Lessons in
the Alexander Technique
The
Alexander Technique is a unique and practical method of re-educating physical and mental habits
so that you can reinstate your body's natural state - poised, graceful, balanced, moving with dynamic
precision.
Lessons in the Alexander
Technique can help with:
-
back pain
-
neuromuscular problems
-
joint problems
-
chronic pain
-
breathing difficulties
-
tension and stress in the body
-
the need for better posture
-
the desire for greater freedom of
movement
Shona gently guides students through basic movements, which when
repeated stimulates the
student's internal coordination to become more accurate. The student
is able to make lasting habit changes, experiencing natural and easy
coordination without the on-going interference of old
habits.
Shona
has taught the
Alexander Technique to a wide range of people, including sports people,
office workers, mothers, musicians and other performing artists.
Shona is currently
available to teach the Alexander Technique to women. Please contact her to make a booking or enquiry.
More about the
Alexander Technique
Throughout history many non-western cultures have developed physical
disciplines fundamental to both human well being and the evolution of
the human spirit. The practice of linking mindful coordination of
physical movement with raising and refining levels of consciousness
found its western expression in Australia in the late 1800’s with the
practical discoveries of F.M. Alexander.
F.M. Alexander was a successful Shakespearian actor. Early in his career he developed chronic laryngitis and
actually lost his voice during a performance. His doctor prescribed
rest, which restored his voice. But when he resumed performing, the
laryngitis returned. Since there was nothing physically wrong with his
throat, Alexander determined that his problem derived from something he
was doing when speaking loudly. His doctor agreed but could not tell him
what it could be.
To solve the problem, Alexander set up three tailor's mirrors and
observed himself as he spoke. After lengthy observation, he discovered
that every time he spoke, he subtly tightened his neck and pulled his
head back and down, toward his back. When he spoke loudly, as if on
stage, the tension and movement were more pronounced. Alexander
concluded the tightening and shortening in his neck was interfering with
his voice. But the habit was so ingrained that he could not feel the
tightening and, at first, he could not stop himself from doing it. Over
time he learned how to sense and prevent this habitual tension, and as
he did, his vocal problems disappeared.
At the same time he was solving his own problem, Alexander became aware
that many people suffered from similar unconscious habits of tension. He
surmised that much chronic pain, poor posture and also breathing
difficulties are caused by such habits. He began teaching his method of
preventing excess tension and moved from Australia to England in 1904.
Over the years he had many famous students including the writers Aldous
Huxley, George Bernard Shaw and John Dewey. Dewey also wrote the
introductions to Alexander’s four books. Alexander taught people and
trained teachers in his technique until the last days of his life.
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