Who Studies The Alexander Technique?

Nearly everyone who takes Alexander Technique lessons has something specific he or she wants to address. Typically, they may have been told about it by a friend, or read an article. But they either have no idea, or a faulty idea, of what The Technique is. Since this work is over one hundred years old, it is known in many circles.
Some general uses for The Alexander Technique include:

Tension or Anxiety Attacks.
Posture:
Many people cannot figure out how to stand up straight, but Alexander Technique may be able to teach them.
Pain:
Many people live with constant back or neck pain -- which Alexander Technique very often can alleviate.
Repetitive Stress Syndrome:
The source may be the computer, piano or other instrument, or the repetitious movements of one's profession .
Horseback Riding:
Riders may improve their use throughout the whole body, so that they become much more at "one" with the horse.
Performance enhancement: Notably actors and musicians.
For anyone who has the sense, physically or emotionally, that their lives could be improved.

Where do I Begin?
The first step is to get an idea of what the work is. A lesson, or short series of lessons, is the best way to accomplish this. A group demonstration by an Alexander Technique teacher can also be very informative.

Generally, within the first six to ten lessons, a new student will notice changes have begun. Sometimes, a first lesson will demonstrate something dramatic -- particularly if the issue is pain. The work varies from student to student, depending on such factors as severity of need, age, and openess of the student to learn.

Although this is a process of kinesthetic learning, there are no exercises as such to practice between lessons. Over time, the student will find that he is using this new information more and more. It becomes thinking in activity.

A student of the technique accepts that it took time for their current use to develop, and that it will take time to relearn habits.

To arrange an introductory lesson, or to ask questions, please contact Mary Lois.
She is also available for group presentations.

Photos: Workshop, San Diego, January of 2007

E-mail Mary Lois

Return to Home Page