Little by little the teacher redistributes the energy throughout the body and in relation to space. The student, freed from excess muscular tension, can discover their true potential. Freed from the inessential, he discovers a new dynamic, and realizes that he can act with maximum efficiency for minimum effort. This new dynamic has an impact on all his faculties, both mental and physical faculties." - Éliane Lefebvre
You may not notice the unnecessary tensions that accompany you throughout your normal day, but they will become critical once you need to use the body more dexterously.
It's when we move from the everyday handling of our bodies to activities that require considerable skill, that the Alexander Technique reveals the extent of its usefulness.
If we are able to maintain the freedom the Technique teaches us in the face of all the physical and mental challenges involved in skilled body use, be it sport, the performance arts, or any type of craft, we will be more likely to realise our full potential.
Whatever stage we are at, beginners or masters; to stay calm in the midst of our activity; and not damage ourselves in the process.
The Alexander Technique has injected a new impetus into my thinking about teaching. It brings me a profound relationship with the body because it requires listening to oneself and to others. It's not always comfortable to lose one's usual points of reference and to find deeper points of reference based on greater body awareness. This better use of oneself requires patience, time, ‘nothing’ and observation. From all this, something precious can emerge and exist." - Céline Curvers
