This author has not written his bio yet.
But we are proud to say that Elyse Shafarman contributed 142 entries already.
Think, “Allow my head to float up at the top of my spine. Allow my bones to send me up.” What happens to you? Do you feel a little taller and lighter? As it turns out, this simple wish, the first in the Alexander Technique lexicon, was powerful enough to improve balance and stability […]
Dear Friends, Happy Autumn! Having just returned from the International Congress of Alexander Technique in Ireland, I am newly inspired. In light of this, you are invited to two Fall Workshops. Each can be taken on its own, or paired together. Stand Tall & Speak with Presence Saturday, October 3, 1–4pm · 10/3 · […]
And this morning, it’s all about expanding space between joints. It begins with imagining the neck surrounded by one of those big, white, pleated Elizabethan ruffle collars. Then imagine the collar un-pleating and the ruffles expanding apart like an accordion. Feel your muscles unravel around your neck and throat. Feel your head have a little […]
I wrote this tip for a student who was having difficulty with her knees in yoga. But the tip works great for sitting, climbing stairs and many other knee-bending activities. When you begin to bend your knees in a yoga pose like Utkatasana (Chair), or Virabradasana 2 (Warrior), take a moment to change your thinking. […]
During lessons, Alexander students feel the amazing sensation of letting the head float. Sometimes it’s a struggle to recapture this experience without a teacher. Images can help. For years, I’ve been playing with directing upwards from an imaginary “head” above my head. Today at Yoga Tree, while balancing precariously in Natarajasana (King Dancer Pose), I […]
Many of my students have F.M. Alexander’s problem with their voice. They prepare to speak by breathing in with a large gasping sound. The neck juts forward into a “turkey” position as the muscles of the throat and neck constrict. This habit squeezes the larynx and cuts off breath. It’s no surprise that the throat […]
You can combine the thought, “Allow my neck to be free,” with the thought, “May I be safe.” If this begins a conversation with yourself about safety, look around. See things in your environment. Feel the sensations of your feet on the floor. Remind yourself gently that, at this point in your development, muscle tension […]
I’m happy to announce two group classes this summer. See below for details. I’m also offering private yoga sessions with the Alexander Technique. Get the benefits of yoga without fear of injury! Do you want to start yoga but fear hurting yourself? Are you an experienced practitioner, but still find nagging tension and pain in […]
The spine moves. The head is part of the body. Let the soft animal of the body love what it loves. (…wait, that’s Mary Oliver) Let there be love (…wait, that’s a play I just saw by Kwei-Armah) Be (…some dude named Buddha had something to say about that). These were my thoughts after an […]
Next group class starts May 7, at Berkeley Rep School of Theatre ($140) Q: I’m currently a dancer, and am also a graduate student. I have trouble breathing when dancing, trouble with alignment (chronic low back pain), and extra (fidgety-type) movement habits. Since I am a student, and budget is important at this point, I’m […]
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: