Mindfulness, Anxiety and the Alexander Technique

Many people are anxious about catching the virus, or their loved ones catching it. Many people are worried about money, their businesses or careers.  Many are stressed from working at home and looking after children and home schooling.  Many are very lonely.  Many see no reason to get out of bed in the morning. Tough times in deed. 

Anxiety and tension don’t just live in the mind.  The nervous system worries.  Muscles worry.  The brain ends at skin level. We are our bodies as much as we are our emotions.  As the mind is, so is the body.   

A lot of what we deal with in the Alexander Technique is tension.  It clogs up our joints, preventing easy, coordinated movement.  It ties our muscles in knots, making them weaker and less responsive to our wishes. It locks us in our habit patterns.  It can eventually lead to pain. 

The Alexander Technique was described as a form of mindfulness meditation many years ago. The media has recently discovered mindfulness, but it has been around for centuries. 

Whether you have too little time because you are trying to do a full day’s work and child care, or you have too much time, make time for your Alexander lie down. Knees bent, head on books, and melt into the floor.  Notice where your tension is and let it go.  It is the safest position in which to really relax.  Slumping on the sofa is quite stressful for the body, the skeleton, the breathing and digestive systems.  Relax on the sofa, yes, but in a sensible, supported, upright position.  Be mindful of your whole self throughout the day.  Let your tension go, even in activity.  As the body is, so is the mind.