The Alexander Method is usually related to serving to folks enhance their posture and handle points akin to again ache, stress, and extra stress. However a lot of different modalities will declare they assist with these items as effectively. What’s it then that units the Alexander Method aside? How is it completely different than all the opposite choices on the market?
In our tradition when you may have an issue that wants fixing you sometimes search for one thing to do. In distinction, the Alexander Method is about discovering what you may cease doing.
With a view to clarify the Alexander Method, I typically ask folks to squeeze a fist after which cease squeezing it. Strive it your self.
Curl up considered one of your arms into the form of a fist however maintain it unfastened. Now squeeze the fist as in the event you have been going to arrange to punch one thing. Maintain it for about 10 seconds. Then, cease squeezing it. Don’t attempt to open up your hand and prolong all of your fingers. Simply cease squeezing your fist.
Think about in the event you saved squeezing that fist for quarter-hour, or an hour. What would it not really feel like in the event you have been squeezing all of it day lengthy? Quite a lot of the surplus muscular stress in your physique will be likened to that squeezed fist. You and I squeeze ourselves throughout with out being conscious of it a lot of the time.
Within the train you simply did, you knew you have been squeezing your fist which made it easy to cease squeezing it. You didn’t must know which muscle mass have been doing the squeezing or the right way to management them to cease squeezing your fist. Your mind simply requested your physique to cease squeezing it.
The important thing then is to know once you’re squeezing your fist—or your self for that matter. The Alexander Method will equip you with the talents to know extra typically once you’re squeezing your fist so you may select to cease doing it.
The Alexander Method will be described as a method of subtraction. It teaches you to ask your self what can I cease doing to unravel this drawback?
A great pal and Alexander colleague of mine gave—for my part—considered one of the very best interviews in regards to the Alexander Method on the radio a number of years in the past.
Requested to elucidate the Alexander Method Andrea mentioned the Method helps you discover ways to disengage the emergency brake as a substitute of continuous to step on the fuel. The kicker is you’ve bought to know the brake is on within the first place.
When you may have an issue, you sometimes method it by searching for one thing to do to repair it. Workouts are one instance. However have you ever ever thought of approaching an issue by taking a step again and being inquisitive about what you’re already doing that may be inflicting or no less than exacerbating the issue? The reply may simply be doing much less of that, as a substitute of doing extra of one thing new.
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