.
For most people this requires the help and tuition from a fully qualified (3yrs full-time training) Alexander Teacher. The Alexander Technique has nothing to do with exercises and is not a therapy.The Alexander Technique takes into consideration:
How the way we use ourselves affects the way we function...
"It has not been realised that the influence of the manner of use is a constant one upon the general functioning of the organism in every reaction and during every moment of life, and that this influence can be a harmful or a beneficial one. It is an influence for ill or an influence for good in accordance with the nature of the manner of use of the self in living, and from this there is not any escape...
F. Matthias Alexander
The Universal Constant in LivingRecognising harmful habits of use...In order to change our harmful habits of use of ourselves, we must first recognise what it is that we are doing that brings about the undue stress and tension etc., and because most people have never taken into consideration how they are misdirecting themselves, they will need the help and guidance of an Alexander Teacher.
Reactions to Stimuli...
"Every living human being is a psycho-physical unity equipped with marvelous mechanisms, and it is through these when set in motion by the stimulus of some desire or need that all reactions take place. Every reaction, therefore, is associated with a particular manner of use of these mechanisms'.
F. Matthias Alexander
Inhibition. This is the key to change. It is necessary that, as soon as we have a desire or need to do something, we inhibit our habitual reaction so that we prevent the misdirected manner of use of ourselves from coming into play.Reasoning & Directing. After having inhibited our habitual reaction it is important to give ourselves time to reason out an appropriate means for consciously directing ourselves throughout the activity thereby preventing the undue stress and tension which will then allow change to be brought about.
Faulty Sensory Appreciation. The way most people go about their daily activities feels right or straight to them even if their bodies are out of alignment or they have back problems, so when people start to prevent their harmful habits it can feel wrong, but if they were to look in a mirror they would notice that they were not doing what they thought they were doing. So with the Alexander Technique it is important not to try and get the right feeling because what felt right before was wrong.
Primary Control. A certain use of the head in relation to the neck constitutes the primary control of the mechanisms as a whole, and when this interfered with there is always a lowering of the standard of general functioning.
Some of the Benefits...
By applying simple principles of the technique in your work related and daily activities you can:* Relieve aches and pains associated with misuse of the body.
* Prevent and release undue stress and tension.
* Improve physical and mental health.
* Become more calm.
* Improve your coordination.
* Enhance your performance, whether it be singing playing tennis, acting playing an instrument etc
* Learn to 'stand on your own two feet'.
* Consciously choose how you want to respond rather than react too quickly and inappropriately.
For more information email Andrea at: spats@easy.com,au