Customer Reviews

Body, Breath and Being: A New Guide to the Alexander Technique

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I have read almost every other book on the Alexander Technique and had lessons. This book was one of the best. The author gives a good theoretical explanation of the technique as well as practical applications. The pictures are adequate. The workshops on the enclosed CD is an added bonus. Though I do not have much interest in how to sing or play an instrument, the information in these chapters can be applied to sports, computer work and everyday activities. Overall I found this book a great value. Even after reading other sources I still learned much from this book.

I never would have thought that improper body alignment from bad habits could have so much to do with the "normal" aches and pains most people feel as they enter middle age. This book is a great read for anyone interested in understanding how proper posture and and conscience effort to correct alignment can make a big improvement in the way you feel physically and mentally. I feel like I gained a couple inches in height just from reading.

As a teacher of the Alexander Technique, this has become the book I recommend first. The attractive, accessible format makes for easier understanding of the principles, than my other long-time favorite, "Body Learning". "Body Learning" is more philosophical, and a bit more dense in writing style. Some of my college students who read "Body Learning" for a class, (Body Awareness and the Conscious Actor) find it difficult.
After these students read "Body, Breath and Being" they are much relieved--they "finally" understand. Of course, they are also getting the hands-on, kinesthetic work in private lessons and in group class.
The stories of beginning students who learned how to use the principles in their work and daily life are particularly helpful to new students.
Many books on the Alexander technique fail in conveying the principles in a way that is accurate, clear and without ego.
"Body, Breath and Being" is obviously written by an experienced teacher, who has explained the practice for many years, in many ways, to many people from many walks of life.

Carolyn has written an excellent introductory book on the Alexander with a wide variety of applications plus a CD. Well worth a look.