ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
Improve performance
Recover from complaints
Prevent injury
Free your flow
The AT is about the USE
The way how we move, hold ourselves and our instrument, attitudes, reactions and emotions is all part of the use of ourselves. The AT helps in performance, handling stress, entering ‘flow’ and harnessing our optimal potential into play.
The AT approach is practical and seemingly physical (compared to for example psychotherapy). However, the body and mind are connected, therefore changes in the body will influence the mind and vice versa.
Intensive periods of AT
Performers, myself included, often find it difficult to commit to weekly lessons. In my opinion, learning the AT in intensive periods with independent practice in between is a good way to learn the AT principles.
The founder of the AT, F.M Alexander taught many of his students this way. First, he asked the person to read one of his books, then travel to London, book a hotel close to his studio and come for a lesson every day.
I'm not requiring a book to be read before the lessons, but I'm more than happy to give theoretical information about the AT and suggestions for reading. .
Limitations of the AT
The Alexander Technique does give surprisingly wide health benefits, however, complaints that require clinical care must be recognized and ruled out. I have followed a two-year course “Foundation of Western Medicine" and have a wide network of specialists in clinical care to refer to when a broader spectrum of care is needed.