The implication of this article thus far is that the Alexander Technique is simply about learning how to lessen undue muscle tension. While that is a central theme of the technique, there is more to it than that. It's also about cultivating an alignment of one's head, neck and spine that has characteristics of strength, control and balance. Let me provide an example. Recently, I was skiing the moguls at Mt. Sunapee ski area in New Hampshire.
Moguls are natural bumps that are created in the snow by skiers' turns.
Although the moguls I was skiing on that day were very close together, I found that I could negotiate the turns that were necessary using my knees, while my upper body stayed still. What helped in making this distinction were Alexander Technique thoughts about minimizing tension in the areas of my head, neck and spine so that I could allow my head to remain poised and so that I could allow my whole spine to slightly lengthen upwards. The result was that I found my balance improving, the quick turns became easier and I had more control over them. Now I don't mean to imply that there was some miracle at work during that experience because what happened was the result of a lot of practice in both disciplines. Still, the benefits of combining the two disciplines are irrefutable.