By Ken Steele

What do Kevin Kline, William Hurt, John Cleese, Robertson Davies and George Bernard Shaw have in common?: They have all benefited from the Alexander Technique.

What is the Alexander Technique?: It’s the promotion of ease, of good use, of graceful movement, of poise, of coordination through a process of verbal instruction and gentle guidance from the hands of the teacher – a kinesthetic re-education, if you will.

Who would benefit from this technique?: The Technique benefits not only writers and those in the performing arts, but also anyone seeking ease of movement and lightness of being. Do you have lower back pain? Do you carry tension in your shoulders and neck? Do you experience aching joints? Do you find yourself anxious and tense? Would you like to improve your running?; your weight training?; your martial arts? Those seeking alleviation of physical challenges as well as those seeking optimum performance will find the technique of benefit. Those who have experienced these benefits are laudatory in their praise. The increased awareness of habitual response patterns and the ability to change them tends to spill over into other areas of one’s life. Like most practices it is better experienced than explained.

James Bay is fortunate in having Johanna Godliman as resident amongst us. With a degree in Fine Arts and Performance from Falmouth School of Art in Cornwall and 3 years of full time training in the Alexander Technique in England, Johanna has logged 8 years of practice in Vancouver before coming to Victoria in 2003. where she has continued to practice. Johanna is a testament to her practice – providing visual proof to the expressions: ‘proud bearing,’ ‘graceful movement,’ and ‘level-headedness.’ She currently offers group sessions at the James Bay Community Center/School as well as individual instruction out of her home.