What is the Alexander Technique?
Great question. Easier to ask than answer. It’s a technique and educational model named after it’s founder, F.M Alexander, which aims to reeducate the way we think and move in order to live more full, conscious and easy lives.
That seems a bit vague?
I suppose it does, it’s an indirect process that looks at the whole body in order to help you move and act in a simpler, easier way. In all your everyday activities. We could work on sitting at a desk, any of your hobbies or anything you do for work.
That’s sort of just the same thing again but in different words.
Sorry. It’s a practical discipline, so it does make more sense once you’ve experienced it.
But what would that look like?
Oh I’m glad you’re still interested. A lesson will consist of some conversation and gentle hands-on manipulation while we explore an activity.
What’s an activity?
Anything that involves you moving. And if that sounds too complicated, I’ve got good news: EVERYTHING involves you moving.
So the Alexander Technique can be applied to anything?
Absolutely. We’ll almost certainly start with a very simple activity like sitting in a chair, but beyond that it’s entirely led by you. Maybe you spend a lot of time sat at a desk typing and want to explore that, or maybe you’re a singer so we’ll sing or maybe you’re a runner so we’ll run or maybe you’re not a singer but you’d like to exploring singing anyway or maybe you’re not a runner but you’d like to…
Thanks, I think I get the idea. One more thing, will it help my back pain/migraines/sports injury?
Maybe.
Oh, well, that's helpful.
Again, I’m sorry. The Alexander Technique engages with the things we do and do to ourselves and the habits that underlie that. So if the pain is a result of something you’re doing to yourself, then the AT might help. However, it is not a pain management tool nor is it a medical intervention. I will always insist that you speak to a primary healthcare practitioner before we discuss any specific issues or symptoms. The AT is educational, not medical.
That seems fair.
I think so, and I’m glad you agree.
Where do you teach?
You can come to my flat in North London, or I can come to you. If you’d prefer a neutral place where neither of us live, that can be arranged at a reasonable additional fee to cover costs. I also run day workshops and group classes often so look out for those.
Do I need to wear anything?
You need to wear something. But nothing special or specific, whatever you wear on a day-to-day basis will be great.
I wear a mascot-style costume in the shape of a giant tiger day to day.
I sense you’re being sarcastic and will not continue with this line of questioning.
I can’t afford lessons but I’d love to learn.
Please, please, please get in touch. I love this technique and truly believe it can benefit everyone. I hope that one day everyone will have the opportunity to experience it. I’d hate cost to be the only barrier. I’ll do whatever I can to find a way that you can learn more at whatever cost is feasible for you. No judgment whatsoever.
Do all Alexander Technique teachers teach in the same way?
No. As with many professions, there are different schools of thought about the Alexander Technique and these are reflected in the way it is taught. I teach in the ITM paradigm as designed by Don Weed after Alexander and Marjorie Barstow.
How many lessons should I have and how often?
Your call. If you're new to the Alexander Technique, having an introductory course of six lessons is a good way to begin. But there really is no obligation. Maybe just book one and see what you think.