Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgements

Part 1 The basics of fundamental movement

What has been lost and the twelve fundamentals of movement

The fundamentals of structure

The fundamentals of awareness and thinking

The autonomic nervous system – why we need to work from quiet presence and awareness

Finding the innate movements of breathing and walking

Part 2 Linking brain and body with explorations of physical integration

The Initial Alexander technique, and a new model of postural alignment

Single leg balance

Spatial relationships and use of the upper body and arms

Toned sitting – integrating the core muscles

Walking as you’ve never walked before

Alexander’s biomechanics for expansion of the upper body

Precise, springy alignment in sit to stand and “monkey”

Freeing the neck, and Alexander’s primary directions

Part 3 Living in a flow of dynamic balance

Catching a ball – inhibition in action

New models of coordination and learning

Embodied speaking

Relating and attuning to people for putting hands on others

References

Index

What Alexander Technique teachers say about Penelope Easten’s work:

‘My copy of Penelope Easten‘s groundbreaking book arrived a few weeks ago! I am blown away, and will need months to let it all sink in. Wow… If you don’t have it yet, get it! Years of her experience, knowledge and in-depth research on teaching integrated movement is explained comprehensively, yet accessibly, with practical applications, and plenty of wonderful movement explorations. Alexander Technique, movement science, neuroscience, and so much more; importantly, clarifying the so-easily misunderstood areas, such as the ‘psychophysical’ concepts, spatial awareness, ‘inhibition’, biotensegrity, muscle tone, directions, fascia, proprioception, Body Mapping, interoception, embodied consciousness, etc, all well-referenced. A masterful assimilation and a treasure of missing puzzle pieces, very beautifully presented, and charting exciting collaborative ways forward.

Dr Bridget Rennie-Salonen, flautist, lecturer, and Performing Arts Health practitioner and researcher

‘Alexander Technique has come a long way. In her book Penelope charts the journey so well both in her words and her pictures. This book is a wonderful resource for everyone who is interested in their get-up-and-go vitality. Whether dipping in or studying long term, there is something for every ‘body’. For students, teachers, lay people and professionals, yoga and Pilates teachers and all disciplines working with the body. Penelope has brought her years of self-exploration and self-work to it. For newbies and experienced teachers alike, she has covered all aspects to provide a self-study manual with step-by-step, easy to understand exploration. She has presented great illustrations of which most are her own modelling; in short, she is her own words personified in her pictures. Penelope demonstrates her many years of practical application of the technique. She includes easy to understand explanations of modern concepts e.g. fascia, making the complex simple in non-technical language. I give this book and Penelope 20 out of 10 for her tenacity and commitment to writing a book with so much wisdom in it. Well done Penelope.’

Jann McMichael, Alexander Technique teacher and trainer (www.alexandertechnique.co.nz)

“Penelope is a humble genius with an incredible depth of knowledge and creative flair, making her innovating work exciting and irresistible!”

Chris English Bristol, UK Alexander technique teacher and classical dressage rider and coach

“Penelope´s deep understanding of functional anatomy and complex brain processes are explained candidly and many anecdotal stories enliven the book making it easy and enjoyable to read.”

Sara Robledo, Mexico. Teacher of AT, Yoga and Pilates, singer/dancer

“An experiential, dynamic re-framing of FM Alexander’s principles, rooted in biomechanics, neurophysiology, decades of experience, and PLAY!”

Rebecca Poole c.AmSAT, m.ACAT, New York, NY.

“Alexander’s concepts of direction are taken to a new level, bringing about an incredible coordinative strength in carrying out activities.  No other course of study has influenced me more in how I approach teaching my trainees, groups, and private students.

Brian McCullough, Director, Minnesota Center for the Alexander Technique and faculty Alexander Technique teacher at the University of Minnesota

No musician should be without this book. Read and study it and you will have the keys not only to wellness and reduced performance anxiety but also to enhanced musical technique and performance through an integrated and responsive body.

Alison P. Deadman PhD, teacher of the Alexander technique, Professor of Music at East Tennessee State University

This will become the modern encyclopaedia for Alexander Technique teachers, bodywork practitioners of any kind, for the performing arts and for anyone interested in human nature.

Annedore Kleist. Berlin. Actor and Alexander Technique teacher