Habitual and unconscious posture has a trajectory that can be easily determined. Generally, an unconscious trajectory is not a good one. What do I mean by that? Our body has been subject to illness, accidents and emotional stresses, along with habitual patterns from our daily routines and our professional demands.
For people who have a tendency to be unconscious of “their use” - an inevitable pulling-down or compression begins to build in the body, setting the stage for a host of muscular/skeletal issues.
The Alexander Technique will assist one in learning about and building kinesthetic awareness. Kinesthetic awareness encompasses the body’s ability to coordinate motion and to know where the body is in space. Think about a troupe of ballet dancers on stage and how they all move together – it is largely kinesthetic awareness that keeps them moving in harmony and not bumping into each other.
Many years ago I worked with a young girl, who at 12 years old, had brain surgery. After the surgery her parents noticed how “slumped” she was. They had heard of the Alexander Technique and sought me out to work with her. She was very withdrawn and barely spoke. After several sessions and the gentle direction of the Alexander Technique, her parents reported noticing her, during the day, shifting into a more “upright” posture.
Brain surgery is an extreme case. Many people come to study the Alexander Technique as a preventive measure to keep their posture in good form and to prevent unnecessary imbalances.
I began to study the Alexander Technique in my early 20's and it has been instrumental in keeping my body in excellent condition - awareness is the key!