Alexander Book Study Club Introduction

Welcome and Introduction

• Exciting start to the Alexander Book Study Club after a year.
• Participants include experienced teachers, beginner teachers, trainees, pupils, and newcomers to the Alexander Technique.
• Emphasis on learning from each other with a mix of abilities.

Participant Introductions

• Each participant introduced themselves with name, location, and their relationship to the Alexander Technique.
• Participants include musicians, teachers, authors, and professionals from various fields around the world.

Structure of the Book Study

• Participants encouraged to introduce themselves briefly (30 seconds max).
• Penelope, the organizer, encouraged participants to pair up as study buddies to enhance learning.
• Study partners were suggested based on location, interest, and availability.

Penelope's Background

• Penelope shared her journey into the Alexander Technique after a back injury in 1983.
• Trained and qualified in 1989, influenced by Miss Goldie, the inspiration for the book.
• Running the Book Study Club since the book's publication four years ago.

Study Focus and Group Dynamics

• Encouragement for participants to ask questions, no question is considered stupid.
• Importance of having a "study buddy" to practice experiential learning.
• Participants were paired up according to time zones and interest for effective collaboration.

Discussion on the Alexander Technique and Movement

The Importance of the Pelvis

• Discussion on how early life affects posture and movement, including potty training and school furniture.

The Five Senses and Beyond

• Traditional five senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell) are only external.
• Introduction of internal senses: proprioception, interoception, and others.
• The importance of acknowledging and integrating all senses for true awareness.

The Right and Left Brain

• Explanation of left and right brain functions with reference to Iain McGilchrist's work.
• Left brain: focused, task-oriented, based on known experiences.
• Right brain: holistic, spatial awareness, experiential learning, openness to the unknown.

Integrative Movement and Body Awareness

• Movement is organized through senses and awareness, not just physical structure.
• Emphasis on bringing both sides of the brain into harmony for effective movement.
• Relationship between thinking, being, and embodiment in movement.

Homework and Next Steps

Homework for Participants

• Video yourself getting in and out of a chair to observe habitual movements.
• Read Chapter 3 up to page 43 for the next session.

Next Meeting

• Meetings occur every two weeks, with breaks in August and Christmas.
• Participants encouraged to start reading and practicing the next section before the next session.

Additional Points

• Discussion on how different cultural and educational practices impact body awareness and movement.
• Participants shared challenges and experiences with teaching the Alexander Technique in various settings.

This summary captures the essence of the first session of the Alexander Book Study Club, highlighting key discussions, participant interactions, and the structure of the study.