Alexander Technique Tip #21: Do the best you can
There is no perfection when it comes to the Alexander Technique. What I think we should be aiming for is improvement. We are really aiming at a moving target. When we think of ‘neck free’, we are really talking about ‘neck freeing’. I’ve heard about Alexander Technique students telling their teachers versions of ‘I’m not getting it’. What I believe we should aim for as students and teachers of the Alexander Technique is improvement. That’s all. We shouldn’t be concerned with getting it right. We just want to make progress. The Alexander Technique should be fun, and feel good. The Alexander Technique is a journey rather than a destination.
Mark Josefsberg-Alexander Technique NYC
Alexander Technique Tip #22: Don’t have time?
If you don’t ‘have time’ to go through all the Alexander Technique directions ( I wish to free my neck to let my head forward and up to let my…etc.) Pick one and use it as a shortcut. Just ‘free your neck’ can include your whole body/mind. If you have an extra 3 seconds you can add, let my breathing be fuller and slower. Just those two ideas can do us a world of good. Here’s a short post regarding using Alexander Technique shortcuts: Shortcuts.
Mark Josefsberg-Alexander Technique NYC
Alexander Technique Tip #23: Whisper ‘ah’
One of the Alexander Technique directions for the ‘whispered ah’ is some variation on: ‘think of something that will make you genuinely smile.’ Why use that direction only for the whispered ah? Any time you want you could use that direction to change the tension in your face, change your breathing, and change your mood. Try it now and see if there’s a change.
Mark Josefsberg-Alexander Technique NYC
Alexander Technique Tip #24: Free your jaw
Sometimes it’s hard to let go of tension in our back or neck because our jaw is tight. You can let go of your jaw at any time. Just let your jaw dangle, mouth opened. Release the tension in your jaw and neck. Now slowly allow your lips to gently touch-no pressing, no pressure. Do it once more. You may notice that your jaw is a little freer, and your neck too. You can check in with this anytime, anywhere. Go here for more tension relieving tips, all based on the Alexander Technique.
Mark Josefsberg-Alexander Technique NYC
Alexander Technique Tip #25: Walking tip
When walking, you want to strike with your heel, followed by the ball of your foot, and then your toes. Let the toes of the back foot have their time on the ground. If you lift your foot early, you will be stiffening your ankle joint. Rather than thinking ‘free your ankle’, think of getting a good, full, ‘roll’ of the foot. And of course walking starts with the basic Alexander Technique idea of ‘free your neck, so that your head can go forward and up.’ Then, let your knee bend and you’re on your way.
Mark Josefsberg-Alexander Technique NYC
Alexander Technique tip #26: Alexander Technique and exercising
F.M. Alexander said that there are no right positions in the Alexander Technique, but there are right principles. I think it is important to add that there are no right movements in the Alexander Technique, but there are right principles. Exercising can be done in a way that is harmful, or in a way that is helpful. The Alexander Technique and exercising fit together like hand and glove. Certain exercises may present a greater challenge to employing Alexander principles, but you can exercise mindfully and derive great benefits.
Mark Josefsberg-Alexander Technique NYC
Alexander Technique tip #27: Take frequent breaks
Something we hear all the time, especially concerning sitting at the computer. Good idea! But instead of just taking a break, use some Alexander Technique principles. (Let an Alexander Technique teacher show you how.) It’s easy. It may take you less than ten seconds to reset, and it may only last a few minutes, but eventually you’ll develop a new habit.
Mark Josefsberg-Alexander Technique NYC
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