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Solving the Paradox
Most of us go about our busy lives in a routine way, driven
by force of habit. Underneath, we may realize that we have
physical tension, emotional stress, or low energy. Yet we
generally pay little attention until we reach an unacceptable
point of pain, poor performance, or injury.
Certain people -- including performing artists, athletes
or fitness enthusiasts, and heavy computer users -- are
at especially high risk.
The paradox is that the more we
seek to achieve greater things at a faster rate, ignoring
strain and anxiety, the more we actually limit our true
potential.
Whether we seek to reduce pain, enhance performance, or
simply increase our enjoyment of life, the Alexander Technique
offers a positive way to improve our physical habits and
attitudes. Instruction in the Technique by a certified teacher
helps us learn how to better organize our minds and bodies.
| Benefits
in Everyday Activities: |
| • |
Increase energy: Use your muscles efficiently
to avoid physical and mental fatigue.
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| • |
Reduce physical pain: Move correctly to avoid
acute injuries or chronic conditions.
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| • |
Improve emotional well being: Improve posture,
body image, and self-confidence.
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| • |
Reduce repetitive stress injuries: Reduce
the likelihood of carpal tunnel syndrome and other
injuries associated with computer usage.
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| Benefits in Sports
and Fitness: |
| • |
Increase stamina: Attend to both body and
mind for greater efficiency of motion.
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| • |
Reduce injuries: Learn to use your body correctly
to reduce pain and overuse injury.
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| • |
Reduce anxiety: In competition, focus on the
moment to lessen your overall tension.
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| • |
Improve performance: Improve general fitness
and attitude to achieve your goals.
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| Benefits in the
Performing Arts: |
| • |
Integrate mind and body: Focus on your "whole
self" to reduce tension and anxiety.
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| • |
Improve technique: Use your body correctly
to reduce discomfort, pain, and injury.
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| • |
Improve creativity and expression: Unblock
your mind and free your emotions.
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| • |
Reduce stage fright: Improve self-awareness,
mental agility, and confidence.
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| Benefits in Health: |
| • |
Prevent recurring pain: Lengthen the spine
to avoid pain in the neck, back, wrist, and leg joints.
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| • |
Reduce acute treatments: Decrease the need
for doctors, physical therapists, medications, and
other treatments for acute symptoms.
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| • |
Enjoy everyday tasks: Take the pain out of
normal daily activities at home or in the workplace.
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| • |
Ease anxiety: Trust that your body can handle
planned or spontaneous activities.
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"Unsuccessful effort in any sphere of activity
tends to produce emotional disturbance which is not
conducive to healthy recreation."
F. M.
Alexander
Well-Known Students of the Alexander
Technique:
| • |
John Dewey
American Educational Philospher
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Aldous Huxley
Writer
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| • |
Paul McCartney
Musician
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| • |
Paul Newman
Actor
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George Bernard
Shaw
Playwriter
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Sting
Musician
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Nikolaas Tinbergen
Nobel Prize Winner
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| • |
Robin Williams
Actor
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©2005
Weiss Institute • all rights reserved