The Alexander
Technique Journey
What to Expect
01. Discussion
I start the lesson with a Survey to learn all about the new student: why they are here; how they spend their day; if they have any difficulty with their breathing and/or their voice; if and where they have pain; if they have had injuries and/or surgeries; and, what positive changes they would like to have happen in their lives. Then I share my education and experience. I tell my story.
02. The Alexander Technique
Depending on the student, I might video them demonstrating their special performance—which can range from playing golf to playing an instrument. I explain what the Alexander Technique is and then I show them a slide presentation which explains all the benefits, what the Principles are and how they will support the improved habits. During the slide show they discover how the startle or stress response effects all movements.
03. Mirror Session
Then, we use a mirror to help see and discover the mis-balance and tension that feels normal. They learn where the top of the spine is, and then we begin simple movements so they sense when the startle response begins the downward compression. I take them back and forth into their habits, guiding every moment with hands-on teaching. I have the student see the misbalance, in the mirror and guide them into an easier and improved coordination of balance. Slowly, they begin to follow this healthier ease and balance. I repeat this with standing and sitting. I watch them walking and begin to have them discover what part of your their body initiates their walk. We come back to an extensive walk process after the Table session.
04. Table Session
Referred to as "semi-supine" or "active rest"
I have the student lie down, fully clothed, on a padded table, in a process referred to as active rest. This teaches them how to use their new coordination while lying down so when they are not with me they can easy recalibrate what they learned during their lesson. The table makes it easy because we are eliminating excess stimulus of gravity and movement.
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This is where we start to develop the skill of releasing unnecessary tension and begin learning how to think into their body. When the student gets up from the table, they learn how to integrate these skills into everyday activities, such walking, eating, sleeping and speaking.
Ready to get started on your journey?
ABOUT MY JOURNEY WITH SHERRY
Thank you Aunt Hillary for giving me 2 Alexander Technique lessons for my 16th birthday gift! I was fascinated by the way in which posture affects movement. I was never interested in my physical body, but Sherry got me thinking about how to use it like I hadn’t before. If the human body is a tool, I had been practicing using it incorrectly. I never knew the correct place to bend my spine in order to look downwards, or which part of the foot to lean on while standing. Now I am beginning to learn to use my body the way it was meant to be. She also analyzed my running, and her critiques give me confidence that going into track season, I will be able to run safely and effectively. Her suggestions about how to balance my head, move my arms from my back, and use my legs effortlessly made my running feel infinitely more natural…if only I remember what to do! Thanks a lot!
– Stevie Miller
Student, 16 years old
