Twelve fundamentals of integrated movement by Penelope EASTEN
In this comprehensive text and manual on The Alexander Technique, Penelope Easten offers a broad, new theoretical framework of how integrated movement occurs, including ideas from recent science and practical explorations. The explorations are simple techniques that build on one another, to enable practitioners both to look after themselves in life and practice, and for use with clients to help them understand and integrate what Alexander Technique offers them.
“Penelope is a humble genius with an incredible depth of knowledge and creative flair, making her innovating work exciting and irresistible!” Chris English Bristol, UK Alexander technique teacher and classical dressage rider and coach
“Penelope´s deep understanding of functional anatomy and complex brain processes are explained candidly and many anecdotal stories enliven the book making it easy and enjoyable to read.” Sara Robledo, Mexico. Teacher of AT, Yoga and Pilates, singer/dancer
“An experiential, dynamic re-framing of FM Alexander’s principles, rooted in biomechanics, neurophysiology, decades of experience, and PLAY!” Rebecca Poole c.AmSAT, m.ACAT, New York, NY.
No musician should be without this book. Read and study it and you will have the keys not only to wellness and reduced performance anxiety but also to enhanced musical technique and performance through an integrated and responsive body. Alison P. Deadman PhD, teacher of the Alexander technique, Professor of Music at East Tennessee State University
Contents
Part 1 The basics of fundamental movement
What has been lost and the twelve fundamentals of movement
The fundamentals of structure
The fundamentals of awareness and thinking
The autonomic nervous system – why we need to work from quiet presence and awareness
Finding the innate movements of breathing and walking
Part 2 Linking brain and body with explorations of physical integration
The Initial Alexander technique, and a new model of postural alignment
Single leg balance
Spatial relationships and use of the upper body and arms
Toned sitting – integrating the core muscles
Walking as you’ve never walked before
Alexander’s biomechanics for expansion of the upper body
Precise, springy alignment in sit to stand and “monkey”
Freeing the neck, and Alexander’s primary directions
Part 3 Living in a flow of dynamic balance
Catching a ball – inhibition in action
New models of coordination and learning
Embodied speaking
Relating and attuning to people for putting hands on others