Event Details

In recent years there has been a boom and widespread adoption of mindfulness aka meditation practice in almost every context one can think of. This trend was mainly driven by scientifically backed up and accordingly promoted teaching formats. Many Alexander teachers find themselves confronted with this development and try to find their place in this surrounding – especially since it can be argued that AT is a mindfulness practice, or at least involves aspects of it.

As a long term Zen practitioner and Alexander Technique teacher, who is also certified for MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction), I have a special relationship to this topic and can see the interrelations, differences and potentials in the approaches. They can inform and enrich each other on a quite profound level.

When it comes to external perception, Alexander work can only benefit and learn from the professional appreciation, widespread success and legitimacy mindfulness practice has achieved in the last years. This has opened the door for many related approaches and AT is definitely one of them.

In this small workshop I will:

• give a basic overview and common used definition of mindfulness as it is taught in contemporary programs, as well as its historical background, dating back to a man named Buddha 2600 years ago

• draw connections to AT practice and identify similarities and differences between these two

• reflect on how each practice can inform and enrich each other and why I think they are a perfect match

• be guiding a meditation