Posted On: June 29, 2008

How You Stand, How You Move, How You Live: Learning the Alexander Technique to Explore Your Mind-Body Connection and Achieve Self-Mastery, By Missy Vineyard

Hello again!

How did you come to find this blog? How did you find out about the Alexander Technique?

A number of people have come to me for lessons recently. When I asked how they found out about the Alexander Technique, several people have said that they have been reading a book:

How You Stand, How You Move, How You Live: Learning the Alexander Technique to Explore Your Mind-Body Connection and Achieve Self-Mastery, by Missy Vineyard

People tell me they are enjoying the book. It has many case studies with interesting stories and also gives a great amount of detailed information about studying the technique, and also, teaching it.

I know of this book from Missy Vineyard, and have been reading it, myself. I find that it is not simple reading, however it has a great deal of information that’s both interesting and also, food for thought. I particularly enjoy her discussion of the mind-body connection and neuroscience.

If you are looking for a complete book, this may be a good place to start.

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Posted On: June 7, 2008

High Heels and the Alexander Technique Teacher

Hello all my girlfriends out in the land of Shoes and High Heels!

Are high heels part of your life? Do you gaze at them wistfully, from afar? Or do you condemn them as bad horrible inventions designed by men?

How does anyone wear high heels? As an Alexander teacher, most of the time I am in stocking feet, happily letting my toes and heels move freely on the floor. Most of my (female) colleagues wear flats or a small heel; as we all know, it’s better for your back.

But where is your heart? What is your truth?
Are you like me, and do you love heels?

I just saw the new movie, Sex and the City. It was notable for the clothes but what I loved even more, were the shoes…..ahhhhhh…..the heels. How about The Devil Wears Prada? The clothes were amazing - but the symbol of the movie was those devilish, divine, delicious heels.

How then, is a girl to reconcile working barefoot and knowing about backs, and loving those shoes?

I remember trying on my first pair of heels when I was a teenager. I wobbled and nearly fell as I tried to walk; it was probably a very good imitation of a drunk. My mother was shopping with me and she tried very hard not to laugh out loud. 5583_shoes.jpg
My balance was completely off and I could not figure out how to stand up straight and take a step.

So, how do I walk in heels today? How do I dance in them is more to the point; I have been ballroom dancing for nearly 16 years and I am ever so comfortable in my 3-inch heels.

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