A doctor saw me for some Alexander lessons. Towards the end of one session we sat and talked. He reported that he felt more present, calm and imbalance. I can see this and I found it very easy and relaxed speaking with him. 

He shared with me that in his daily practice, he would lean forward towards his patients when he was talking and be quite animated. I suggested that maybe some of this activity was unnecessary and perhaps not helpful either to himself or his patient. It had become his habitual way of working. 

Now for both of us, the interaction felt calmer and easier. His awareness now included himself as well as the other …. in this case me. 

He said it felt good but …. he felt more detached. I didn't experience him as being more detached. In fact, the opposite. 

This is a classic example of coming up against habit. Habit feels familiar. 

When we operate in a different, way for a short time it feels strange, even though there may well be a quiet feeling of well-being. At this point we may label it negatively when all it is, is unfamiliar. It may be far better for ourselves and any relationship. 

With the Alexander Technique we are stepping away from the illusionary safety of habit into the true security of presence and doing less inside.

roger.hart@mac.com