Why do we move the way we do?
The short answer is – because we choose to.
Why we make those choices, however, is the rub.
We may move to avoid pain, or because something is weak, or because it feels good, or it is just how our body shape allows us to. Most of all though we move the way we do because it works. Our gait lets us get across the room and back without hurting ourselves. The way we speak works to communicate with others, and the way we turn and get up works to get us out of a chair.
There is no judgement here, if something works to do what you want to do then it’s all good.
What if you want to do something new or different?
What if the way you move no longer works for you? What can you do then? How do you even approach the problem in a constructive manner? This is precisely the problem F.M Alexander faced in the 1890’s when he wanted to change how he used his voice on stage.
The result was that he developed a very succinct methodology for people to think about and change how they move in any volitional activity. A simple methodology built on sound principles of human anatomy and physiology that is easy to understand. A way that can make profound changes in how a person experiences the world. He called it The Alexander Technique.
By using The Alexander Technique anyone can learn how to consciously make changes in their movement habits and patterns.
Changes that increase the efficiency and ease of how day to day activities are done. People learn how to change the way they move, whenever they want to, for themselves, to make their life easier. Perhaps most importantly, people learn to change how they experience the world they move through.
Actors, dancers, singers, performers of all kinds have been studying The Alexander Technique for over a century because their lives are built around learning new movement all the time. But we all move, all the time. And I’ll bet there are very few of us who don’t want to make our lives easier.
Sound interesting? You can find out more about The Alexander Technique with us at Trinity PT.
John Macy, PT has trained in and taught The Alexander Technique for over 40 years to athletes, performers, therapists, and mostly to people who just wanted to be able to help themselves.
By: John Macy, PT