As you read this, let’s have a mini taster of what the Technique is about by asking some questions, to which there are no right or wrong, good or bad answers:
Can you notice the quality of your breathing?
What of your internal and external world are you aware of?
An Alexander lesson typically consists of simple movements (for example coming to standing and sitting using a chair) and lying down. During the lesson we practise quietening down and coming more present, which makes it easier to recognise our habitual responses to the world around us (which we have had no choice but to adopt in the past). Some habits may still be serving us, but some may not, and if they are instead hindering our poise and enjoyment of life, it can provide substantial relief to choose to let them go if and when circumstances allow. The teacher guides the pupil to find more balanced tone throughout the self, using their hands and/or voice. I like to see lessons as practising for everyday life, and there may be homework…! …what was your response to that last statement? Can you see your response as valid, or even sacred? These lessons are ones where you can not fail, and will not be judged. The approach is playful and enquiring. The questions above are tiny ways to pause and find more quiet for ourselves.
F.M. Alexander was born in Tansmania, living a rural life and developing interests in the arts, especially theatre. He worked as an office clerk and became trained as a reciter of dramatic texts, although he developed vocal problems. These could not be cured by doctors so he examined his technique and found that he was inadvertently causing them himself by what he was doing with his body and how he was thinking about it. He became a breathing and voice teacher at first, developing his technique around the turn of the 20th century and throughout the rest of his life.
How can it help me?
The Alexander Technique does not aim to cure any specific conditions, but can help with lots of things including:
- pain reduction or management
- feeling present, calm and reducing anxiety
- focus and clear thinking
- balance and stability
- stage presence
- confidence
- embodiment
- self-awareness
- efficiency and ease of movement
Even if a condition can not be solved by using the Alexander Technique, it can often be made easier to live with. There is a list of research on the website of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique here: https://alexandertechnique.co.uk/alexander-technique/published-research
Lesson rates:
- £45 – 1 hour
- £33.75 – 45 mins
The first two lessons are 2 for 1, as there are always questions after the first. Once a week is best, and a set of six lessons is recommended, but it is always about what works best for you. If the above prices are prohibitive, please get in touch and we can discuss a concessionary option.
Nichola
I qualified as a teacher of the Alexander Technique in 2013 from Ilana Machover’s school in Queen’s Park, North London, and I hope I have gleaned some of the creativity in teaching the Technique that Ilana demonstrated so brilliantly. More recently, during the pandemic I took part in Penelope Easten’s course for training to teach online, which was a big help, and the techniques for teaching the Technique (!) without hands that we learned have now found their way into all my work. As well as being a professional musician and a reiki practitioner, I am an enthusiastic gardener, intrigued exerciser, lapsed salsa dancer, even more lapsed horse rider, and mum to a small boy.
I am an insured, DBS checked member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique: https://alexandertechnique.co.uk/
Nichola Joy Blakey 