___________________________________________________

​

​

​​Week 1 Summary: Introduction to the Alexander Technique

​

The Alexander Technique was developed by F. M. Alexander (1869–1955), an actor who solved his own voice problems by noticing and changing unconscious habits of movement and thought. His discoveries showed that many difficulties in performance, health, and daily life can be improved by changing the way we use ourselves.

​

In the Interactive Teaching Method (ITM) we describe the Technique as:
“The study of thinking in relation to movement.”
This means recognising that our thoughts direct our movements, and that changing our thinking is often the most effective way to change how we move.

​

A central idea is the One Thought:
The poise of the head in relation to the body in movement is the key to freedom and ease of motion.
The word poise suggests a dynamic, alive quality that is more helpful than static ideas of posture.

​

This links to what Alexander called the Primary Control: the relationship of the head, neck, and back.

​​​

Alexander made two key discoveries. Every movement involves a change in the relationship of the head to the body, which can either help or hinder us. He also found that the conscious mind can override our natural systems, and that how we think directly shapes how we move and function for better or worse.

​​​​​​

___________________________________________________

​

Take Away 

 

The Alexander Technique shows how our movements are shaped by our thoughts. By paying attention to the poise of the head in relation to the body in movement we can improve our coordination, and move with greater ease. Alexander discovered that conscious thought can either limit us or open us to our full potential.

​

___________________________________________________

​

​