Body Learning An Introduction to the Alexander Technique

by Gelb, Michael J.

• ISBN13: 9780805042061
• ISBN10: 0805042067
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1996-01-15
• Publisher: Holt Paperbacks

Summary

This new, fully revised and updated edition confirmsBody Learning's status as the classic work on the Alexander Technique for maintaining the health and efficiency of the body. Michael J. Gelbis a member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique. He is the director of the High Performance Learning Center in Washington, D.C., an international leadership consultancy to business and professional groups worldwide. He is also the author of the acclaimedLessons from the Art of JugglingandThinking for a Change. The Alexander Technique is now recognized the world over as the most revolutionary and far-reaching method developed for maintaining the health and efficiency of the body. Essentially a type of therapy that aims to treat and prevent a range of disorders through a system of postural changes, the Technique stresses the importance of reeducating the muscular system as a means to achieve physical and mental well-being. By unlearning common bad postural habits and ways of using the body, people can alleviate tension, fatigue, back pain, neck stiffness, asthma, headaches, depression, and many other ailments. The book, now in its second edition, also shows how the Technique can be applied to every kind of learning experience, from children's education and the acquiring of basic skills to the most advanced needs of musicians, entertainers, professionals, and athletes. New in this edition: Answers to the most commonly asked questions about the Technique Further adventures in learning how to learn Glossary of significant terms The Balanced Resting State procedure: an aid to dynamic relaxation "This book is to be welcomed . . . It showed the best way of returning to better and more healthy use of our 'equipment-for-motion.' Mr. Gelb seems to me uniquely qualified to speak with authority."Professor Nikolaas Tinbergen, Nobel Laureate in Medicine and Physiology "The approach to learning and the techniques outlined inBody Learningtransformed my life. Read and practice, and Gelb's profound message will transform yours."Tony Buzan, author ofThe Mind Map Book

Author Biography

Michael Gelb is a member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique. he is the director of the High Performance Learning Center in Washington, DC, and international leadership consultancy to business and professional groups worldwide. he is also the author of Lessons from the Art of Juggling and Thinking for a Change.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	vi
Preface to the second edition	vii
Foreword	ix
Introduction	1	(6)
PART 1 ALEXANDER: THE MAN AND HIS DISCOVERY	7	(16)
PART 2 THE OPERATIONAL IDEAS	23	(66)
Use and functioning	25	(10)
The whole person	35	(7)
Primary control	42	(10)
Unreliable sensory appreciation	52	(7)
Inhibition	59	(9)
Direction	68	(11)
Ends and means	79	(10)
PART 3 LEARNING HOW TO LEARN	89	(48)
Utilizing potential	91	(20)
Education for use	111	(15)
What can I do myself?	126	(6)
Further adventures in learning how to learn	132	(5)
PART 4 THE QUESTING SPIRIT	137	(27)
The Alexander work and organizational change	139	(4)
Alexander questions and answers	143	(18)
The balanced resting state procedure	161	(3)
Glossary	164	(2)
Bibliography	166	(9)
Notes	175	(3)
Useful addresses	178	(1)
Picture acknowledgements	178	(1)
Index	179