Alexander Technique in print
Jeremy Woolhouse
A general introductory article by Jeremy Woolhouse published by the Burwood Bulletin, issue 153, Winter 2019.
Read MoreArticles on Alexander Technique in life - by Jeremy Woolhouse
Monthly blog articles by Jeremy Woolhouse. Alexander Technique for daily life, music performance, specialised activities, pain relief and management.
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Rolling at the hip joints and spiraling round the spine
Jeremy Woolhouse
The spine gets a bit grumpy with complex movements. It is fine with flexion, rotation or side bending, but if two or more of these movements are combined the demand on the musculature increases and the risk of injury increases. Alexander Technique is a framework for reducing potential injury, increasing ease and efficiency.
Read MoreVideo: Learning from a tensegrity toy.
Jeremy Woolhouse
Video: This tensegrity toy can teach us about some principles of human movement and coordination. We use these principles in the learning and practice of Alexander Technique.
Read MoreOpen letter to the minister of health
Jeremy Woolhouse
Currently, Australians with private health insurance are (subject to the particulars of their policy) able to claim a rebate for Alexander Technique lessons. The Australian Federal Government has recently conducted a review of health fund inclusions. It intends to place restrictions on what modalities private health funds may rebate and proposes to exclude Alexander Technique from April 1st, 2019. The letter below is an appeal to the Minister for Health not to ignore the solid clinical support for Alexander Technique.
Read MoreMindfulness, Zen Meditation and Alexander Technique
Jeremy Woolhouse
When we practice Alexander Technique, we are being mindful. Since ‘mindful’ means different things to different people, it is worth considering just what kind of attention Alexander Technique is calling for. There is a parallel with some streams of mediation practice. Learning from Zen traditions, we can use FM Alexander’s principles to refine a healthy mindful attitude.
Read MoreThe disappearing self
Jeremy Woolhouse
It is quite easy to become absorbed in a task and lose a sense of body. After some time, the body may assert its neglect in stiffness or soreness. In early stages, it seems Alexander Technique trains us to be aware of ourselves - body and mind - whilst we undertake any activity. A deeper level exists where Alexander Technique becomes a force integrating technique, body, mind and artistry in action.
Read MoreRemoving interference
Jeremy Woolhouse
Alexander Technique is a process of removing interference. Without interference, concept flows into action effortlessly. Restrictions of physics still apply, so a conceived ideal may not be possible, but performance will be closest to intended, and most rewarding to the performer, when interference is minimised.
Read MoreReturning to Nature
Jeremy Woolhouse
There exists a myth that a ‘return to nature’ offers a solution to our everyday aches and pains. We blame computers and out modern lifestyles as the cause of all sorts of problems. However when we look at the principles at work behind the issues in modern life, we find that the same problems presided in times gone
Read MoreThe Lack of an App.
Jeremy Woolhouse
We look to technology for solutions for our discomforts. There is a faith that many have - almost religious - that science can explain everything and a technological solution will ultimately be found. In human discomfort, this is not ever going to be the case. Whilst we can now do some remarkable interventions, one still needs to move in ways which don't create strain in order to maintain comfort. This is skill most of us have to re-learn as an adult.
Read MoreAlexander Technique in conversation
Jeremy Woolhouse
There are reasons it is difficult to describe what the Alexander Technique is. Also why others have trouble relating to your experiences in lessons and the subtle changes made. This article suggests some ways to talk about the Technique.
Read MoreCelebrities who have used Alexander Technique.
Jeremy Woolhouse
Given how Alexander Technique makes for more ease and efficiency, it is no surprise that many household names are amongst the celebrities who have trained in Alexander Technique.
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