August Musings • Aug. 2019
Sara Goldstein Studio
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THINKING & SENSING • August Update
Hello Friends,
Greetings! I write to you from the Berkshires where I am happily spending time hearing concerts, teaching some workshops, swimming (I'm getting better at it!) and walking. Just noticing the sights and sounds of each day that I can be outdoors is a great gift. I hope your summer is bringing you some time and space to enjoy!
Sara
FAR FROM THE BERKSHIRES
TOUCHED BY MIDAS
I had this experience a few weeks ago in Boston.
I'm sitting in the grimy waiting room of the Midas shop. It's pouring rain outside. There's a TV news show on and a woman's cell phone is periodically spewing shrill noises. What an opportunity!
Opportunity?
Why not? I can review my choices:
1. Sink deeper into my faux leather chair and shut down my senses.
2. Wish the rain would stop.
3. Listen to the store manager. Every quoted price has a 9 in it; $950.00, $99.99.
Ok. Enough whining. We can't always be in our happy place. Would I rather be in the Berkshires gazing at the sky or swimming in a lake? Yes. But the bills are due and to really use the Alexander Technique, we have to make choices in the present moment, no matter how mundane. Here are my other choices:
1. I can use my body in a way that creates space and ease. Now I'm breathing.
2. I can observe the employees with compassion. They are human, like me. They work here full time.
3. I can accept the rainy weather as it is out of my control and will benefit my garden.
4. I can have a sense of humor and look forward to finding out that the cost of repairing my car will have a 9 in it.
It's easy to get pulled into habitual irritability. But with a little awareness we can let in the world as it is and choose how to best live in it.
PHONELESS ON THE TRAIN
While riding the train into town for an appointment I noticed my phone battery was running low. Since I expected to wait to be seen (it's a take-a-number kind of office) I was worried I would not be able to use my phone much longer. Why didn't I bring a charger? Why didn't I bring a book?
I ended up being one of the few people on the train who was not looking at a phone. I felt somehow exposed without a screen to interact with. It felt awkward just to be looking around, taking in the people and scenery.
The experience of passing time, and getting lost in our thoughts has become a rarity. As I accepted the idea of "nothing to do," a sense of calm began to descend. I noticed details - a construction project, a little boy going to his first Red Sox game, an older woman with beautiful white hair. I spent the travel time being in the world. I'll try it again from time to time.
RAIN OR SHINE
Wherever we find ourselves, the Alexander Technique teaches us to be present. We can use this awareness to make choices about how we wish to respond to any given situation. Sometimes moments of stress invite the greatest possibilities. How we use ourselves can determine the quality of our lives from day to day.
What do you notice?
This summer I am teaching Voice and Alexander Technique lessons and workshops in Boston and in the Berkshires.
ABOUT THE ALEXANDER TECHINQUE
The Alexander Technique helps us to function in harmony with our natural design and with greater efficiency and ease. Alexander lessons are recognized as a valuable resource to people of all ages, including performing artists, athletes, anyone with chronic or incidental pain or just wishing to improve wellbeing.
Book a Lesson with me, or Learn More on my website.