By Omid Bahramzadegan

The Alexander Technique is making more sense to me every session. I’m beginning to get a clearer picture of what I’m supposed to do, and ironically,Leland Vall Alexander Technique Tip 32 it is doing nothing. You may say it’s like the antivirus checking your computer. If you let it do its job, it will check every file. However, if you interfere and try to control it, there will be a conflict resulting in failure. The CPU of the computer is responsible for the antivirus. Same goes with the mind being responsible for the body alignment and movement. All I need to do is command my body. Nevertheless, you need to be familiar with the commands. Otherwise, it won’t do you any good.

As mentioned before, the Alexander Technique is about self-discovery. In order for the discovery to take place, we need to stay aware of the body in each moment. Last session I learned that a common response to a stimulus is stiffening the neck. This session it was revealed to me that the cause of the stiffening is pulling down. To prevent pulling down, I need to think up, like all the trees and flowers pointing up,  and command my neck to be free, my back to lengthen, and my head to go forward and up. In the past I didn’t think it would affect my posture, but to my surprise, it does affect it, and through practice the effect will be almost instantaneous.

This session Leland said something very interesting. During the class I told him that my neck was stiffened, and he told me that it was good! When I asked why, he explained that it was a chance to find out what the cause was, and discover more about myself. Therefore, any moment of bad posture or pain, could be an opportunity for discovery. I believe this perspective is going to make a lot of changes for me.