I’m guilty of BOTH of these habits! Especially holding my breath when “ concentrating “ on something!! I know I do it and catch myself often!! First DO of breathing- breath 😉
John, I have a question, not really in scope with this post, but a general question. Excuse my ignorance but can you enumerate the difference’s between Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais Method. I know very little about either one but I’m looking for some guidance to find a non pharmaceutical way of decreasing some of the pain I have in general and with my playing.
Hi Stephen - funnily enough, Feldenkrais took some lessons from FM Alexander. From the stories I've heard, he was looking for a shortcut to developing his own wellness theories.
The major difference between Alexander Technique and basically every other technique I've come across is in the emphasis on prevention. Rather than exclusively telling you what 'correct' technique is and what you 'must' do, FM stressed what habits you should avoid and how to prevent them.
For me, this act of prevention is critical. I've worked with folks from other modalities and they have created attempts at 'good posture' and might even look 'better' to the untrained eye... But in order to have their posture, they have created a lot of stiffening... Essentially turning themselves into a statue.
What area are you in? My network is limited, but I may know a teacher in your area!
I live in Western Washington state, across the sound from Seattle. Going to Seattle is an option (ferry ride) so any recommendations in that area would be welcome.
I’m guilty of BOTH of these habits! Especially holding my breath when “ concentrating “ on something!! I know I do it and catch myself often!! First DO of breathing- breath 😉
John, I have a question, not really in scope with this post, but a general question. Excuse my ignorance but can you enumerate the difference’s between Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais Method. I know very little about either one but I’m looking for some guidance to find a non pharmaceutical way of decreasing some of the pain I have in general and with my playing.
Hi Stephen - funnily enough, Feldenkrais took some lessons from FM Alexander. From the stories I've heard, he was looking for a shortcut to developing his own wellness theories.
The major difference between Alexander Technique and basically every other technique I've come across is in the emphasis on prevention. Rather than exclusively telling you what 'correct' technique is and what you 'must' do, FM stressed what habits you should avoid and how to prevent them.
For me, this act of prevention is critical. I've worked with folks from other modalities and they have created attempts at 'good posture' and might even look 'better' to the untrained eye... But in order to have their posture, they have created a lot of stiffening... Essentially turning themselves into a statue.
What area are you in? My network is limited, but I may know a teacher in your area!
John,
I live in Western Washington state, across the sound from Seattle. Going to Seattle is an option (ferry ride) so any recommendations in that area would be welcome.
Thanks
Ok! I'll ask around. My gut says there should be a good teacher in the Seattle area.
I'll write you when I'm more plugged into the interwebs :)
Thanks.