I just read A Stroke of Insight. The author investigates the right left brain dichotomy relating the experience of having a stroke that obliterated her left brain with its verbal analytical capacity, and her eight year rehab, through the lens of her profession as a neuroscientist. She describes the acceptance and bliss that the right brain, flying solo, experiences. The book struck me as relevant to my difficulties with singing. I am eager to relate the author’s ideas to The Alexander Technique. Reawakening surrender flow intuition sensation as a vital mode integrating it in a much more equal balance with the left brain’s judgement and analysis would help and is what I remember of the act of singing when it was working. When judgement and analysis become dominant in Alexander, rather than just a part of it, the Technique can stall until the balance is restored. I would love any comments. The Alex. Tech. is a continuing delight every day. -Holly Alonso
Report about the treatment by Annette Eckert (Aug.05 – Aug.06)
I am 64 years of age and suffered a brain infarct with a pronounced paralysis on one side nine years ago. I did not want to accept the paralysis and have therefore, in irregular intervals, obtained “kranken-gymnastische” treatment from good therapists.
A friend of mine who hadn’t seen me for a long time was struck by my strenuous movements. She suggested to get an appointment with Frau Eckert. This was one year ago. She has been coming to me twice a week since then – of late only once a week.
Already at the first session I was speechless: I have very often been massaged, been touched, but I have never experienced this releasing kind of pressing, stretching, light shaking without hurry or effort, without “purpose”.
Instead of somebody pressing hard on tense muscles, I experienced a widening in places which were not noticed by therapists. There was no hasty grip or hurry, but tender stretches and vibrating movements.
My toes which had to keep me in an equilibrium were cramped up and shortened, I couldn’t stretch out the paralysed leg, my left arm was cramped and bent down, I couldn’t lift a single finger, my shoulders were pulled up high and to the front. Very hard muscles.
Instead of working on the neck, she very softly and with much time, touched my head, maybe in the way I have missed as a child. Times were tough then.
The shoulders all flat on the couch. She paid strict attention that I did not ‘help’ her with her movements. It has since been possible for me to get up without effort and to walk in the garden.
Very unusual: I wasn’t meant to look at the floor anymore. For protection, she walked alongside. First of all, always again: The posture of the head.
I have not received a particular task to exercise.
In walking, sitting down, getting up she reminded me time and again to keep the head free, to let the back feel wide, and to let the feet unwind(unroll), and to enjoy this movement.
This lightness with which I’m able to move now, get up, sit down, use the left arm in carrying and gripping, use scissors with my left to cut my fingernails is hard to believe.
I might walk slowly, but I won’t be rushed anymore.
I am grateful.
Dr. Dorothea Ridder
Goethestr. 26 a
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