Do you want to be given a fish or do you want to learn how to fish?

When new students come for their first Alexander Technique lesson it is always a challenge for the teacher and the student. It is an exchange of ideas between the teacher and the student. Both learning about the other and seeing if there is something that they can bring to each other. This leads to new experiences for both and one which brings excitement too.

The student comes with a desire, a reason to be there. They want to feel better, to be better, to get rid of that nagging old problem or that stress they are struggling under. When the student comes in, they see me, the teacher, and they hope that I can help them.

So I am left with a dilemma. What do I do, do I solve their problem for them so he/she can wander off happy that their problem has been solved for them or do I teach them how to solve their problem for themself? It is the same as the saying do you give a man a fish or do you teach him how to fish? Do you go for the quick fix and dependency or the longer solution and empowerment?

I know my preference and I know how I teach. I believe in people achieving their dreams and enjoying their lives. You can't do this if you are having to come back to get your fish everyday. This means I want my students to learn how to solve their own problems and this also means that the route for my Alexander Technique teaching will always be empowerment based. Learning how to solve your own problems successfully is hugely rewarding since not only do you get your problem solved, you can do it again if you need to and you can do the same thing with all your other problems and challenges. Choose "learning to fish" - Choose Empowerment.

Have Fun,

Barbara
P.S. The question from last time is...What am I doing that is causing my problem?