Glossary

Use

In the Alexander technique, ‘use’ refers to the habitual and characteristic manner in which a person behaves in their daily life and activities and how they respond to stimuli in their surrounding environment. It is how we do what we do. The way we use ourselves affects the functioning of our whole psychophysical being. As FM Alexander once said, “Talk about a man’s individuality and character: it’s the way he uses himself”.

In order to bring about improvements in the way we use ourselves, along with the physical changes that may occur in our physical structure or in the way we move, some of our habitual attitudes, thoughts, feelings, and reactions may also need to change.

See other glossary terms and definitions.