Ease and Skill: a User’s Guide to the Self

A new book on the Alexander Technique by Marcus James

This book offers a fresh, contemporary approach to exploring Alexander Technique principles in every area of our lives. Written to appeal equally to newcomers and the more experienced, its perspective is both broad and deep, integrating up-to-date understandings of mind, body and emotions with F.M. Alexander’s discoveries in an accessible way.

‘What a breath of fresh air this new book is. An Alexander book that uses approachable modern language without losing the deep ethos and philosophy of Alexander's work. Marcus James has created a clear and welcoming, holistic guide and approach to the subject of the Self.’ 

— Judith Kleinman

As well as addressing traditional Alexander concerns such as posture, poise, movement and performance, the book describes how we can draw on Alexander principles to explore and deepen our connections with ourselves and others and to experience and express our emotions. It explains how trauma and emotional wounds can impact our ability to access ease and introduces effective and safe ways of working with them in our practice. Finally, it offers creative, open-ended ways to explore for yourself beyond the lessons so that you can make the work your own.

‘In his new book, Marcus James offers his personal vision of the work that integrates with many of the neuroscientific and psychological discoveries of our modern times. I recommend you read it.’ 

– Jeremy Chance

A contemporary view of the Self

The more widely and deeply we understand the challenges we face as human beings, the more effectively we can address them and make positive changes. This book builds on up-to-date understandings of mind and body, drawing them together to provide a coherent, integrated way of understanding ourselves and the work.

‘Marcus uses his own story and experience to convey the simplicity and depth of Alexander work.  He articulates clearly the usefulness of the methods he describes, and shares ways to learn, practise and share them. He writes in an easy conversational style, as though you were listening to a friend. He uses anecdotes and metaphors to clarify and make the concepts more available. At the same time he really takes care with his language so that he is always addressing the whole person.’ 

— Lucia Walker

Discovering non-doing

‘Non-doing’ is at the heart of the Alexander Technique and lies at the heart of this book. But for many of us, non-doing can sometimes seem a bit mysterious and difficult to access. The author introduces simple but powerful ways of exploring non-doing. He explains how vicious circles can get in the way of accessing it for ourselves, and offers gentle but effective practices to help us through the difficulty.

‘The book shines in its emphasis on gentle treatment of the self, gentle movement and a pervasive quality of curiosity, and kindness towards ourselves.’

– Elyse Shafarman

Working with connection, attunement and expression

The book explores how our state of being and the way we  move and do things affects our ability to connect and attune to each other and the world around us. It explores ways to draw on Alexander principles to deepen our connections. At the same time, it suggests ways we can learn to access and express our feelings more freely and authentically – whether in our lives in general or in expressive activities such as music and the performance arts.

‘Marcus dedicates the book to his personal students/clients, but educators and trainees would also benefit from mining its rich vein of insights. With its focus on the psychophysical, relational and therapeutic dimensions, it is a welcome addition to the Alexander Technique canon.’ 

– Brigitta Mowat

Working safely with trauma and emotional wounds

It’s increasingly understood that trauma – which can result from discrete distressing events or build up slowly over time – can have wide impacts on how we feel and function. In addition, trauma in our system can make it more difficult for us to learn and apply Alexander principles. The author describes the origin of trauma and how – where appropriate – we can address it safely in our practice.

‘By bridging traditional principles with contemporary trauma-informed approaches, Ease and Skill presents a thought-provoking exploration of the psychophysical nature of trauma and its impact on use and movement.’

– Sean Carey

Discovering the work for ourselves

It’s not uncommon for people to experience feelings of freedom and ease in their Alexander lessons which they struggle to integrate and apply in their everyday lives. The book contains many free, exploratory, open-ended ways to work independently, helping you to build on work done with a teacher to grow and develop the work in your own way, and make it your own.

Ease and Skill is a marvelous modern update of the Alexander Technique and will quickly become the “go to” book for students and teachers alike. Marcus beautifully connects the concepts of the Technique to current neuroscience without the burden of language that is 100 years out of date. This is a book that is written with the reader in mind, tackling often confusing concepts with ease and grace. Bravo!

– Shawn Copeland

Whether you’re new to F.M. Alexander’s ideas or a seasoned practitioner, Ease and Skill offers a fresh, clear and comprehensive approach which integrates contemporary understandings of mind and body while remaining true to the essence of the work. The book is available to buy through the usual online channels, through most bookshops and – for UK buyers – direct from the publisher. Click the links below to purchase

‘Marcus James's new book is an outstanding and valuable resource … it is rich with insights and comprehensive in its approach…. Ease and Skill has earned a place on my "important books" shelf for the Alexander Technique.’ 

– Michael Frederick