The Alexander Technique is often compared to meditation and other activities that involve ongoing self-observation, or ‘mindfulness’. In fact the Technique can be described as a type of mindfulness in activity.

Mindfulness is generally defined as observing without judging or reacting*.

It would be unusual to choose not to catch the ball, even though you can.

When we begin the process of self-observation there is a tendency to react by wanting to change things immediately, however with practice in mindful observation, you will find yourself with greater ability to choose to wait… you can observe before deciding if action is needed.

For example, observe how you are sitting as you read this. Are you stiff… is there pressure in your lower back, are you pressing back against the chair-back or pressing your feet onto the floor? Or… are you slumping, is there heaviness in your contact with your chair? Or… do you not notice anything, is there a lack of feedback to your senses? As you notice how you are, do you have a desire to move, to change your position? Or did you already?

The experience of deliberately mindful observation opens the door to greater conscious choice and greater ease in activity and may lead to the discovery of aspects of your movement that you were previously completely unaware of.

* a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.

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