This is the second half of the previous post - I was describing the aspects of the Alexander Technique that go against the beliefs of the 'developed world'.
The first is to let go of a preoccupation with the results that we want.
The second, is to take all the time that we need.
One of the first things that we have to accept when we start learning the Alexander Technique is that the process of release cannot be hurried. We can ask for freedom in the neck, the shoulders, the arms, hips or feet, but the minute we start urging a response from ourselves, the whole process stalls.
This principle is implacable, and you cannot cheat. Start pushing, thinking of how much you’d like things to happen immediately, or tomorrow, or in the next lesson, or by the end of 15 lessons, and you are lost.
The only way is to let go of a time frame completely – to affirm your readiness to let the process take its own time.
Paradoxically, this acceptance may speed things up.
On the other hand, it may not.
Not difficult to see how completely it goes against the grain in the ‘developed’ world, is it?
We live by dates and deadlines that are regarded as acts of God. Our days are numbered - in more ways than one! Everything is packaged into neat, time bound schedules that promise a certain result if a certain input is made.
Into this neat, pre-ordered universe, comes the Alexander teacher, with his, ‘ Well, just ask for release and get out of the way, and you will get it – or you may not just yet, but continue asking anyway.’
We can go nuts trying to squeeze the process of release into a timetable.
Or we could let go, and embark on a fascinating exploration of how our own selves work. And all without leaving our home –
Talk about environment friendly tourism !
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