Alexander Technique Greater Chicago Area

Alexander Technique Group Class - In August In Chicago

2010-07-12T10:39:00.000-07:00

Alexander Technique Group Class - In August In Chicago - Free Podcast - a Guided Self Lesson Based on the Alexander Technique

Dear Friends,
It has been a while since I have offered a group class for the Alexander Technique. I will be offering a Class Monday Evenings
from 6:30pm - 7:45pm In August meeting for four sessions. The Class will be limited to four participants.

The Alexander Technique for Every Body
Does it hurt to sit, stand and do simple activities?
Would you like relief from the aches and pains in your body?

Learn about your body’s structure and movement possibilities while building practical skills to enhance health, poise, and freedom from pain while in movement. Improve your posture, look great! Most important - feel good while doing your everyday activities and movement!

The Alexander Technique is a widely recognized and valued tool for active older adults and people in everyday activities. At encourages a gentle awareness of the body, encouraging a greater presence, responsiveness, and ease while performing any activity. In this class students explore the basic principles of the Alexander Technique, learning skills they can use immediately. Classes will include centering work, experiential anatomy, challenging movement games and applying the technique to applying the technique to every day activities. Bring a yoga mat, wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to have fun.

Beginning: Monday August 2 - August 23 (Four Meetings)
Time: 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Location: Near Wells & Franklin
Fee: $150.00

To register email Claudia: claudiapeyton@gmail.com. A deposit of $75.00 is required to reserve you place in class. Balance will be due on first class meeting.

If you can not attend please pass this information on to friends who may be interested.

Best regards,
Claudia Peyton, M.AmSAT

Long-Distance Client: newyorker.com

2010-03-07T10:29:00.000-08:00

Long-Distance Client: newyorker.com

Faith

2010-01-22T09:36:00.000-08:00

Rita was tall, beautiful, elegant and brave. She came to a group class once, and then decided to embark on private Alexander Technique lessons. An 80-year-old woman, Rita had Parkinson’s disease. She wanted to preserve the integrity and overall musculoskeletal functioning of her body. Her experience of Parkinson’s was continually changing. Sometimes her muscles were rigid, and other days her voice seemed restricted, or her balance was off and the tremors became unmanageable. After attending that first class, she called and asked me to make home visits. We began lessons, meeting several times each week.

Each lesson began with a table turn. On a massage table, Rita lay on her back with a bolster that supported her knees in a modified version of a semi-supine, with her head supported by two small books covered with a soft hand towel. To begin, I gently placed my hands under her head and neck—encouraged muscles along the length of her entire spine to free. I waited, listened for changes in Rita’s body. She exhaled noticeably and inhaled deeply, all of her abdominal muscles supporting each inhalation and exhalation. Visibly the timing of her breathing pattern slowed and became deeper. The muscles of her torso supported her diaphragm’s process. Her facial muscles softened; she was serene and appeared to have a greater presence.

After placing her head down, I moved to face her right side. With my palms up, I slid my hands underneath her torso and moved little by little around Rita to encourage her muscles into new resting lengths. My directions* and the quality of my hands informed her of an ease within her muscles and encouraged “stopping stress” held in the muscles. With my hands were under Rita’s torso, I directed my head, neck, torso, and legs, listened and observed my own body’s response. I felt my own lengthening and widening process. I was aware as my body changed her body would change in response. There was a cyclical process: I would listen inwardly and direct my overall sense of use and self; I was keenly aware of Rita’s response as she let go and took in my hands-on message.

At my request, Rita sat up on the table’s edge, her legs hung over the side. I asked her to stand on both feet, placed hip-distance apart; in this placement, her stance was structurally supported. Standing upright, she lost some of the length of her spine by collapsing unconsciously. Her head moved slightly forward of her torso, which in turn threw off the relationship of her head, neck and spine all the way down into her pelvis. Rita’s balance was more on her toes and her knees were locked in hyperextension. With gentle hands on the back of her head-neck and at her lower back, I asked her to balance more toward her heals while softening her knees. She mused that she might topple backward. We laughed, I ensured she would not fall, and supported her balance as she explored this new equilibrium from her heals up. She moved out of her toe-forward stance. Her weight moved back toward her heels. Rita’s alignment was now more supported by her structure. Her posture was stacked from the floor: heels under hips, hips under shoulders and shoulders under ears.

As Rita stood, I asked her to notice the contact she had with the floor, to feel where the weight of her body placed pressure on the bottom of her heels and balls of her feet. Continuing the scan we began, I asked Rita to bring her awareness to the heels of her feet, then in her minds-eye trace up the arch to a point below the ankle. I asked her for feedback, “As the pressure moves down toward the arch, what is your experience?” Rita paused, took a breath and observed and after a moment she answered, “Hmm, my body does not settle on any one point there is a continual rebalancing on my feet.” “Wonderful”, I responded, “Come back to your breathing process”. Notice your experience, your thoughts. Just observe.” As she focused inward, I was aware of Rita’s presence changing to serenity. Rita responded, “The stiffness I felt this morning is nearly gone.” I smiled. For months after that we met, plodding away, exploring the technique, applying it to different activities. The activities varied from standing, sitting in a chair, walking, lunging, and walking up and down stairs, opening doors or objects, reciting poems or reading aloud. We progressed remaining flexible with what each day presented us.

More to come……

*Directions - the silent repeating or reciting to yourself FM Alexander’s directions, a process of projecting neural messages from the brain to the musculature.

Riding Clinic - Simply Good Riding

2009-11-05T17:35:00.000-08:00

You are invited to audit the "Riding Clinic - Simply Good Riding" at Shamrock Farms this Sunday November 8 from noon six. If you are curious as to what good quality horsmanship and riding is come on down! The fee is $35 to audit you can contact Claudia for RSVP or more information. 847.650.0065

Claire Yates
For over forty years Claire has loved horses. Her passion for horses began before she could walk according to her mother. And, it has never waned. Claire has been formally teaching for ten years and accepts students of all ages with any type of horse and in any discipline. She trains thru FEI level dressage with her primary focus correct balance and muscle development that is appropriate for every horse and rider. Simply good riding.

Sarah Grubner
A graduate of William Woods University with a Bachelors of Science in Equestrian Science, Sarah has been a Professional Horseman for twenty five years. Her specialty is preparing the horse and rider for top level show-ring competition. Sarah’s successes as a competitor through-out the United States adds tremendous wisdom while assisting her students in preparing for competitions. She teaches all levels of riders with passion emphasizing fundamentals of good horsemanship and training both horse and rider.

Claudia Peyton
Claudia is a nationally certified Alexander Technique Teacher for over fifteen years. Her teaching emphasizes poise and movement becoming practical and effortless. Claudia’s teaching supports the experiential discovery of the students. She has taught the Alexander Technique to Equestrian Professionals ranging from riders, trainers, body therapist, and Equine Veterinarians all exploring integrative approaches to the well being of the rider and their beloved horses.

Alexander Technique Greater Chicago Area: Shamrock Farms offers Private Alexander Technique Lessons Mondays

2009-10-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

Alexander Technique Greater Chicago Area: Shamrock Farms offers Private Alexander Technique Lessons Mondays

Shamrock Farms offers Private Alexander Technique Lessons Mondays

2009-10-04T07:11:00.000-07:00

Alexander Technique - Individual Instruction

This one-on-one instruction uses spoken word, gentle hands-on touch and guided movement leading to a deeper understanding of the Alexander Technique as it is applied in centered riding a fundmental approach to centered riding skills. Sessions are scheduled individually with instructor.

Quote - Conscious Awareness

2009-09-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

"Conscious awareness is where change starts, without awareness we are not going anywhere." A. Morgan

New Class to Begin Soon - Alexander Technique Classes in Chicago

2009-09-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

On-Going Alexander Technique Classes
The Alexander Technique Made Practical

Classes Offered at Unity in Chicago
1925 W. Thome AvenueChicago, Illinois 60660

Directions: http://www.unitychicago.org/about/map.php

 Are you interested in beginning a class that works for your schedule?
Contact Claudia directly 847.650.0065

 Class sizes limited to four participants

 Beginning Now Pay Monthly Fee: $160.00

Deepen your experience of the Alexander Technique and it's application to your life skills.

Learn about your body’s structure and movement possibilities while building practical skills to enhance health, poise, and freedom from pain while in movement. Improve your posture, look great! Most important - feel good while doing your everyday activities and movement!The Alexander Technique is a proven, safe, self care method to stop pain, stress and muscular tension caused by everyday misuse of the body. This on going class is for all skill levels of student. The class size is limited to four students so there is more hands-on for the students to experience. In this course through gentle guiding touch, the spoken word, and studied movement, the teacher assists you in changing your quality of movement in keeping with your bodies design.

In this course explores the basic principles and concepts of the Alexander Technique. Wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to have fun.

On-Going Alexander Technique Classes - Glenview

2009-07-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

Alexander Technique Classes - Glenview
Feel The Difference

Classes Now at Re:fit, Inc; rehabilitation and fitness
910 Waukegan Rd., Glenview, IL 60025

To Register Call: 847.657.0881

* Fridays or Saturdays - Class forming - concat Claudia for times

* Are you interested in beginning a class that works for your schedule?
Contact Claudia 847.650.0065

Class sizes limited to four, classes meet four sessions each month
Fee per class: $160.00

Does it hurt to sit, stand and do simple activities?
Would you like relief from the aches and pains in your body?

Learn about your body’s structure and movement possibilities while building practical skills to enhance health, poise, and freedom from pain while in movement. Improve your posture, look great! Most important - feel good while doing your everyday activities and movement!

The Alexander Technique is a proven, safe, self care method to stop pain, stress and muscular tension caused by everyday misuse of the body. This on going class is for all skill levels of student. The class size is limited to four students so there is more hands-on for the students to experience. In this course through gentle guiding touch, the spoken word, and studied movement, the teacher assists you in changing your quality of movement in keeping with your bodies design. In this course explores the basic principles and concepts of the Alexander Technique. Wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to have fun.
_______________________
Claudia Peyton, M.AmSAT
Nationally Certified Teacher of the Alexander Technique
847.650.0065
claudiapeyton@comcast.net

Writer

2009-07-04T14:14:00.000-07:00

Maxime at 48, an accomplished writer and poet, called me for her first Alexander Technique lesson just three weeks after major life-altering surgery. She had severe scoliosis. Surgeons replaced bone and vertebrae with rods along remaining spine to straighten her posture. Before surgery she navigated her body: an anomaly, her spine bent to her left side 80˚ with a slight rotation forward and up. She negotiated doors, stairs, getting in and out of cars, daily living, from this curved point of view.

Our first lesson, Maxime was in bed, slightly inclined unable to sit up, fatigued by her body’s healing process. It was clear she had a willingness to be with herself, differently, in simple everyday movement activities. Movement patterns that were once ordinary had been removed.

I asked Maxime to observe what ever she noticed while resting. She felt the contact she had with the bedding, her clothing, and the mattress. Next, I asked her what thoughts she was aware of, without getting involved or attached to the words, just simply noticing. She wondered when she would regain her energy and strength. Maxime observed herself honestly. Her expression was both frail and without judgment. I asked if there was anymore information she was aware of? She was ready to continue. After a moment, I asked her to become aware of her breathing, the gentle rise and fall of her ribs with each inhalation and exhalation. By paying attention to her self, Maxime was setting a foundation for the study of FM Alexander’s method.

With gentle hands-on guidance and verbal feedback Maxime and I mapped out her whole body: head, neck, collar bone, shoulders, upper arm, lower arm, wrists, hands, fingers, torso, ribs, hips, upper legs, lower legs, ankles, feet, toes. Our first lesson was simple, fitting.

The next week she had more energy. Maxime lying down with a pillow propping her up wanted to be shown how to sit up on her own. I brought out photographs and simple drawings of anatomy that involved sitting. We spoke of what would be useful to her, in order to sit up by herself. I introduced some ideas, using sensible support from her structure, the influence of Inhibition* and Primary Control**, and her muscles working in coordination. With hands-on I guided Maxime turning onto her side, then using her hands and arms to bring her to a sitting position. She discovered a quality of ease throughout the sitting process, and gained a clearer awareness of using her muscles efficiently.

The next five lessons progressed from sitting, to standing up, to walking, to sitting in a chair, and finally to sitting at her writing desk comfortably.
______________________________________________
*Inhibition - To stop or to pause a habitual movement pattern so the body can inform the student as to a new quality of movement which is natural and inherent in the body.

**Primary Control – Alexander observed that within his body including head, neck and back held the key responsibility for the body’s movement and coordination while in activity. Primary Control is the ‘mechanism of the total pattern’ in Alexander’s view of the use of the self. We are born with Primary Control. Primary Control is inherent and natural with each of us

Quote - Habits

2009-07-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

"As long as emotional habits remain outside our awareness, we are powerless to do much about them." T. Benette-Goleman

Chicago Alexander Technique Class Begins July 11, Drop-ins Welcome

2009-07-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

Alexander Technique Class Mornings in July and August
Classes Now at Unity
Feel the Difference

Alexander Technique for Every Body

The Alexander Technique is a widely recognized and valued tool for people in everyday activities. Through the gentle hands-on guidance the Alexander Technique teacher encourages a gentle awareness of the body, encouraging a greater ease while in everyday activities. In this course explore the basic principles of the Alexander Technique, learning skills you can use immediately. Classes will include centering work, experiential anatomy, challenging movement exploration and application of the technique. Wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to have fun.

* Tuesday, July 14, 21, August 4, 11
* 11:00am - 12:15pm
* Sign Up Now - Class Size Limited to Four
* Fee for class: $160.00
* To Register call: 847.650.0065

Drop-in Fee $40.00 per class paid in advance
Please call to see if there is room. Class size is limited to 4.
Call or email to reserve your spot.

http://www.unitychicago.org/about/map.php

Favorite Quote

2009-06-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

"When our minds are set on one thing or on one way of doing things, mindlessly determined in the past, we blot out intuition and miss much of the present world around us." E.J. Langer

Tennis

2009-06-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

Paula spoke with an accent. I thought German when I first met this new client, a tennis player, but I didn’t know for sure until she shared her story. As a teenage girl she was sent to a holocaust concentration camp. The few years she spent in the camp left her undernourished which contributed to her Achilles’ Tendon not developing properly. Over time the tendon deteriorated. Paula’s gate was affected. I watched her walk with a limp on her right side, an over use of muscles developed to protect her weaken ankle and foot.

I was aware during the first experience of placing my hands-on Paula, the state of her muscles changed to a lighter easier quality. I understood then that she would respond well to letting go of muscle strain. The next step would be to show Paula, how she could change her overall use with more constancy. We reviewed what her experience was like for her in the first lesson and agreed she would have daily homework of 10 minute self-lessons or constructive rest.

Paula 72 years young, loved the game of tennis, she played often with her husband and friends. She told me she had met her husband, both then in their teens, at the camp. Surgery was not an option. The outcome was not certain, if unsuccessful her ankle would be fused, and if successful no guarantee of full use of the ankle and foot. The quality of her life would change.

Each week Paula returned persistent in her interest. Her progression was quick and full of resolve. I saw Paula for three months, she embraced the lessons like no other person I have taught since. Our last lesson was a gift for me to witness. She knew she had come a far way from our first meeting, as her balance and overall coordination had changed noticeably. Her clear intent and willingness to change habits, explore an unknown, humbled me.

When new students ask me how long it will take to learn the Alexander Technique, I think of Paula. I smile and ask them what they hope to achieve, I know that is the best place to begin their discovery process.

USE
Use can be the overall way in which a person moves or makes use of their body, in any activity they are performing. The overall use can include physical and emotional stress which places strain on the body. How a person uses them self affects the overall functioning of the body as a whole.

A Class Begins Monday June 1, Alexander Technique On-Going Group Class: Glenview

2009-05-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

Monday June 1, 2009

Alexander Technique On-Going Group Class: Glenview

On-Going Alexander Technique Classes
Feel The Difference

Classes Now at Re:fit, Inc;

rehabilitation and fitness

910 Waukegan Rd., Glenview, IL 60025

To Register Call: 847.657.0881

* Mondays, 6:00pm—7:15pm

Class sizes limited to four, classes meet four sessions each monthFee per class: $160.00

Does it hurt to sit, stand and do simple activities? Would you like relief from the aches and pains in your body?Learn about your body’s structure and movement possibilities while building practical skills to enhance health, poise, and freedom from pain while in movement. Improve your posture, look great! Most important - feel good while doing your everyday activities and movement!The Alexander Technique is a proven, safe, self care method to stop pain, stress and muscular tension caused by everyday misuse of the body. This on going class is for all skill levels of student. The class size is limited to four students so there is more hands-on for the students to experience. In this course through gentle guiding touch, the spoken word, and studied movement, the teacher assists you in changing your quality of movement in keeping with your bodies design. In this course explores the basic principles and concepts of the Alexander Technique. Wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to have fun.

Harper College Private Instruction

2009-04-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

30 Minute Lessons

CRN80547 - LMU 0072 - 001
Eight Weeks (four hours)
$323.00
CEU credits .8 CEU

45 Minute Lessons

CRN80548
Eight Weeks (six hours)
$487.00
CEU credits 1.2 CEU

To register Call: 847.925.6300

Parents and Children Move Together!

2009-04-25T10:02:00.001-07:00

Most likely you were more than three years old when your mom first said, "Sit up straight, put your feet on the floor." Children do this automatically: spine aligned with shoulders and hip. However, we untrain ourselves as we grow up and it leads to many problems, including difficulty in breathing naturally as everything in your body becomes scrunched up. In this restful kinesthetic experience, verbal instructions and hands-on work from an experienced teacher of the Alexander Technique will help you relearn the right posture for standing, sitting and sleeping. Bring your child and switch teaching roles for a day.

Monday August 3
7:00pm – 9:00pm
CRN80803

To Register Contact Continuing Education: 847.925.6300

Harper College Summer Course for Adults

2009-04-25T09:53:00.000-07:00

Alexander Technique for Musicians
This Class is for Every Body (Not just Musicians)

The Alexander Technique is a widely recognized and valued tool for musicians and people in everyday activities. A.T. encourages a gentle awareness of the body, encouraging a greater stage presence, responsiveness and ease while in performance. In this course students explore the basic principles of the Alexander Technique, learning skills they can use immediately. Classes will include centering work, experiential anatomy, challenging movement games and applying the technique to playing an instrument or singing. Bring a yoga mat, wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to have fun.

Thursdays, June 11 - July 30, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
CRN80565
Tuition $159.00
CEU Credits 1.2CEU
Call to register 847.925.6300

Alexander Technique Private Lessons

2009-03-26T14:59:00.000-07:00

Alexander Technique-Individual Instruction

This one-on-one instruction uses spoken word, gentle hands-on touch and guided movement leading to a deeper understanding of the Alexander Technique as it is applied in simple daily activities. Sessions are scheduled individually with Claudia.

Claudia teaches privates lessons in these locations: Chicago,Printers Row, Wicker Park, Roger Park; Woodstock, Barrington, Palatine, and Glenview. If your community would like to host three to six hours of private lessons Claudia will travel to you. For scheduling and fees contact Claudia at 847.650.0065 or email claudiapeyton@comcast.net.

Alexander Technique On-Going Group Classes - Chicago

2009-03-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

On-Going Alexander Technique Classes
The Alexander Technique Made Practical

Classes Offered at Unity in Chicago
1925 W. Thome Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60660
Directions: http://www.unitychicago.org/about/map.php

To Register Call: 847.650.0065
Thursdays, From 4:45 pm - 6:00 pm
Class sizes limited to four participants
Beginning Now Pay Monthly Fee: $150.00

Does it hurt to sit, stand and do simple activities?
Would you like relief from the aches and pains in your body?

Learn about your body’s structure and movement possibilities while building practical skills to enhance health, poise, and freedom from pain while in movement. Improve your posture, look great! Most important - feel good while doing your everyday activities and movement!

The Alexander Technique is a proven, safe, self care method to stop pain, stress and muscular tension caused by everyday misuse of the body. This on going class is for all skill levels of student. The class size is limited to four students so there is more hands-on for the students to experience. In this course through gentle guiding touch, the spoken word, and studied movement, the teacher assists you in changing your quality of movement in keeping with your bodies design. In this course explores the basic principles and concepts of the Alexander Technique. Wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to have fun.

Claudia Peyton, M.AmSAT
Nationally Certified Teacher of the Alexander Technique
847.650.0065
claudiapeyton@comcast.net
Web: http://claudiapeyton.home.comcast.net/

Alexander Technique On-Going Group Classes: Glenview

2009-03-26T14:53:00.000-07:00

On-Going Alexander Technique Classes
Feel The Difference

Classes Now at Re:fit, Inc; rehabilitation and fitness
910 Waukegan Rd., Glenview, IL 60025

To Register Call: 847.657.0881

* Mondays, 6:00pm—7:15pm

* Fridays, 10:00am—11:15am

* Fridays, 3:00pm—4:15pm

Class sizes limited to four, classes meet four sessions each month
Fee per class: $160.00

Does it hurt to sit, stand and do simple activities?
Would you like relief from the aches and pains in your body?

Learn about your body’s structure and movement possibilities while building practical skills to enhance health, poise, and freedom from pain while in movement. Improve your posture, look great! Most important - feel good while doing your everyday activities and movement!

The Alexander Technique is a proven, safe, self care method to stop pain, stress and muscular tension caused by everyday misuse of the body. This on going class is for all skill levels of student. The class size is limited to four students so there is more hands-on for the students to experience. In this course through gentle guiding touch, the spoken word, and studied movement, the teacher assists you in changing your quality of movement in keeping with your bodies design. In this course explores the basic principles and concepts of the Alexander Technique. Wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to have fun.
_______________________
Claudia Peyton, M.AmSAT
Nationally Certified Teacher of the Alexander Technique847.650.0065
claudiapeyton@comcast.net
Web: http://claudiapeyton.home.comcast.net