Alexander Technique is based on principles that are fundamental to all spheres of life. It may have an obvious influence on poise and movement, but the practice of Alexander Technique can also have an impact on one’s very personality. With improved sensitivity to our predispositions, we can be more discerning in choosing our responses. Alexander Technique helps us to regulate how we react to others and how we express ourselves. In this way, Alexander Technique may support the user if tensions arise in interpersonal relationships.
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Creativity, spontaneity and adaptability to change were described by AR Alexander as the hallmarks of Alexander Technique. These qualities may be the best antidote to the challenges of life during a pandemic.
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Taking the time to tune your instrument is always worthwhile, and balancing the instrument’s components to suit the current environment and create the desired sound is quite an art. Alexander Technique considers one’s whole being to be the instrument for performance. Taking the time to make our whole selves in-tune with the current environment enhances any activity.
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The most profound learning of Alexander Technique does not happen during a lesson: it happens when pupils take the skills and sensitivity they are working on and apply these in ‘real life.’ Alexander Technique is designed to be used in action, whether at work or play. Yet when we are active - especially when it is an engaging or stressful activity - this is the time when students find it most difficult to remember to use the Technique.
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For many, driving a car is a challenge to easeful and buoyant poise: the cabin design, seat ergonomics, driving controls and dynamic motion of cars oblige drivers to use the car seat’s backrest. Like any external support, we can collapse into it, brace against it, or find a way to use it to enhance our comfort and ease in driving.
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To practise Alexander Technique is to use thought skilfully. There are some special Alexander Technique thoughts which we use to embrace a greater scope for ourselves, including intentions which give rise to ease and efficiency in work. As we recognise that the way we think affects our capacity for comfort and function, we may naturally begin to align all our thinking processes with the principles of Alexander Technique.
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When asked about school chairs, FM Alexander is quoted as saying “We need to educate our children, not our furniture.” The same can be said about the piano stool - it is far more profound and fundamental to learn to change one’s coordination than to learn where to put one’s stool. The former also informs the latter. We can look to Alexander Technique not for a prescribed position of piano stool, but for principles which can guide our decision making.
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A fine balance is required in the performing arts. Attention must be divided among essential specifics, and simultaneously be united towards coordinated performance. Too much attention on one aspect is as disastrous as too little.
When musicians perform, we consciously initiate certain aspects of coordination and action. Many more processes are managed outside of our consciousness. Some, we can learn to become aware of, and we may learn to directly modify these.
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Musicians and computer users are at the top of the list for Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI).
Alexander Technique’s unique approaches make it a powerful tool in prevention and management of RSI symptoms. poise and action in accord with Alexander Technique principles promotes long term resolution of underlying causes of strain.
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Alexander Technique process is centred around thought. Whilst we are asleep, most of us have no conscious voluntary thought, so the way Alexander Technique might influence the quality of sleep is indirect. Many students comment on improvements in sleep associated with lessons, so it is worthwhile considering just how we can change sleep habits.
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In my youth, I loved the rare opportunities for downhill skiing. There were what I considered inevitable bruises and soreness for days afterwards, but it was worth it for the thrill. After a twenty-two year hiatus, I returned to the slopes. the Alexander a Technique skills I have learnt during that time made an unexpected and remarkable impact.
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Exercise is touted as the key to sustained good health. For many, the practice of exercise is unfortunately failing to achieve healthy outcomes. One hour of exercise per day is often not the panacea to spending the rest of the day sedentary. Alexander Technique presents a wholistic approach both to exercise, and to purportedly sedentary routines. It can keep exercise healthy, safe and fulfilling.
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From the small act of getting in and out of a chair, to the musician on the stage, there are numerous decisions to be made. Discernment and Judgement are forces which use observations as a force which can elevate or destroy satisfaction in any act. This article uses the example of pianistic performance, but aims to speak relevance to all activity
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A fine balance is required to manage any specialised skill. Attention must be divided amongst essential specifics, and simultaneously be united towards coordinated performance. Too much attention on one aspect is as disastrous as too little. I consider three fundamental categories encompass all constructive attention. Thinking is most positively constructive to coordinated performance when balanced across the three areas. Thoughts outside of their parameters interfere with successful engagement in skilled activity.
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One of the most common symptoms of the digital era is Repetitive Strain Injury, or RSI. Also known as Occupational Overuse Syndrome it includes ailments such as tendonitis, carpal tunnel, gamers thumb and tennis elbow. Alexander Technique presents a unique approach to resolving symptoms and goes further than any other modality or intervention to remove the underlying causes.
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I am often asked for an opinion on office chairs. My answer is necessarily indirect. I propose that a chair which makes engaging in positive co-ordination most readily accessible is preferable. I then go on to unpack what that statement means, suggest some practices to aid comfortable sitting, and some ergonomic considerations. I may also challenge the enquirer as to how they came to ask in the first place, to ensure he is not delegating responsibility for the use of himself to his furniture.
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Postural improvement characterises every experience with Alexander Technique and is its most remarked on effect. However the view that “Alexander Technique is about posture” misrepresents the vast scope of Alexander Technique. Perhaps the standard definition of posture is limited too
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Through a series of lessons you have made some significant changes and developed some understanding and skill in Alexander Technique. Here are some ideas of how you can continue to maintain and improve on your Use of the Self.
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People who have benefited from Alexander Technique
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Transcription of an address by Jeremy Woolhouse 11th October 2006 at Australian National Academy of Music, South Melbourne Town Hall
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