In common usage, the word ‘hip’ may refer to the pelvis, the joint where the leg meets the torso, or both. This leads to some confusion and it is worthwhile to find out just how your legs connect to, and move with, the rest of your body.
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Video: This tensegrity toy can teach us about some principles of human movement and coordination. We use these principles in the learning and practice of Alexander Technique.
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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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A nineteen year old aspiring to become a professional pianist, got to the stage where he’d be writhing on the floor from back pain after playing for fifteen minutes. Three Alexander Technique lessons gave sufficient perspective to manage the crippling back pain. This is the story of how I came to Alexander Technique and the fundamental learning of my first three lessons.
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In early Alexander Technique lessons, students are sometime frustrated to suddenly realise they persistently use excess tension or scrunch themselves up in daily activities. Upon hearing this, I offer my congratulations. It is a significant step forward as it indicates the student has acquired recognition, a positive step in making change. To discover you are wrong is to have learnt something.
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In using Alexander Technique, one core principle is considered primary. The process of coordinating the head-spine relationship is essential to all other motion. The effective use of Alexander Technique pivots around how skilfully one can engage this coordination.
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Inevitably, students of Alexander Technique become aware of previously unrecognised habitual tensions. When interference with easeful movement or balance of tone is recognised, change for the better can be initiated. It may be tempting to perceive practice of Alexander Technique as based on looking for excess tension, then removing it. This potentially limiting view calls for an evaluation of process in using The Technique.
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For most of us, concentration is associated with tightening. When we see someone working and tightening - especially in the face - we may perceive this as concentration. It has been proposed that every thought leads to muscular action, but there is no prerequisite for this to manifest in a way which contradicts ease.
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“Get job done at any expense” is a modus operandi we’re probably all familiar with. Persistence of this attitude, the cost to ourselves wears us down. An upgrade to “Get job done without compromise to self” infinitely improves outcomes. Staying true to the principles of Alexander Technique transcends even this, and proposes a third paradigm.
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At the end of an Alexander Technique lesson, students may comment on a sense of lightness or ease and a mild bewilderment at how it came about. There are few instantaneous dramatic changes in sessions. The profound outcome comes about through an accumulation of small change. Understanding this, gives an insight into how Alexander Technique achieves what it does, and how one can practice with efficiency.
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Looking to the root of stress, one common theme is that of not being good enough. Musicians might recognise this in the form of ‘not doing enough practice’. Alexander Technique identifies the struggle which arises and introduces practices which dissolve the context for such judgement.
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It is quite easy to become absorbed in a task and lose a sense of body. After some time, the body may assert its neglect in stiffness or soreness. In early stages, it seems Alexander Technique trains us to be aware of ourselves - body and mind - whilst we undertake any activity. A deeper level exists where Alexander Technique becomes a force integrating technique, body, mind and artistry in action.
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When studying Alexander Technique, each student will progress in an individual way. There are, however, some common themes students may be able to relate to. A consideration of progression can help to put into perspective one’s own experience and development.
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Depending on a student’s condition, needs, goals and learning style, the frequency of a lesson may vary. Most students have a weekly session - sometimes other options are preferable.
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Alexander Technique cultivates skilful use of thought. It undeniably trains positive thinking. It differs, however, from other practices commonly grouped under the ‘positive thinking’ umbrella. Practicing Alexander Technique principles may help in assessing the value of other ‘positive thinking’ practices, and assist in making them constructive.
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A threefold process is at the core of Alexander Technique. Together, these three practices offer a concise springboard to its application. The acts are simple, the effects profound.
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The frustration of lost car keys presents us with an opportunity to examine reaction and considered response. I use this example as an insight into the indirect nature of Alexander Technique, exploring the ‘end-gaining’ and ‘means-whereby’ attitudes.
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By its nature, Alexander Technique is indirect. It deals with unfamiliar sensations, and proposes new ways of thinking. Since its effects may also be very subtle, especially in the early stages of learning, students may be unsure if their practice outside of the lesson is “right”.
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To have one’s eyes open seems like such a trivial thing. In the practice of Alexander Technique, however, it is an application of principles with deep implications. It challenges views on concentration and intention.
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A recent clinical trial published in The Annals of Internal Medicine has produced results concluding that Alexander Technique is effective in reducing pain for those with chronic neck pain. The report on the study doesn’t go into any depth on how exactly the process achieves these results. This article is intended to demystify somewhat just how Alexander Technique sessions have produced such an impressive result in the study.
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