"The essence of the Alexander technique is to make us more susceptible to grace"

The Alexander Technique is the art of "unlearning". It is a subtle method of releasing body and mind from old habits and attitudes. The technique helps you rediscover a more natural way of moving, enhances awareness and encourages a new sense of coordination, energy and freedom.

How is it taught?

The Alexander teacher and student work together to bring about change organically.

The Technique is traditionally taught in one to one sessions, and is communicated through gentle touch and dialogue. This 'hands-on' work can help the student/client to recognise and "undo" tension and begin a process of re-educating his/her body and thinking.

"A pure space opens before us where flowers ceaselessly open" - Rainer Maria Rilke

Watch this short YouTube video
 

Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869 – 1955) was born in Tasmania, Australia. At the turn of the century he discovered his own technique, using his hands to communicate a means of re-awakening kinaesthetic awareness. This technique developed a fresh understanding of the interconnectedness of body and mind, and deepened the level of consciousness regarding fixed body and mind habits.

This technique can help you to learn to manage and prevent muscular tension, stress and pain. Students/clients will become more upright, flexible and balanced, with reduced stress and an increased sense of well-being. Many long-standing problems clear up completely, as your whole system is slowly re-educated. Your attention and awareness of life is deepened.

The aim of the Alexander Technique is to help educate you, the student, as to the unified 'working' of your body, emotion and mind. It offers you the means by which a change of habit, attitude and opinions may allow you to function in your life with greater efficiency and ease.

"The infinite goodness has such wide arms that it takes whatever turns to it"
- Dante

NEWS: Clinical Trial Shows Alexander Technique Provides Benefit For Chronic Back Pain

Clinical trial results published in the British Medical Journal 19 August 2008, show that Alexander Technique lessons provide long-term benefit for chronic back pain sufferers. Of all the approaches tested, 24 Alexander Technique lessons proved to be most beneficial.
- View a video about the research
- Read the research paper
 

Other articles about this news:
NHS: www.nhs.uk/news/2008/08August/Pages/BackpainandAlexandertechnique.aspx
BBC: news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7568948.stm
 

What conditions can be helped?

• Bad backs and stiff necks
• Stress related problems
• High blood pressure
• Postural problems
• Asthma
• Depression
• Whiplash
• Recovery from accidents and operations
• Headaches
• Breathing disorders
• Anxiety and tension

The Alexander Technique supports and helps

• Pregnancy
• Horse riding
• Sports
• Movement therapies and exercise

Performing Arts

• Musicians
• Dancers
• Singers
• Actors

Personal Transformation

• Eastern philosophies
• Meditation
• Tai Chi
• Yoga
• Psychological therapy
• Any ”Way of Life” that fosters the individual's responsibility for the development of his/her own awareness, choice and values system.

"No matter what we may be doing at a given moment,
it has a bearing on our everlasting self which is poetry."

- Basho
 

"The Alexander Technique has been part of my life for 16 years. I started out of curiosity, a preventative measure to avoid injury in my physically demanding career. Pippa's sensitivity, her ability, has created a space in my mind and therefore my body, whereby I practice everyday, without even knowing it."
- Roger Tooley - Steadicam Operator

"From the moment that Pippa laid her hands on me I felt a deep connection and un-winding of tension. Pippa taught me in the most subtle ways that I had been unconsciously tensing the muscles in my neck, shoulders and back for years. Whilst reasonably young, I had been able to recover from this but as I got older, the negative effects were becoming crippling.

I learned to become much more aware of the way I use my body; to tune-in to my unconscious mind, and rather than being a victim of ingrained habit, for the first time I had a choice – and I chose to relax. If you don't know you're doing it, how can you stop?

I believe that Alexander Technique has saved me from the acute muscular skeletal problems that would have been inevitable if I had continued the way I was – unconsciously and unnecessarily tensing my neck shoulders back and chest muscles while working at a computer, playing drums and even sitting watching TV.

I thoroughly recommend Alexander Technique and specifically the particular way that Pippa applies it, to anyone and everyone who works at a desk, sings, plays a musical instrument or simply lives in today's demanding world. Regular Alexander exercises have become a part of my life and I am so much better for it.





"
- Adrian Shaw - Technical Consultant & Drummer

"I have been having lessons with Pip for a few years and have noticed that while my friends seem to be shrinking in height I seem to be growing.”
- Bob Barnes, Proprietor, Cambridge Lakes Golf Course

"I have been a client of Pippa Bondy for many years and I have found the Alexander Technique extremely beneficial. I have osteoarthritis and osteoporosis and until I started having Alexander Technique sessions I found it difficult to cope the pain, discomfort and stress of the conditions. I also had a fear of falling and had a history of falls.

The Alexander Technique helped me to develop a positive mental attitude and prepared and strengthened my body to undergo hip replacement surgery and more recently a knee replacement. The technique also helped me post-operatively. In both cases I was able to think positively and use the technique learned in the sessions to aid my recovery.

Since practising the Alexander technique my balance has improved significantly and also my posture. I no longer have a fear of falling and indeed have not fallen in the last three years.



"
- Anne Plowman, retired teacher

"I met Pippa Bondy, as an Alexander Teacher ten years ago. Her holistic approach to her work is enhanced by her wisdom, compassion and humility. I have no hesitation in recommending her, particularly to those who value an integrated approach."
- Airinne Ryan

I'm a teacher of the Alexander Technique, based in North Wales. I can offer private lessons for you in Harlech, Porthmadog or Bangor.

I love this work, teaching the Alexander Technique is rewarding for me. I love seeing people grow and blossom and experience themselves in new ways with ease and grace.
As a young child I had a twisted spine and a deep anxiety. In my mid twenties I was persuaded to try a course of Alexander Technique lessons.

I was so impressed by the results that, after many more lessons, I spent three years training to become an Alexander Technique teacher. Teaching and offering the Alexander Technique over the past thirty five years has been a revelation. I have seen this technique transform people’s lives.
Now, I have developed and maintained a thriving Alexander Technique private practice since 1991, with 35 years experience as an Alexander teacher.

I've worked with thousands of people and developed my work to support those who suffer from pain and trauma, both physical and emotional. I have facilitated courses for staff at children's hospices and trained student Alexander Technique teachers in the UK and the USA. I have also facilitated and offered courses and workshops for the health care, educational, social work and business communities. I currently work in London and North Wales and occasionally in the USA.

I am a member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT) so adhere to the Society's Code of Professional Conduct and am covered by professional indemnity insurance.

You can read more about my personal experience of receiving Alexander lessons and what this work has meant to me in this article I wrote.

Hidden deep, ever present,
unborn and ever living

Our body, emotions, mind, and spirit hold and carry all we've ever been and all we ever will be deep within the musculature of our body and bones. This technique can open a simple experience of being present, being a unified field of attention and expanded awareness.

Thoughts and feelings live in a belief system that can keep us separated and trapped in the past; unable to be in the present, and live the dream we are meant to be.
The Alexander Technique is not just a method for re-aligning your body and emptying you of stress. It can be a means for opening your awareness, expanding your consciousness, and embracing all that you are.

"We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time" – T. S. Eliot.

I see and feel this special work can offer anyone from any walk of life the art of stillness, a tool to know yourself, and know 'who you are' behind you're the veil of habits. When FM Alexander made his discoveries and observations he wrote his first book and called it 'Use of the Self'. We are a whole being – mind, body, emotions and spirit. We are connected - to our environment and every aspect of the earth, the seasons and nature.

We embody this connection, it's our birthright and creation - each moment can be an expression of beauty, the mystery of life and a continuous choice for ourselves and our planet to be.

"Mr Duffy lived a short distance from his body." - James Joyce

I also offer and facilitate courses & ceremonies in Nature Based Healing Rites at Ancient Healing Ways.
Please visit www.ancienthealingways.co.uk for more information

"As sun shines, and rain falls
The river flows
And mountains become themselves
Out of the earth
As we become ourselves
Our breath flows, tears fall
And our spirit shines
Out of the earth."







- by Pippa Bondy

Does it hurt?

No. the Alexander Technique is taught with gentle non-invasive hands and kind guidance. We call this; 'non-doing' allowing you the space and place to be fully in charge of your own inner learning. The changes that take place reawaken your bodies own innate intelligence.

What do I need to wear to a lesson?

You are fully clothed for the session. You may be asked to remove your shoes. We may also work lying down so you may feel more comfortable in trousers rather than a skirt.

How much does it cost?

In Wales: £50.00 for an introductory lesson, lasting one hour
After that; £40.00 for a 40 minute lesson
In London: My fees are more; please enquire
 

How long do I need to come for lessons?

Most people benefit from around 20 to 30 regular sessions and to begin with it is beneficial to come for a minimum of two sessions a week for a couple of weeks in order to allow your body/mind to re-educate and for your new 'use' and learning to integrate through all aspects of your life. However, everyone is individual and needs vary so the sessions can be flexible according to your needs and wishes.
This may seem like a big commitment. It is a commitment to make changes in your life and as you embody these new skills you will be able to use them for the rest of your life.
After a period of sessions I encourage you to taper of your weekly sessions in order to make use of your newly awakened Alexander awareness on your own. You can then come back as and when you feel.
 

Can I have lessons in my own home?

I do some home visits; please enquire.

Are group lessons available?

Yes. Many people benefit from group sessions so if you are interested in sharing a lesson with a friend or two or want to find out about small group lessons please give me a call.

Am I too old to learn?

No. It is possible to learn the Alexander Technique at any age. George Bernard Shaw went to F. M. Alexander for lessons at the age of 80 and believed that it made the last 10 years of his life the best.

Can the Alexander Technique help reduce long-term back pain?

Everyone is individual and it depends on the specific problem. It is possible that the Alexander Technique will help the problem by working indirectly with the way you use yourself. It will certainly change and support your reaction to discomfort or pain.

How can the Technique help me if I have no physical problems?

Deep down some people wish to change something in their lives even if they are not sure what. They just have a sense of wanting more out of life, coming to an impasse and wanting to grow. The Alexander Technique may support you in coming closer to achieving your potential in life in ways you could never have dreamed.

Alexander Technique Worshop in Machynlleth
Saturday 19th May 2018, 1.30 -4.30pm
Fee - £35
To sign up - Contact Pippa, Tel: 01766 780557 /07814959613
email - pip@pipbondy.com

Please don't hesitate to get in touch with me to arrange lessons, or if you have any questions at all.

I see clients for private lessons at:

• Harlech: Llys Menai, Tryfer Terrace, Harlech, LL46 2YR
• Porthmadog: The Harbourside Clinic, 4/5 Cornhill, Pen y cei, Porthmadog, LL49 9AT
• Bangor: Complementary Therapies Centre, 12 College Street, Bangor, LL57 2AN
• Aberystwyth: The Cambria, Marine Terrace, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 2AZ
• Machynlleth: Y Plas, Machynlleth, Powys. SY20 8ER

Useful Links

• The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique
• The FM Alexander Trust
• Alexander Technique International
• The Complete Guide to the Alexander Technique
• Direction Journal
• Mouritz Publishing (Alexander Technique books)
• The art of swimming
• The art of running
• Parkinson's Disease - Chloe Stallibrass' work

Recommended Reading

This is a list of books I've put together that I feel contain some helpful information on the Alexander Technique. And of course there are many more books available.
Books by F. M. Alexander

• The Use of the Self, F. M. Alexander
  ISBN: 0-75284-391-5
• Constructive Conscious Control of the Individual, F. M. Alexander
  ISBN: 0-9543522-6-2
• The Universal Constant in Living, F. M. Alexander
  ISBN: 0-913111-18-X
• Man's Supreme Inheritance, F. M. Alexander
  ISBN: 0-9525574-0-1

Other Alexander Technique books

• The Alexander Technique, Judith Leibowitz & Bill Connington
  ISBN: 0-06-016053-5
• Body Learning, Michael J. Gelb.
  ISBN: 1 85410 959 6
• Body Awareness in Action, Frank Pierce Jones
  ISBN: 0-8052-0628-0
• The Art of Changing, Glen Park.
  ISBN: 1-85398-000-5

Some specialist books on The Alexander Technique

• Indirect Procedures A Musician's Guide to the Alexander Technique, Pedro de Alcantara.
  ISBN: 0-19-816569-2
• What Every Dancer Needs to Know About the Body, Robin Gilmore
  ISBN: 978-0-9622595-7-9
• Master the Art of Swimming, Steven Shaw
  ISBN: 10:1-84340-349-8
• Master the Art of Running, Malcolm Balk and Andrew Shields
  ISBN: 13:9781843403395
• The Alexander Technique Birth Book, Ilana Machover and Angela and Jonathan Drake
  ISBN: 0-9543522-5-4