We all need some active rest

Photo of action man figure lying on a yoga mat with his head resting on some books, doing Alexander active rest
Even action heroes need an Alexander lie-down

We can apply the Alexander Technique to every aspect of life, to make what we’re doing easier for us and often more enjoyable. But it’s also hugely beneficial to take some time out each day for our lying-down practice (often called ‘active rest’). In itself it is restorative, and it can also be a way of trying out some of our Alexander thinking and exploration – some of which we may be able to carry through to when we’re up and about.

It can often be helpful to have someone talk us through while we are doing our Alexander lying down, as a way of helping us stay more present and embodied. So, I’ve recorded another talk through here for you to try out.

If you want to download the talk through, just click on the three dots icon.

If you are new to this, you may want to read through this guidance before beginning.

The problems with posture

Photograph showing a sunflower with a floppy strand of grass next to it. I'm using this to illustrate the concept of posture

One of the reasons that people come to me for Alexander lessons is following advice from their physiotherapist, GP or other healthcare provider that the problems they are experiencing are probably posture-related. The meaning and scope of ‘posture-related problems’, and indeed ‘posture’ can be quite wide-ranging. Posture-related problems can include back, neck or shoulder pain, […]

Cultivating ourselves through Alexander

Photo of me weeding in my garden

For many of us, being alongside nature is deeply therapeutic. Whether that’s going for a walk in the countryside, or weeding the garden, there is something about being with plants and wildlife that tends to suit most of us well. It can help us be more aware of ourselves and what is around us, staying […]

What makes the Alexander Technique unique?

Photograph of lots of oranges plus one grapefruit

Sometimes when I’m giving a first Alexander lesson, people say things like ‘Oh, it’s a bit like mindfulness isn’t it?’ What makes something unique is often not one specific thing but the sum of all of its different aspects. That is certainly true of the Alexander Technique. As a method for behavioural change, the Alexander […]

Sleepless nights?

Photo of toy fish in a bed

As an Alexander teacher, I’m often asked for advice about some of the practicalities of daily life – how can we use the principles of the Alexander Technique to make things a bit easier for ourselves ? One area that I get asked about all the time is sleep. So, here are a few of […]

What are you scared of?

Cartoon image of a spider

From as far back as I can remember, I was absolutely scared stiff of spiders. I’m pretty sure my phobia was ‘learnt’ from my mum. When you’re little and you see an adult appearing terrified, you naturally assume that whatever it is they’re scared of must be pretty awful! Then, once when lying in bed […]

Alexander Technique and agency

Word cloud describing the agency and other benefits that can derive from taking Alexander Technique lessons

I’ve probably mentioned before that people often start Alexander Technique lessons for help with one particular problem – common examples are back pain, stress or posture. In the process of taking lessons, however, they usually discover other diverse, and often surprising benefits. One of these wide-ranging benefits is developing a greater sense of agency. Agency […]