This author has not written his bio yet.
But we are proud to say that Elyse Shafarman contributed 142 entries already.
The Buddhist practice of Metta (Loving Kindness) can nourish, strengthen and energize you during difficult times. In the Alexander technique we use directional thoughts to expand and open the body (Neck to be free, to allow my head to move forward and up, to allow my back to lengthen and widen…etc). These directions can be […]
Want to sing with more freedom? Move with less effort? Join us for The Singing Body a workshop series in Embodied Voice & the Alexander Technique with Francesca Genco & Elyse Shafarman Sundays, 10am-1pm November 6, December 4 & January 15 Jeffery Bihr Studio in Rockridge (a few minutes’ walk from BART) Learn to […]
After writing, “Releasing Tension is like Swatting Flies, There are Always More,” my friend DW and I had this conversation: DW: The analogy that comes to my mind is flossing. There is always more gunk to clean out from between your teeth. What I’m taking from you, is that like flossing, for relaxation, there are […]
What do you do when you notice that you have tense shoulders? “I try to relax,” would be a respectable answer. Too bad that works so poorly. First, relaxation is a skilled activity. Trying to relax for all but the practiced yogi, usually invokes more tension. Second, muscles can’t let go until the body is […]
Guest blog bost by Maura Nolan, UC Berkeley I have been studying the Alexander technique with Elyse for about three months and it has changed my life in many happy ways. Most of the changes have to do with my physical experience of the world – how I stand, sit, and use my neck and […]
Alexander Technique for Mind/Body Balance Tues 7–9pm · 2/2 – 3/8 · $175 Berkeley Rep School of Theatre 2025 Addison St, Berkeley CA 94704 Register Online, or email the registrar: school@berkeleyrep.org Alexander Technique is a time-honored method used by actors to improve posture, breath, and movement. Effective movement liberates your acting skills and enriches your […]
“A distraught wife begged me to write about the importance of good posture…” So begins Jane Brody’s most recent NY Times Well column, Posture Affects Standing, and Not Just the Physical Kind. Brody outlines the usual problems that lead to poor posture, i.e. stress and bad furniture (car seats, iPhones and heavy bags), and she […]
When we worry about getting things right, we tend to stop breathing, grip up and try harder. The harder we try, the tighter we get. Here’s a practice (adapted from Peter Levine’s Somatic Experience Work) that will help you stop worrying and relax into presence and a broader perspective. Let your eyes dance around the […]
Joy! Many people come to the Alexander Technique because of pain. The Alexander Technique is an effective tool for overcoming pain. You learn how to align your body and reduce pressure on inflamed tissues and joints. You learn how to move efficiently and avoid further damage. You learn how to calm your nervous system and […]
Please join in celebrating the life of our beloved Frank Ottiwell at American Conservatory Theater’s Geary Stage on Nov 6, 2015 at 1pm. I will post more about Frank soon. It’s been hard to write anything definitive. I am still saying goodbye. I have been reading through my 11-year journal of my time studying with […]
Read all about Alexander Technique in our award-winning blog.
British Medical Journal report on the benefits of Alexander Technique
Phone: 415.342.6255
Email: