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
‘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
‘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
‘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
‘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
‘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
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
‘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
or buy direct from the publisher (UK only) or from Barnes & Noble (USA Only)
About the Author
Marcus James qualified as an Alexander Technique teacher in 2001. He is also a psychotherapist, working with both talk-based and embodied modalities. His therapeutic work incorporates contemporary person-centred, neo-Reichian and somatically informed trauma work. He teaches a therapeutic group dance practice called Dance of Awareness.
Marcus worked for many years as a craftsperson, producing bespoke handmade furniture in a contemporary Arts and Crafts style. He writes poetry and owns a small poetry press.
or buy direct from the publisher (UK only) or from Barnes & Noble (USA Only)
or buy direct from the publisher (UK only) or from Barnes & Noble (USA Only)
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 accessible, non-technical language.
‘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
Marcus James qualified as an Alexander Technique teacher in 2001. He is also a psychotherapist, working with both talk-based and embodied modalities. His therapeutic work incorporates contemporary person-centred, neo-Reichian and somatically informed trauma work. He teaches a therapeutic group dance practice called Dance of Awareness.
Marcus worked for many years as a craftsperson, producing bespoke handmade furniture in a contemporary Arts and Crafts style. He writes poetry and owns a small poetry press.
About The Author
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