Tool Box

Tool Box

Alexander Technique is a passion of mine that keeps me working at it. I have turned my back on it many times seeking shinier and more fantastic ways to study, heal, use my body. I have forgotten about it and hurt myself from moving stupidly or being overactive without engaging my mind. And when I hurt myself I come crying back, like a toddler to his mammy. It’s always there as my rescue remedy. It the tool box I go to, to solve my movement problems.

I woke up one morning with all the effects of a decent wedding. Drink aside there were many other symptoms. Sore feet from a day in high heels. Neck tension due to dancing to eighties classics  enthusiastically which involved serious air guitar, head banging and general jumping around. There may have been some other unexplained bruises from hijinks, otherwise known as fun.

So while I was having fun I may or may not have been mindfully taking care of myself with Alexanders guide for movement.

Once I was awakened to the fact that my body needed some care and attention, there I was, back to my tool box, experimenting with what ways I could move with ease. Barefoot on the floor I learned the new protective holding patterns: lactic acid burning around my calves; my neck was so tight it felt like a whiplash gathering my head towards my shoulders. I could barely turn my head. A sore foot ankle area. Maybe I had gone over on it.

Not to worry. It was a great night. Let’s do the clean-up.

I worked with freeing my neck. Just the thought brought about relief. My head leading helped the neck muscles release. I hobbled to a mirror and observed the awkward gait. So I took myself to the floor and used my semi supine laboratory for support as I listened to my body.

Soon I got up, moving more freely. I learned that the more rigorous I was with keeping my Alexander directions the easier movement was. And so I left the room and met the wedding crowd. Every time I distracted myself and moved unconsciously my revelry taught me something about movement and so led me back to the tool box and rediscovering myself. Not on the floor now, my laboratory was in the moment when the pain arrived.

I was soon out of pain and back to free movement, much quicker than other revellers.

Every time I lose my way, and I do often, I find my way back to Alexander. Simply because it works. He discovered what is simply there for us to use. I don’t need contraptions or perfect environments or other people, although other people can help in support and direction. It starts when I connect my wayward mind back to my beautiful body and the answers show up.

To me it is simple. If I use my body well it will function well for me. And it just takes my focus to apply it. This is not just to help after nights out. We normally address pain, posture and performance problems. AT can help you move your body well to move you away from pain, or towards great performance. But first you need to build the tool box, understanding how it works. 

If you want to build your tool box for your own internal rescue remedy Get to Know Your Body Better. Starting Thursday next May 4th.

Don’t Hold Back

Love Fiona x