The following is a guest post from Carolyn Johnston. Through her background as a dancer and performer, she discovered the Alexander Technique. We will be welcoming her into the studio for a special workshop to teach the technique as it applies to walking. Hope to see you there! – Lesley
Walking is one of the everyday activities that people do most in their lives. It is the way that we transition from where we are to where we want to go, whether it be from one room to another, a walk around the block or a 5K walk.
The common issue that people have in walking is that one is rarely conscious of how they walk or that they have been taught to walk with inaccurate information or not enough information. The common tendency is, therefore, to walk in a constrained way, with patterns of unbalanced tension all over that cause pain in various joints, ie. (feet, ankles, knees, hips, back, arm structure, and neck.) This compromised way of walking sometimes results in pinched nerves and often leads to arthritic symptoms.
What can you do about it? You may remember our previous post on the Alexander Technique. It turns out that the Alexander Technique can offer some consciousness of our patterns to help us walk with more balance.
Through the Alexander Technique and trained hands-on guidance you can begin to understand and experience optimal use of the design of your anatomical structure and learn how to apply F.M. Alexander’s principles, that promote harmonious mind-body functioning to the activity of walking. This profound work will create a condition of being that is more balanced and less painful or can prevent fatigue, depression, injury, and pain from developing. It promotes sensuous grace and fun in your (gait) – opening the (gate) to choice and freedom in the walk of life. The benefits of Alexander’s discoveries are for those who want to develop the skill of mindful living. Alexander called it “Constructive Conscious Control.”
If you are curious about finding out if they have any harmful walking habits and are interested and willing to unlearn and relearn, sign up for our workshop here.
