Meeting Robin John Simmons at Shoonya - Centre for Art and Somatic Practices on Lalbagh Road during one of his workshop and training sessions on the Alexander Technique (AT) was an eye-opener. “Using your body to correct structural alignments with movement and breathing liberates the body from a lifetime of bad habits,” says the chirpy 72-year-old Simmons. “Nobody realises what bad postures mean to the system as one ages.” This is Simmons’ fourth visit to Shoonya in four years. The Switzerland-based Simmons spoke to Metroplus on the nuances of AT. Excerpts
How has the response been for the workshops?
I am happy to be here once again. I have taught and practised Alexander Technique for over 48 years. I have had a positive response here; I see people leave in peace after a few weeks’ initiation. There are so many body-harmony driven therapies and practices in India. AT is a gentle self-improvement technique, not forceful.
How would you describe AT?
The programme is a psycho-physical self improvement technique. It revolutionises the way we look at our bodies, and helps alleviate the pain arising from life in the 21st century. It is a learnable skill. We hate to call it an exercise as it involves conscious practices to see structural changes. It is organising the way you are using yourself. It is a long term re-appraisal of what to do with the way we move about.
Could you talk about the history of the technique
It was developed and perfected by F. Matthias Alexander in 1894. He brought it into schools in England. Based on three instructions, AT is designed to improve posture, reduce spinal compression, backache and knee pain. The core of AT calls for you to lead with your head when you sit or stand. This will cause your spine to elongate and lend a “spaciousness” to your back, thus relaxing it.
So AT is all about posture?
How the head rests on top of the spine determines a good posture. For many the head overhangs forward or backward, forcing the neck and spine to deal with a weight of about 4.5 kg. You need to look down as you get up from the chair, so that your head is the first to move. At the workshop we teach you how to employ time-tested methods to improve your own breathing capacity, fluidity and body control.
Can you give us a few examples of bad postures and habits?
Many of our movement and actions engage unnecessary muscle groups due to conditioned body responses. Injuries and emotional trauma too add to the bad movements.
Take the example of using your elbow. While using your mouse, if your elbow doesn’t rest on something, your deltoid muscle is under constant strain. In the long run, it is prone to injury, and somatic practices help efficient utilisation of such portions of your body.
Are there specific professionals who benefit from AT?
Musicians and sports-persons. A violinist in his early 20s realised his posture affected his play. There were many pianists who would sweat in anxiety on stage. AT helped them overcome this.
How much has AT helped you?
At this age I can sit on the floor, stand, walk and move all day long while I offer individual sessions back to back. We not just require stamina for this, but a good posture. Apart from AT, I practice Tai Chi, Nordic walking and the Dart Procedures. But I do not get tired as AT teaches me to use my body in favourable ways.
