Why I'm calling this Substack 'Living' the Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique is really a subtle course of study in ‘How To’. In the beginning, I’ll tell students how to lie down and I’ll suggest that they do one daily. And while there are tremendous benefits that come from this stop in your day, it is my hope that the benefit of the lie down continues into every aspect of your life. For that to happen, you need to be awake to the idea that the technique is always with you if you’ll allow it. That permission is a living choice.
I have decided to commit myself to writing a weekly article so that you can see how I am living with the technique. Please subscribe so you get all the articles.
If I can stress one thing to you, I want you to know that I am NOT doing the right thing…EVER. Absolutely everything that I understand about the Alexander Technique is about playing with the scientific method. You explore activities. You take time to make observations about how things are going. You can even choose to do the wrong thing on purpose. But being correct so that you can feel better or learn this technique quickly simply won’t happen.
With that important caveat in mind, I WILL attempt to describe what the Alexander Technique is. I will describe how to do a lie down and think the Alexander thoughts. I will do video demos of sitting with a saxophone and sitting at a computer. I’ll show you these things so you can see how I ‘warm up’ to an activity rather than just dive in.
Hopefully this will give you a resource for inspiration and reminders in between your in-person lessons or encourage you to start lessons for yourself!
Thank you for participating in this Substack and if you haven’t subscribed, please do! I look forward to hearing your questions and comments.
Get In Touch
If you’re in NYC, you may learn more about my private teaching practice at johndalto.com.
If you’d like to book any lesson time with me, you can find my booking link here.
Hi John - I am an Alexander Technique teacher as well who has been teaching in NYC for 25 years. I'm also thinking about writing on Substack. I trained at ACAT, NYC and started teaching in the late 90's in Williamsburg, Bklyn. Back then I hung a paper sign, advertising my offerings, on the local Health Food store where all the newly arrived artists would frequent. I built a local practice but then got pregnant, married, and moved to Manhattan. I would love to connect, hear about your practice, and share ideas if you are open to it. You can email or call and perhaps we can start with a phone call. I don't get to Williamsburg much these days and during the pandemic I moved to Queens to live with my elderly mom. I am at a crossroads and want to start anew. Please contact me if you want to connect: allisonfoley17@gmail.com, (917) 697 - 1230