AT lesson in Ladywell

Good AT lesson with Michele today. She's based 20 minutes walk from our place: in Ladywell, so it's very convenient. M. trained with Walter and Dilys Carringtons and I really like working with teachers from this line. What I particularly enjoyed about the way M. worked today was the space given to me.

Before we began I had asked her to treat me as a total beginner, later on I also requested some 'AT homework'. One idea that was suggested was pausing (or inhibiting using the AT jargon) on my way to and from work. Great! It'd be nice to refresh this already familiar approach, hopefully in a new and fresh way.. 

M. asked me the question "when can I give my directions most easily" (paraphrasing) An easy answer to this one – when I'm not around other people!

A thought / concern that came up during the lesson: am I prepared inwardly for the intensity and the way of working on the training course?  My sense is that if I don't take several lessons before the course, the beginning may be difficult. I prepared well for this training outwardly (i.e. saving money) but haven't had many lessons over the past 3 years. Anyway, the good news is that I'm addressing it now, and M.mentioned that I can work on myself during the lesson and that I'm ready for the training. Happy to hear this, but still, intensified work is needed.

On my way back I stopped twice. I noticed the tendency to rush in walking – did stopping help in addressing this? I'm not sure to be honest. Something to investigate further...

AT & Movement work

I listened to a very interesting episode of the Body Learning podcast today. The teacher who was intervied outlined three principles that Alexander Technique shares with other movement modalities (i.e. Tai Chi)

By the way, I'm just paraphrasing what I remember from listening to it. Please refer to the recording for more accurate description.

1. Doing less / Non-doing - instead of adding more stuff to what is already not working, I need to stop repeating harmful habits.
 
2. Slowing down whatever I'm doing - this creates the space for observing what is actually going on in the body while it is moving.

3. Conscious direction - i.e. the relationship between my head, neck and the torso / breathing etc.

Hmmm. I think I'm also going to use this blog as a notepad for jotting down interesting ideas / thoughts gathered from the podcasts / books etc.

Good student

In my application letter for the Training Course I wrote that my Aim for this Course is to establish foundations for becoming an excellent AT Teacher.

Today's reflection: if I wish to become a good teacher of the Technique, I first need to become a good student of the Technique. Whatever I may understand by good at the moment.

I haven't had a lesson for a while. Just wrote to a local teacher to arrange the course of few lessons.

Not getting up until ready

My current approach to AT lie-down: get up only when I'm ready.

Today has been bit strenous for me. The lie-down at the end of it was long, but worth it. The body realigned and at ease... the events of the day kind of digested on the bodily level. Nice.