Living Alexander Technique implies several truths: 1. That Alexander Technique is very much alive. I see that. I hear it and feel it in classes I’ve recently taught in colleges and universities. Students are hungry for Alexander Technique and thrilled by its practice and presentation. 2. That Alexander Technique is a way of life. It gifts your body with attention, let me repeat that, it gifts your body with attention. 3. That the Alexander Technique, as a living thing, wants sharing. Herein, the first of 100 ways to bring these ideas into your life, your practice, and your classroom.
Sharing the work
Form partnerships of two. These partnerships may be practiced in class, or any other place that feels safe for both partners, a practice room, a teacher’s studio, or maybe outside in a park. The words, “I’m not comfortable with this,” demand immediate change, renegotiation, or cessation.
The partners face one another. Sense your shoulders letting away into infinity, first for yourself and then for your partner. Talk to one another. Do you sense your breathing change as you embody your thinking? Were your shoulders impinging on your neck?
Back staying back
Your back is a great sail filled by the pressure and presence of air behind you. The whole of your back is staying back, a sail filled in the wind of the universe. Now envision this for your partner which means to envisioning it for one another. What is changing? Stay back and give back. Share the results. (One idea, in a class, make rotating groups of three, the third in that partnership being a reporter who reports to the class as a whole.) Who wouldn’t get themselves to such a class?
Partnering in presence
I’ve got more of these attention getters, consciousness raisers, many more. They might be perfect for your class. They are alive with creativity. You’re seeing the first of a proposed 25. Find the rest weekly at LivingAlexanderTechnique.com. 25 procedures for partnering in practice, living the Alexander Technique. You’re going to want them all, kids. Find this and those of the future at LivingAlexanderTechnique.com.
