What happens in a lesson?

In person and online lessons are one hour for the first lesson and 45 minutes for subsequent lessons. Comfortable clothing that allows for free movement of arms and legs is recommended. We talk about the student’s reasons for coming, particular interest in the Alexander Technique (AT), and areas of pain or concern. With visual and (when in person) hands-on observation and light touch, I ask the student to move through common practices such as sitting, standing or walking, and other activities of individual interest. Part of the lesson includes table work where the student lies down with head supported and knees bent in an AT activity called active or constructive rest. I engage the student’s thinking to encourage the release of excess tension or bracing. This encourages commonly dormant or underused deep postural support muscles to wake up. We explore how thoughts can affect muscle tone, and how an understanding of functional anatomy can encourage more mobility in stiff or underused joints.  AT is not a turnkey solution but a process that teaches self-help skills and fosters growth and change with patience, openness and curiosity on the part of both student and teacher.