Greg Ford Alexander Technique Sydney in Sydney, Australia | Local business

Greg Ford Alexander Technique Sydney

Locality: Sydney, Australia

Phone: +61 450 445 417

Address: 2 Sterling Circuit Camperdown 2050 Sydney, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.alexandertechniquesydney.org/

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25.01.2022 #alexandertechniqueformusicians #alexandertechnique #aldoushuxleyquotes #backpain #backpainrelief #neckpainrelief #mindfulness

25.01.2022 I am "reopening" this week! If stress has gotten to you and you want to breathe a little easier -- If you want to discover more about how you can find improved alignment and freer easier movement and better posture, give Alexander Technique a try! You'll find my contact details on my website or you can message me here.... www.alexandertechniquesydney.org

22.01.2022 A friend once said to me Alexander works only if you believe it -- I don't think that is the truth at all but....

22.01.2022 From recent experience giving lessons to long-term covid-19 sufferers, I observed in some, a noticeable decline in the ability to breath with ease. Their inbrea...th was carried out with an exacerbated lifting of the chest, lasting too long, pushing the air in forcefully, instead of letting it come naturally. Their outbreath felt too short before the next anxious inbreath, with sometimes unnatural long gaps of not breathing at all. The #AlexanderTechnique can play an important role in the recovery from covid-19. My students breathing rhythms improved considerably once they were able to observe, recognise and change some of the harmful physical and mental habits gained during, what must have been, an extremely stressful situation. How revolutionary would that be, if the #NHS would recommend the #AlexanderTechnique to help recovery from #covid_19 #longcovid #breathwithease #freedomofmovement #selfdevelopment

22.01.2022 The most common reasons people come for Alexander Technique sessions are chronic musculoskeletal pain, to improve posture, wellbeing and skilled performance. You can learn AT in one to one sessions which is probably the most effective, but also in classes. Obviously in a class there is less individual attention but there is the benefit of observing other people working with the ideas. A combination is probably the ideal! Paying closer attention to our reactions -- particularl...y to thoughts of moving -- and using intention and direction we can have much more choice about how we move. Movement can become lighter, more fluid and coordinated. We have more power and strength with (way) less physical effort. www.alexandertechniquesydney.org

21.01.2022 I remember the days clearly when sitting down was such an effort as I suffered from constant hip pain. My strategy at the time was to move a lot, to shift from ...side to side. I experienced not only a physical, but also a constant mental restlessness. Learning to practicing the Alexander Technique gave me not only a physical, but also a deep emotional wellbeing. Having been able to sit for hours pain free, was truly life changing. I celebrate every day the fact that I found the #AlexanderTechnique as I dread to think what would have happened to me without it. If you feel physically and mentally restless, find yourself a local Alexander Technique Teacher and you will never have to look back. #wellbeing #restlessness #backpainrelief #peace #peaceful

20.01.2022 Very Alexander in thinking!

20.01.2022 When you have been practising sitting, what better than to lie in #semisupine for a while! #AlexanderTechnique #harringayladder #N4... #learningfromchildren

19.01.2022 An interesting article about the benefits of ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE for dealing with scoliosis.

19.01.2022 Two workshop for string players this weekend. (Interested amateurs, students or professionals welcome) Research shows that the large majority of professional musicians play with/through pain, sometimes for prolonged periods but often I have met people for whom this is the case most of the time! So their lives include very regular visits to Physios and Chiropractors where symptoms sometimes abate for a while but then return. It is almost accepted that pain is just a part of be...ing a Musician. The fact is that a lot of these symptoms can be prevented, preferably with early education in ways of moving that are in harmony with the design of the body. Alexander Technique gives you the tools to work on your own to increase freedom and recognise harmful patterns so that injury does not occur. I was so lucky to have a lot of Alexander work in my early twenties and develop a passion for it. I have never been to a physiotherapist for a playing related injury and on the other hand observed people whose injuries have only worsened as they practised inappropriate exercises given by physios that did not address the underlying issues with "use". I am teaching 2 introductory workshops this Saturday in Crows Nest and there are still spots available. Choice of 10-1 or 1-3pm. $60 (concessions for students available). Booking are open now and because there is a limit of 4 in each class please register soon to secure a place!) 0450 445417

19.01.2022 Monday Night at Sydney Gay Meditation: Greg Ford with the Alexander Technique.

17.01.2022 Are you interested to try Alexander work? This video has answers to many often asked questions about the work.

17.01.2022 Warming up in the morning or anytime - for anything - practising, exercise, nothing in particular... rather than stretching you might just think of lengthening and widening. The important thing here is the "thinking" and intention. For example: standing, bring your attention to your feet and the ground underneath. Don't be in any hurry at all and just be aware of the contact of the feet with the floor. Think of the whole of each foot softening and spreading on the surface it... is contacting. For this exercise resist the urge to "stretch" and experiment with just thinking of the foot lengthening and widening and "plumping up" gently. You can move them a little if they are not comfortable. The more often you do this you will probably notice more happening but even if you don't notice anything in particular stay with it a while. As time passes you might become more aware of your whole balance over the feet. If you are standing ask yourself how is the weight distributed over your feet? More on the heels? front? More on one side or the other? Now try rocking back and forth and side to side gently and when you stop notice if the balance has changed. Check that the ankle and knee joint are free and not held. Think of lengthening up from the feet through the leg and right up the whole length of the spine but resist the urge to force a stretch --- The breathing should be easy and natural not in anyway forced. Maybe now take a walk thinking of all the joints in the feet and legs moving very fluidly and aware of the crown of your head leading. Take note of any change in the quality of movement. This is not specifically an Alexander Technique exercise at all but I think it demonstrates the efficacy of 'directed" movement as opposed to stretching which is so often over stretching, which kills sensitivity and awareness of the whole mechanism. This is not to deny the possibility and benefits of good stretching! Actually if you use Alexander directions while you stretch slowly you are likely not to overdo it. Try it if you haven,t already and I,d love to hear your feedback.

15.01.2022 The Alexander Technique is something that really needs to be practised and often and always to reap the most benefit -- like any valuable skill. In person lessons are not possible at the moment but Zoom sessions can be very useful!

14.01.2022 Alexander Technique is about quietening down, observing our reactions to all sorts of stimulus -- the thought of rising from the chair, lifting a weight, meeting someone, picking up an instrument etc... All of our reactions are psychophysical - we can notice the sensations that arise from certain thoughts or emotions and then practise seeing what happens when we don't for instance stiffen our necks and hold our breath as we react/move. When we have experienced repeatedly how we can pause and say "no" to the tightening that happens as a response to the thought of moving, and then experience a freer, more flowing, directed action/movement, we gradually become aware of our freedom of choice. We need not be slaves to habit. It sounds so serious but actually it is fun and fascinating!

14.01.2022 Applying Alexander Technique to String Playing ---an introduction for players and teachers. Two 2 hour workshops in the heart of Crows Nest - October 17. Limi...t of 4 in each workshop. 10 - 12 or 1-3pm. These sessions will be very practical and you will leave with skills and knowledge to practise with more confidence and ease. Options for private lessons also available. Fee: $60 per 2 hour session. Bookings and further details: please call or text 0450 445417. Greg Ford has been a professional violist / Alexander teacher for over 30 years and has taught violin and viola in many schools and privately. www.alexandertechniquesydney.org

14.01.2022 At the moment the contact page of my website is not working quite as it should do please contact me through [email protected] or phone 0450445417 Thanks! In person or Zoom sessions are available at the present time.

13.01.2022 Lying down is not the Alexander Technique --- but it is a place to practise the AT with the advantage of gravtity helping out!

13.01.2022 Although Alexander Technique sessions are primarily educative there is definitely a healing and therapeutic component to this work as peoples pain and symptoms diminish and often disappear.

12.01.2022 Most Alexander teachers use their hands to guide their students --- not to manipulate or adjust. Effective Alexander hands can result in an enormous change in the student,s balance and alignment. Even in the space of a few seconds a neck can free up a little so that the head moves up along with the whole of the rest of the body, and the height of the student can increase by several centimetres -- usually to their complete surprise. This is one reason why people very often report feeling lighter and taller!

12.01.2022 Learn your way out of pain and into more comfortable movement. Practical help for postural and movement dilemmas. 0450445417 www.alexandertechniquesydney.org

11.01.2022 A really interesting and clear interview about the benefits, for performance, health, stage fright of Alexander Technique. Clearly the students recognise these and enjoy the lessons!

11.01.2022 I HAVE TO CHANGE THE DATE OF THESE WORKSHOPS TO THE SATURDAY 17TH OF OCTOBER . APOLOGIES FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE!

11.01.2022 Bookings for lessons Camperdown and Crows Nest - individual or small groups or Zoom .. available now! You can save by booking with one or two friends and have the advantage of developing skills of observation as well as having individual attention. www.alexandertechniquesydney.org

11.01.2022 These benefits apply to everyone - not just musicians.

09.01.2022 working in harmony with human design

08.01.2022 A little crowded on the table today, but everyone wants in on the action!

07.01.2022 Posture -- and fluid movement

07.01.2022 I am offering free introductory Zoom sessions (20 minutes) if you would like to ask questions about this work. Contact details on this page www.alexandertechniquesydney.org

07.01.2022 Feliç Sant Jordi! Algún enamorado o enamorada extraviado/a con un libro de su estantería para mí? #rodneysmithphotography #diadadesantjordi #diadelllibre #happyreading

06.01.2022 ¿Cómo es tu respiración en este momento? (¿Libre, restringida, acelerada, lenta...?)¿Cómo es tu respiración en este momento? (¿Libre, restringida, acelerada, lenta...?)

06.01.2022 I am offering a free 20 minute Zoom consultation for people who are interested to find out if Alexander Technique might be something that will help them. To arrange a session please find contact details on this page or check my website. If you are looking for relief and strategies to reduce pain, discomfort, suffering from stress or anxiety, Alexander Technique is an invaluable asset for you to acquire! I teach private in person sessions in Camperdown and very soon in Crows Nest.

05.01.2022 Are you confused about which or what form of exercise is going to be best for you? Do you go to yoga, pilates or other "fitness" classes but find you would prefer to go more slowly and work on improving the quality of the movement or exercise that you are practising? I have worked with both yoga and pilates teachers who come with injuries that are most likely caused by the exercises that they are not only practising but also teaching! I am not saying that Yoga and Pilates are... not very useful but it depends obviously on how they are approached. With the Alexander Technique I can help you gain more clarity around what is useful or not with exercise and you will be able to better discern whether or not you are doing what you think you are with your practice. I am offering in person sessions at this time and also online if you would prefer. Please contact me to discuss what would suit you. www.alexandertechniquesydney.org

04.01.2022 Lori Schiff Has been teaching the Alexander Technique at the Julliard School for over 30 years. Here she talks about her introduction to the work, her training, the building of the work at Julliard, adapting the teaching to online due to Covid, the use of the hands in teaching and more..

03.01.2022 The best rest position for most spines. Why might it be good to do before practising your instrument or exercising? After a few minutes of lying down like this you will have recovered some of the length, width and volume of your torso. Your body will be a little more in tune, in better balance. Muscles will have started to undo and started to return to their resting length. You will be more able to assess what is good exercise/practice as opposed to activity that is not helpful or tightening you up again. Often when warming up people go too hard and fast so instead of gently and effectively preparing for exercise they start bracing and tightening muscles and joints which maybe habit but not enabling better or more efficient practice or workout.

03.01.2022 When you lie down in semi supine (head on books and knees up pointing to the ceiling) your spine is fully supported and the intervertebral discs rehydrate so that after about 20 minutes when you return to the upright your spine is lengthened and elastic with more shock absorber. Even a few minutes can make a big positive difference. Slumping down (mostly unconsciously), compresses these discs and fluid gets squeezed out so that we loose flexibility and are more vulnerable to injury and pain. So for a constructive rejuvenation of the spine lying down is one of the best things we can do.

01.01.2022 This post looks at the evidence for how the Alexander Technique redistributes muscle tone, and includes a way to explore this at the shoulder joint.

01.01.2022 We carry so much excess tension with us and very often we are not aware of it and how it affects the way we move and perform our activities. Applying Alexander Technique, our neck starts to free more and more and our kinaesthetic perception becomes more reliable because of that. Our vestibular system located in the inner ear does not work effectively if our neck is tight. That is why so often in AT sessions people start to notice that there is a lot going on with their balanc...e that they had previously not noticed -- e.g. locked knees and ankles, hands gripping even though nothing is being held, distorted balance etc etc However as the neck frees and the rest of the body moves into an improved, effortless alignment we feel taller, lighter and we move in a more easy and coordinated way. People ask often does this become automatic? The answer is not entirely but it is not a burden to practise and the results are self reinforcing. Even a few seconds of pausing and directed thought can make a huge difference to the way we move or react. www.alexandertechniquesydney.org See more

01.01.2022 Particularly at the moment ...