Alexander Technique Stuck With Me

Posted by Alicia King Mar 30, 2008

I first studied the Alexander Technique in college as a former stage actress, budding yogi, and varsity foil fencer.

I had heard a few things about it helping free the breath and teach better posture, and that it could help my game, so I signed up for the elective taught by my school's intimidating voice and music professor. Given that this coursework was undertaken no less than a decade ago, it's a testament to the depth of the lesson that I still recall Alexander's work so vividly.

• My first "body map" included no neck at all
• I vividly remember the day I stopped trying to drill holes in the ground with my heels and started to ride the sidewalk with lighter steps
• To this day, I do not “sit up straight” by jutting my chest forward and up, and arching my lower and middle back. .... instead I think about the crown of my head, and I take a series of nice belly breaths. Between my yoga training to breathe fully and clear my pathways for that air, and the concentration of leading with the head, I am able to grow into a natural, comfortable position that resists downward pull and allows me my full breath.
• Whenever I’m dancing, doing yoga or tai chi, or just want to pretend to look graceful - I remember two things, lead with the head, and flick the motion of my limbs through the wrists and ankles and off the ends of my fingers and toes.