LIVING THE ALEXANDER WAY OF LIFE by Liz Jeffries “...You have come in by train this morning, I see... I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had a good drive in a dog- cart, along heavy roads, before you reached the station”. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my companion. “There is no mystery, my dear madam”, said he, smiling. “The left arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a dog-cart which throws up mud in that way and then only when you sit on the left-hand side of the driver”. From the early series in the fifties to the present day Benedict Cumberbatch, what is Sherlock Holmes best known for? His acute observational skills! Okay, so some of them might stretch the imagination a little, but the basic premise applies; we learn much more and can participate more when we really observe what is going on around us. Our observations, certainly on a day to day basis, are usually outwardly. We notice things “I can see clearly now...” about other people, what they’re wearing, what they are doing, we take note of the weather. We might look at ourselves and note how we are feeling, are we happy, fed up, a little tired? All of this is natural and good, but do we really know what we do in everyday activities? If I asked you, “How do you get out of a chair?”, would you be able to tell me what happens to your head when you start to get up, are you well balanced over your feet, are your hips and knees in line with your feet, how much tension do you have in your body, do you have a closed or open posture? It is quite likely that you won’t know all the answers unless you really stop and think through what you do. The reason is because we are creatures of habit. We just do what we do without thinking, but, over the years, these patterns of behaviour can be harmful to our health and mobility and lead to pain, tension and stiffness. All this can have a detrimental effect on the body. Learning how to use the body in the way it was designed invariably leads to being pain free, balanced with better mobility and poise. It certainly makes the aging process more enjoyable and my goodness most of us need all the help we can get! The people who come along to my weekly groups in Hastings and Bexhill are certainly seeing a difference in how they perform everyday activities. They are seeing an improvement in their pain relief and stability. If you would like to know more do get in touch. Individual and group places are available and you can book one or more sessions. www. alexandertechniquehastings. co.uk; 01424 465838/07929 725156. One final tip on observation; when you next go out, look up at the top of buildings. I never did until my daughter, who is a fine arts graduate, recommended that I do. You can find some very interesting little sculptures up there. The song title, of course, is by Johnny Nash The first three <strong>Golden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> readers who get in touch with me can have a free one hour place on one of my courses at The Wellington Centre, Hastings, or The Body Junction, Bexhill CQC rated “Good” ARDATH CARE HOME BEXHILL An elegant and spacious Edwardian property situated in the seaside town of Bexhill, just one mile from the town centre. • A warm, welcoming, friendly atmosphere and comfortable surroundings. • Excellent care provided by highly trained staff encompassing the mental, physical and emotional wellbeing of each resident, ensuring they maintain their highest quality of life. • Single or double rooms, overlooking the grounds, with en suite WC and shower facilities. • Two comfortable lounges. • A provisions shop and hairdressing salon. • Award winning Pet Friendly policy. • Permanent and respite vacancies currently available. Prices start from £597 per week, based on single room occupancy, person centred care for standard dependency needs, assistance with day-to-day tasks as required, all meals, utilities, laundry, cleaning and maintenance. To book a visit or for further information please call Care Home Manager, Lindsey Sherwood, on 01424 210538, email ardath@sussexhousing.org.uk or visit www.sussexhousing.org.uk. 12 Find us online at www.goldentimes.co.uk
To advertise in <strong>Golden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> call Debby on 01424 429139 or email debby@goldentimes.co.uk 13