Is The Alexander Technique Really About Standing Up Straight?

by | Mar 11, 2020 | 0 comments

 

Bruce Fertman is a colleague whose work I love. He writes beautifully, capturing the subtleties of the Alexander Technique in a way that most teachers, including me, rarely do. He recently published an article on ‘The top ten myths about the Alexander Technique’ which, just as expected, is an excellent read. I am sharing Bruce’s thoughts here because they are so valuable, I have also added my thoughts about his thoughts! To comment on all ten at once would make a very long read so this is one of a series of blogs dedicated to ‘The Top Ten Myths about the Alexander Technique.’

 

Myth Two – The Alexander Technique is about uprightness

Reality (Words by Bruce Fertman)

The Alexander Technique has nothing to do with standing up straight. There is not one straight line in the body, or in the universe for that matter. The Alexander Technique has nothing to do with doing anything right, or correctly. It is about doing what we do well, efficiently, effectively, fluidly, comfortably, and pleasurably.

 

My thinking

I love the way Bruce writes about this. His wording:

‘doing what we do well, efficiently, effectively,

fluidly, comfortably, and pleasurably’

perfectly describes what I am aiming for when I teach the Alexander Technique.

 

I also like his explanation that:

‘The Alexander Technique has nothing to do

with doing anything right, or correctly.’

The way I deal with this in lessons is to ask my clients to adopt an attitude of:

‘Couldn’t care less.’

 When they are learning to address harmful habits with sitting, standing or moving. Why? – Because the more I see my clients trying to get something right, the more likely they are to tense up and loose the efficiently, and fluidly we are aiming for.

 

Something to experiment with

Next time you notice yourself tensing up while trying hard to achieve something, why not experiment with adopting the attitude of ‘couldn’t care less’ and see if whatever you are doing begins to feel easier?

 

If you would like to read all ten myths you can find them here https://peacefulbodyschool.com/2020/02/11/the-top-ten-myths-about-the-alexander-technique/?fbclid=IwAR2E1qiIAVRvC1GWFEaZEZng3PP3YJKOU4OnN1TBfOTOQ5GOJMaXuECGeAU

 

 

If this post has sparked your curiosity and you are interested in finding out how the Alexander Technique can help you please email me at attbridgetbarr@gmail.com or call me on 07957 981240 get in touch using the contact icons

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