Balance and Vitality

I was nervous about my first AT session. I'd picked up a book about the Alexander Technique on a lark at W.H. Smith but I really didn't know what to expect.

First, Alexis guided me through some "chair work", which (as you may have guessed) involved sitting down and standing up. Not exactly challenging physically -- but after a lifetime of slouching, sitting correctly is far from intuitive. I don't remember ever sitting down without aiming my butt at the seat and collapsing on it. This motion is much more fluid but I couldn't explain the mechanics of sitting down à la Alexander.

Next came "table work", which (you guessed it) involved lying down, knees bent, head slightly elevated. Alexis used a light touch to ...align me, I guess. It was surprising to see just how much I tense my body even when I am lying down. Alexis instructed me to imagine my whole body lengthening. I ended the session with my arms feeling disproportionately long. No such luck for my legs.

Overall, it was relaxing and interesting but most importantly, weird. My body was not used to those movements, which felt bizarre but natural at the same time. Finally, I understand what people mean when they say that it's a tough thing to explain in words. Four sessions left of my Summer Special and my interest is piqued.