The Alexander Technique is widely known for its ability to improve posture and movement, but it also has significant benefits for breathing. Developed by F. Matthias Alexander, the technique focuses on releasing unnecessary tension and fostering better alignment in the body. This helps to create an optimal environment for the breath to flow naturally, resulting in deeper, more efficient breathing. The technique doesn’t teach specific breathing exercises but instead promotes h

I'm feeling SO cold today. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr It's clearly time to pack away my summer trousers with their thin material that expose my lower legs; time to put away the short-sleeved tops; time to get my leather shoes out and put away my lightweight trainers, that feel a bit damp from wet grass and are therfore making me feel even more chilly. Time for vests and socks and jerseys; to snuggle under a blanket on the sofa in the evening... One good thing is I personally don't

So I've visited about 20 local primary schools over the last month and performed my story to the staff and children. There have been highs and lows... I uploaded my book to PowerPoint, complete with the sound of a big dog woofing at the beginning - that's Chloe having her say, after all, she is the star of the story. At most schools we are able to use an HDMI lead to link with their big screen - in a couple of schools we failed and I had to read allowed from the actual book i

So, I've identified as an Alexander Technique Teacher for three decades but is that really me? I never, ever thought of writing as a career. Ever. Writing essays at university really put me off! 'Compare and contrast the themes of blah, with reference to the central blah blah, to determine whether the main protagonist who cares no thank you'. Then one day, 7 years ago, I was wishing I could write brilliant and original stories like Julia Donaldson, and a little voice in my he

At least while you're working, as opposed to relaxing... Personally, when I'm relaxing, as in socialising, or watching TV, I don't want to be sitting up straight. My body is perhaps tired but my mind wants to stay up while, so I treat it as though I'm in bed already. I use cushions for total support, changing position every now and then. But sitting to work, as in eating or desk work, is different because you're using your body. In this case sitting upright, or as close to up

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat Please put a penny in the old man's hat If you haven't got a penny, a ha'penny will do If you haven't got a ha'penny, God bless you! I don't know if you agree with me but the commercial side of Xmas makes me feel quite uncomfortable - charity seems more important than spending loads of money on things you don't really need. I do enjoy giving presents and even recieving small ones in return - but I hate excess and waste. I sometime

My teacher John once asked Walter Carrington (the man who took over the training of Alexander Technique teachers at Holland Park, when FM Alexander died in 1955) if it was the technique that made him so happy. Walter, a most contented, benign old fellow from my own memory of him, paused to reflect. Then he replied, with his characteristic chuckle, 'Well I can't think what else it would be!' I do feel that the Alexander Technique has helped me profoundly throughout my own life

Brrrrr there's a chill wind and we put the heating on last night for the first time, just for a bit. For some reason the colder weather came as a bit of a shock to me this Autumn - thermal socks, thicker jumpers; yes, do store those sandals away now - of course, it's that time of year! Getting cold makes us react in various physical ways to protect ourselves, one of which is to hunch up and make ourselves small. We round our shoulders, pull forward and tense lots of muscles,

Sorry for going off subject - I can't really claim that this has anything to do with the Alexander Technique... Except that this Alexander Technique Teacher has just returned from an adventure in Canada where the aim was to deliver a message to an alienated child. I went to support the father, who I'm very fond of - and who has been denied access to his child for nine years! Impossible to determine why the mother decided to weaponise the child - it could be any number of reas

Last month, the wonderful Cathy Towers was nice enough to invite me onto her radio show on Phonic FM. We had a great chat about my work and my experiences with the Alexander Technique, and talked about how the Alexander Technique can be used by both businesses and individuals to solve a wide range of problems. You can listen to the whole thing by clicking on the video below. Thanks for having me Cathy, it was a pleasure!