Who Doesn't Love A Cute Baby Video

I love this video. I'm not quite sure why I love it so much, but I've watched it about 10 times. I guess I find the message really beautiful. The video, shot to demonstrate the principles of the Feldenkrais technique, shows a baby moving through it's first year of life. When developing movement patterns, a baby starts small, investigates and explores, takes rests, gradually develops the support, refines the movement, and later moves on to bigger things. I think this is a helpful reminder to adults, no matter what sort of movement practice we have. So often clients expect to start with advanced exercises, but it's so essential to first explore the building blocks that make up that movement or exercise.

Enjoy!

Nice Article on Alexander Technique

I recently found this interesting article on NPR about the Alexander Technique. My first experience with Alexander Technique was when I was around 15 years old. I was at Interlochen Arts Academy and I heard that some of the music students were taking AT lessons to improve their practice or to get some relief from chronic pain. Intrigued, I signed up for a lesson and I remember how I felt afterwards. I felt a sensation as if I were floating; walking seemed effortless; I felt taller; more relaxed; and amazed that one session could do so much with what seemed like such little physical exertion. I am not an Alexander Technique teacher but it certainly has influenced my teaching and my own movement practice. When working with someone with chronic pain or tension, I think it is important to look at 'why' and 'how' it got there in the process of trying to fix it. For example, if your shoulder is chronically tight you can stretch it as much as you like, but you also need to bring some attention to your usage on a regular basis or your shoulder is going to end up tight again. Awareness behind movement is what creates change as the study in the article shows.

http://www.npr.org/2011/03/28/134861319/alexander-technique-a-balm-for-back-pain#commentBlock