What is the Alexander Technique?Mr. Alexander created what may be truly called a physiology of the living organism. – John Dewey Ten years of careful self-observation by F. Matthias Alexander (1869-1955) led to the discoveries that evolved into what we now call the Alexander Technique. While attempting to solve the vocal problems that were ruining his career as a Shakespearean recitalist, Alexander discovered he was creating habitual patterns that were interfering with the balance between his head, neck and torso. Alexander, and teachers subsequently trained in his technique, demonstrated how to change these habits and establish in their place more calm and poise, even in stressful situations. The Alexander Technique helps you use the appropriate effort for a particular activity, giving you more energy for all your activities. In the process, your kinesthetic sense becomes a more reliable guide so that you can take on new activities, as well as old ones, with greater ease, freedom, and control. |
