Mark Josefsberg, Alexander Teacher and author of “Lighten Up: 29 Playful Lessons to help you learn the Alexander Technique” shares his story of discovering Alexander Technique and deciding to train with fellow ACAT Alumna N. Brooke Lieb.
Read moreOn Teaching: "Speaking without words"
On Teaching: "Speaking without words"
by Brooke Lieb
Brooke: During our work together on the ACAT Teacher Certification Program, I remember you repeatedly sharing with me that you found lectures and the verbal component of hands-on turns virtually un-intellligible, and stressful. I was able to appreciate that auditory learning wasn’t particularly useful to you, but in retrospect, I know I didn’t have a meaningful understanding or appreciation of how unique sensory processing is from one person to another. I was also fascinated because I know how much you read and comprehend, and that you studied much more complex subjects than I ever have and are articulate and versed in those topics.
Read moreThe Pitfalls of the Knitter’s Craft
by Witold Fitz-Simon
Five years ago I discovered knitting, and it quickly became one of my favorite pastimes. Working with needles and yarn is a deeply satisfying experience on many levels. The color and texture of the yarn running through your fingers, the rhythm of the needles slipping and sliding away in your hands, the satisfaction of seeing the project develop bit by bit, all build into an experience that is visceral, addictive, and deeply calming.
What if the aches and pains, the limitations and injuries that you experience as a result of your everyday life were not a result of the flawed workings of a crude machine, but were instead the result of all the things you do in a day that interfere with that complex coordination? What if, in order to stand tall and have good posture, to be grounded on your feet and light on your feet all at the same time, all you had to do was do less or let go of all the pushing and pulling, compressing and collapsing you do to yourself all day and allow that underlying coordination to reassert itself?
Read moreWorking with Rhythm: Smoother movement for better coordination
Working with Rhythm: Smoother movement for better coordination
As an Alexander Teacher, I have been trained to observe and analyze my students’ movements and behaviors, so that I can teach them tools to maximize their efficiency while minimizing physical and mental stress.
One measure I use to that end is movement quality. I use a couple different scales, one of which is the range from smooth to jerky.
Read moreFinding my Inner Adult and other Adventures in the Alexander Technique
Finding my Inner Adult and other Adventures in the Alexander Technique
Most people consider the Alexander Technique a highly effective resource for improving posture, recovering from injury and managing the physical effects of stress, repetitive strain injuries and the demands of daily life. It certainly can provide relief and improvement in all of those areas. READ MORE
Read moreOrganization: start with yourself
"When we have our body and mind in order, everything else will exist in the right place, in the right way. But usually, without being aware of it, we try to change something other than ourselves, we try to order things outside us. But it is impossible to organize things if you yourself are not in order. When you do things in the right way, at the right time, everything else will be organized. " -- Shunryu Suzuki (Japanese Zen Master)
When I read this quote, I saw the Alexander Technique. Our reaction to our environment is to be pulled in by it, losing our connection to our support - quite literally, the support our skeleton offers us. Much of the time, we are pushing ourselves out into the next moment, and falling off of our bones. Our muscles come into action, gripping to hold us up, while trying to move us at the same time.
- How often have you spoken only to wish you had taken time to think more fully about your response?
- How many times have you worried over something that never came to be?
- How often have we missed the mark, whether bowling, playing pool or golfing, not having taken the time to allow our body to coordinate with our eyes?
While I cannot say that everything in my life is existing in the right place, in the right way all of the time, when I slow down and come to a place with more stillness and presence, I can feel tension and pain ease in my body, I can enjoy a sunny day in the middle of winter, I can delight in my cat playing "hockey" with his bottle caps.
Perhaps our internal state is more a predictor of our quality of life in any given moment than our circumstances. How many times have you met someone who has things your wish for (a happy relationship, a beautiful home, physical health, artistic skill) and they are stressed and unsatisfied with their conditions.
Try This:
Can you find a way to be present to whatever abundance there is in your life? Take 2 minutes now to find something in your immediate environment that reflects something you've created, or brought into your life that brings you pleasure, contentment or joy. What is it like in your body and mind now?
(Originally Posted at www.brookelieb.com 3/13/18)
N. BROOKE LIEB, Director of Teacher Certification since 2008, received her certification from ACAT in 1989, joined the faculty in 1992. Brooke has presented to 100s of people at numerous conferences, has taught at C. W. Post College, St. Rose College, Kutztown University, Pace University, The Actors Institute, The National Theatre Conservatory at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Dennison University, and Wagner College; and has made presentations for the Hospital for Special Surgery, the Scoliosis Foundation, and the Arthritis Foundation; Mercy College and Touro College, Departments of Physical Therapy; and Northern Westchester Hospital. Brooke maintains a teaching practice in NYC, specializing in working with people dealing with pain, back injuries and scoliosis; and performing artists. www.brookelieb.com
Thinking to muscles
Thinking to muscles..
Last week, I wrenched my back lifting an air conditioner out of the window. It was a pinching, shooting pain when I moved in certain ways. I finished carrying the air conditioner into the other room to tuck it away in a closet, and then I lay down on my teaching table.
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