The Alexander Technique As I See It

by Patrick Macdonald

The Alexander Technique is the discovery by F. Matthias Alexander of the natural rhythm within the human body. This essential rhythm has become distorted in many people, and such distortion is the principal cause of ill-health.
The technique sets out to re-educate the sensory and motivating nerve circuits of the whole body by means of simple limb and body manipulations by a teacher, which allows the pupil to become aware of the correct sensory awareness in how to use the whole body. This sensory awareness grows stronger and stronger until the pupil is able to use his or her body correctly and to put the body into the best position of advantage in all daily activity so that any lapse into old habits of use is avoided.
This book explains Alexander's discovery, discusses how the Technique is taught, and describes the steps necessary to learning and mastering the Technique, "Direction and Movement", "Getting a Pupil's Head to Go Forward and Up", and "Giving Directions, Doing and Non-Doing". It is essential reading for teachers and students alike.

113 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Will Schmitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am appreciative of this book for introducing me to the idea of Alexander technique as holistic medicine for the body and the mind! I also liked the connection between Zen Buddhism and the practice of this technique.
While I’ve never really studied Alexander technique and this book didn’t teach me exercises from it, I now have a deeper understanding and appreciation for the technique, especially for its life outside of acting/performing.

[Bett Correa-Bollhoefer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The end is better than the beginning. I call this book Tweets by Macdonald.