A Good Resource for Beginners, July 30, 2010

This book was recommended to me by my Alexander technique Instructor. Although no book can really replace an Alexander instructor, this book is a very good companion guide with your lessons. The author gives a very good introduction to the technique, an understanding into what the technique is and what it is not. He also gives several examples and pictures to illustrate 'good use' and 'bad use'. There are many useful insights that illustrate how the technique is not about maintaining a certain body posture, but it is about the use of the self (The self includes body, speech and thinking). The author also beautifully explains the concepts of non-doing, end-gaining, inhibition and direction etc.There are also accounts by people who caused injuries to themselves through bad use and recovered after learning the Alexander technique. These stories are pretty insightful and inspirational. I myself have suffered from chronic hip pain because of misuse, and have been on the path to...

If I had to recommend one book to a beginning student of the Alexander Technique, it would be this one. Pedro's writing style conveys the subtlety of the AT while remaining thoroughly readable and quite humorous at times. It is no substitute for lessons with a qualified teacher, but is an excellent companion on the journey.Pedro's "Indirect Procedures" is also excellent and goes into greater depth.