What are the Alexander Technique teaching procedures and how can I use them?

Robert and Eileen will be discussing all the classic Alexander Technique teaching "procedures" - Whispered Ah, Mirror Work, Chair Work, Table Work and Constructive Rest, The Monkey, The Lunge, Hands on Back of Chair and Group Teaching. These names may seem bizarre to someone who is not familiar with the Alexander Technique, but they are all very useful processes. Here are the discussions so far:

Whispered Ah
The "whispered ah" is in some ways the nearest thing to an Alexander Technique exercise - but an exercise that is done with a great deal of conscious awareness. In this conversation, Robert and Eileen discuss the whispered ah and at one point Eileen actually makes the sound - perhaps the first time it's been available on the web! Eileen demonstrates the procedure and explains how to do it on your own here. Mention is made of the late Marjorie Barstow. Watch a short video of Ron Murdoch demonstrating the whispered ah. Click here to listen to or download this conversation.

Constructive Rest
"Constructive rest", sometimes known as "semi-supime", or "Alexander lying down" is a procedure many Alexander Technique teachers recommend to their students. Not only is it very useful by itself, but it is also a powerful platform for developing Alexander self-observation and self-direction skills. It is also used frequently in Alexander lessons as part of a teaching process known as "table work". In this discussion, Robert and Eileen discuss some ways to use constructive rest on your own. Click here to listen to or download this conversation.

In this second conversation about Constructive Rest, Robert and Eileen talk about how much support there should be under your head and a little about when, and how long, to do it at home. Click here to listen to or download this conversation.

A third conversation discusses Constructive Rest as a "re-calibration" process that allows you to know where "zero" is in terms on unnecessary tension in your body. Robert and Eileen also talk a little about the historical origins of Constructive Rest. Click here to listen to or download this conversation.

Mirror Work
Here Robert and Eileen discuss the use of mirrors in Alexander Technique teaching, and suggest some ways you can use mirrors and camcorders to improve your own use and functioning. Self-Help Alexander explores some ways to use a mirror and Narcissis and Alexander provides a whimsical take on the history of mirrors and self-discovery. Click here to listen to or download this interview.

The Monkey
Robert and Eileen describe the Monkey and discuss its benefits. There is a reference to the late Marjorie Barstow. Click here to listen to or download this interview.

Hands on Back of Chair
Robert and Eileen describe this procedure and it's overall usefulness as well as it's role in helping to achieve accurate mapping of your hands and wrists and allowing for your "opposable thumb" to work as nature intended. Eileen has promised to provide a short video that shows how to do the procedure. There is a reference to. Click here to listen to or download this interview.

Group Teaching
Here Robert and Eileen discuss the history of group teaching, going back to 1896. They then talk about the advantages of group classes. Mention is made of Marjorie Barstow. Click here to listen to or download this interview

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