One of the great tasks for an Alexander Technique teacher is to try to pin down what it is and what it applies to. Plainly, it can be applied and used anywhere and in most contexts. But, while the sensation that is experienced with the guidance of a teacher is unique and unmistakable, when put into words, it ironically oozes into sharing language used to describe many other modalities. For example, so much of our “Awareness” work could be usefully applied to programs of mindfulness. And there are corresponding concepts of “Direction” in Iyengar Yoga and Feldenkrais. I think it’s great!
The things that resonate and make sense with different modalities are more readily absorbed and understood. Frank Ottiwell my trainer at ATI-San Francisco, when asked the differences of Alexander and Feldenkrais said: “Well, there’s more similarities than differences.” That’s it. Mostly likely implying, “find out for yourself kid”…
There are those that seek a narrow and definitive boundary around this all-encompassing work. Actually in an ideal world, I want that too. Only to stress that this work is truly unique, subtle and dynamic as an experience. As an enthusiast of 30 years, and teacher for 20, it remains a tricky task. There are some teachers outright rejecting other teacher’s descriptions and style, in favor of business concepts: “To sell, we must define, market and repeat” etc. I understand, or maybe I don’t.
I DO understand that the Alexander concepts exist in nature (in spite of business), as a physiological response to gravity acting on us, that can bring repose and coordinate us for the next moment. And that to steer ourselves and our students into that way of thinking, can take many and varied paths of description. In my learning from my teachers I had lessons describing aerodynamics, engineering, alchemy and even, God forbid, the Spirit.
My job, I believe is to use any means at my disposal to help students integrate these experiences we so espouse, until such time that it can be demonstrated in person. Then, you get to figure it out, hehe,….
In the meantime, ooze on!