What Do You Notice?

Luke Ford writes:

That’s the most persistent question in Alexander Technique lessons — what do you notice?

When you get in and out of a chair, what do you notice? Do you sense your neck tightening and compressing? What’s going on with your lower back? Do you find yourself holding your breath? Do you start compressing your whole torso when you simply think about sitting down? Do you lock your knees?

When you walk, what do you notice? Is one shoulder taller than the other? Are parts of your back collapsed? Do you sense yourself over-striding? What’s leading? You should lead with your head. Are you thinking your directions? Think your knees forward at all points in the stride.