This is a fascinating question, and it can be answered in multiple ways, reflecting the depth and scope of the Alexander Technique. Frederick Matthias Alexander, often referred to as FM Alexander or simply FM, discovered a set of principles rooted in natural truths observed in mammals and nature. These principles, when applied consciously, can significantly improve the overall use of our organism, enhancing how we think, move, and live.
The Origins of FM Alexander
FM Alexander was born in Tasmania, Australia, in 1869. He began his career as an actor, working in Melbourne and Sydney. During his early career, Alexander faced persistent voice and breathing problems, which threatened his ability to perform. Doctors failed to cure him – well it wasn’t an illness or disease or injury, so lay outside their areas of expertise. This challenge led him to meticulously observe and analise what he was doing with himself that contributed to or caused these issues.
Discovering the Technique
Alexander’s discovery was not the creation of something entirely new but the careful observation and application of natural principles. He developed a system—a series of thought-steps—that, when applied rigorously, lightly, and consistently, could fundamentally change the way people think, move, and live. Alexander did not invent or create the Primary Control, the concept central to his technique, but rather discovered it through careful self-observation and experimentation.
The Process of Discovery
Using a series of mirrors to see himself from all angles, Alexander embarked on a journey of self-discovery. He was his own lab rat, carefully noting the habits and movements that contributed to his voice problems. Through this meticulous process, he identified harmful habits and developed methods to inhibit them and replace them with more beneficial patterns.
From Personal Discovery to Public Teaching
Initially, Alexander’s work was driven by a personal need to resolve his voice and breathing issues to continue his beloved work as an actor. However, his discoveries soon drew the attention of others seeking help with their own problems. Alexander began to share his process, which led to the development of his technique and the writing of several books to explain his findings more thoroughly.
Hands-On Guidance
As Alexander’s reputation grew, he apparently became frustrated when people could not accurately follow his instructions. They often did not realize they were not doing what they thought they were doing.
This led him to incorporate hands-on guidance into his teaching, using touch to provide students with a new experience of themselves. This hands-on method helped embody and guide their use, offering a direct and tangible way to apply his principles.
Legacy and Evolution
The true legacy of FM Alexander lies in his incredible skills of observation, his ability to name and order various thought processes, and his dedication to freeing himself from harmful habits. His technique represents a significant step in human evolution, offering a method to enhance the natural workings of the whole self – consciously. Not by directly putting ourselves into any position, but instead by freeing us from the habits which would set us wrong.
The Alexander Technique Today
Today, the Alexander Technique is taught worldwide, helping people improve their posture, movement, and overall well-being. It is used by actors, musicians, athletes, and individuals from all walks of life to address various issues, including back pain, tension, and stress. The technique continues to evolve, with teachers building on Alexander’s foundational work to help others achieve greater ease and efficiency in their movements.
Conclusion
The Alexander Technique was “created” in the sense that FM Alexander discovered and articulated a set of natural principles that can transform how we use our bodies. Born in Tasmania and developed through his experiences as an actor in Australia then London, Alexander’s method is a testament to his dedication, observation, and ingenuity. His legacy lives on through qualified Teachers, offering a path to improved health and well-being through conscious, mindful use of the self.
If you’re curious to learn more about this transformative technique, consider seeking out an Alexander Technique teacher and experiencing the benefits for yourself.