So I took Jane Tomkiewicz’s 4-class series in Alexander Technique in
October and I must tell you: it’s wonderful in a life altering kind of
way.

Okay, so it’s hard to describe. It’s not physical therapy, massage,
meditation, or Yoga but it can be thought of as a blend of these.

Frederick Matthias Alexander was a 19th century Australian actor who
discovered this technique when he tried to figure out why he suffered
from chronic hoarseness when he had to speak in public.

According to Jane, he stood in front of mirrors and studied the way he moved when he spoke.

Over time he began to understand his body’s patterns and how to
change them. The Alexander Technique was born when he discovered that
thought could be used to release muscles and decrease tension.

It’s pretty subtle stuff. A sending of directions to your body, little cues. Think it and then…

Alexander Technique is a way of deconstructing the way your body does things. Sitting, standing, lying down, reaching, holding.

The sessions are very, very interesting and simple. During one
session we addressed sitting. Another time we dealt with working at a
desk and at a computer. It’s a wonderful technique if you have any kind
of body pain. It’s also great if you want to rethink the way you use
(or abuse) your body.

But we didn’t just talk. Jane led us through floor and standing
exercises that helped us key into the mind-body connection. She offered
images that helped us move our bodies differently.

Jane is offering another series soon. You can get in touch with her for more info:

Alexander Technique Series for our community: a great opportunity in Park Slope for new or continuing students in a small group (limit 5)

included in the series:

1 free introductory hands-on demonstration

4 classes (an hour and a quarter each)

1 private lesson (45minutes)

Fee:  $150

Jane has been teaching the Alexander Technique to
groups at the 92nd St. Y since 1992 and privately in Manhattan since
1990.  She served as the Executive Director of the American Center of
the  Alexander Technique from 1996-2008. She is very pleased to begin
teaching group and private lessons in Brooklyn at the Feldenkrais
Center of Park at 375 5th Ave (between 5th & 6th).

For more information about the Technique or class series please email or call 718-369-3092 or 347-387-2366.