Klarinet Archive - Posting 000152.txt from 2011/03

From: Margaret Thornhill <clarinetstudio@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] reply to Karl, re Alexander technique
Date: Sat, 19 Mar 2011 13:56:16 -0400

Hi Karl,

You asked if Alexander technique study is necessarily a two year process,
and the answer is no. Dramatic changes were obvious after a few lessons.

The learning curve issue is this: A person can understand what this is
"about" from taking one lesson or even from watching one lesson, but will
likely not be able to sustain awareness of or reinforce change in their own
physical habits without direct observation and help from a teacher over a
period of some weeks or months.

For those unfamiliar with the process,Alexander technique is not physical
therapy, tai chi or yoga, but like any physical practice is is based in the
letting go of unhelpful physical habits and the substitution of better ones.
This is done by responding to instruction rather than by doing exercises.
The teacher gently guides your body by gentle touch (which is a physical
prompt, not massage) into expanding and releasing tension at the joints
while standing, sitting, lying on the floor or a table, or walking. The
process is largely skeletal, as far as I can tell.

Hope this is helpful. There are many web sites.

Margaret

Margaret Thornhill
Los Angeles
http://www.margarethornhill.com
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