I am sure you all have had some exposure to the beautiful young actress, Lupita Nyong’o who won best supporting actress for the movie, ’12 Years a Slave’.
Lupita was trained by my dear friend and colleague at the Yale Drama School. The Body Project link below are excerpts from the most informative NYTimes article (second link below).
Lupita shows off her hard work and how she integrates the Alexander Technique principles of poise with inner and outer beauty in her acting, her speaking and presence as an incredible soul. Thank you Lupita, for being an example for us all!
My clients often ask what is the difference between CranioSacral Therapy and the Alexander Technique. I discovered CranioSacral therapy about 20 years ago. I had no clue about my body at the time and being still wasn’t something I felt was necessary, it wasn’t productive; and isn’t that how we show our value?
After several CranioSacral sessions I began to experience my body in very profound and subtle ways. I was experiencing a state of meditation or stillness inspired by the listening, nurturing touch of the CranioSacral practitioner. I was releasing deeply held tension. I felt less anxious and stressed; and I was more present with my family and coworkers in my daily activities. I discovered stillness was productive!
As for the Alexander Technique, after experiencing the subtle qualities of stillness through my CranioSacral therapy, I could be more deeply aware of my daily activities. I felt CranioSacral was a very necessary resource to move from and then acknowledge my moving habits and how to change them with the Alexander Technique principles.
F. M. Alexander, founder of the Alexander Technique, referred to his work as psychophysical, and I feel that CranioSacral therapy enhances the psychological piece through stillness, and acts as a resource to enhance the reeducation of the physical components of the Alexander Technique.
The Tree of Life CELEBRATE THE WINTER SOLSTICE WITH PEACE IN YOUR HEART
I love how are senses take in the seasons and how accustomed we are to the changes…in fact, when we have a 70 degree day in January we are excited, but a bit uneasy because our bodies are “accustomed” to winter temperatures. I remember that warm spell we had back in the Fall, and my sense were so confused, it was gorgeous and warm however, as I took in the natural world around me, everything had gone dormant for the winter, the plants, trees, bugs (except the stink bugs!), it wasn’t green which is the color and sense that goes with 70+ temperatures. My senses were confused!
I feel the same way when I have a new sensation in moving; this week all my clients and I are exploring how to let go of our “tail” or coccyx (more anatomical), and what amazing things happen. We felt our knees unlock, our neck become easy and free, and we felt more aware of what was around us. However, we were confused, because it didn’t feel or we didn’t sense ourselves the same way and we actually felt better. So the word “accustomed” as I used above for the changes in weather could also be called “habits” which is more appropriate for how we sense our bodies or not…habit often times means we aren’t aware at all, we are going through our daily activites just like we always have without noticing ourselves in a conscious way; we are on automatic pilot!
During this busy time find a time to lie down, put your legs up, slide a few books under your head and just be…noticing your sensations without any expectations or judgement…it is challenging, but oh so rewarding.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS – blessings of good health, peace and joy all around!
