Shmuel Nelken

Evolution of a Technique

Since I started my practice as an Alexander Technique teacher I was asked often if the Technique has evolved since Alexander’s time.
This question was evidently based on the common view that everything is developing and that the latest version is supposed to be the best till a new one arrives. The question was embarrassing; my point of view, influenced by what I heard from my seniors, was always contrary to this idea of progress. Alexander was at the top and his direct pupils were next but inevitably not as evolved as the discoverer of the Technique.
My own experience confirmed it. I was lucky enough to get two lessons from Alexander just before he died. I’ve never got a better, more accurate direction ever since. But according to what I’ve heard – this very accurate and subtle touch I’ve experienced was something that evolved in him only gradually – a fruit of many years’ experience and research.
The Alexander Technique doesn’t stop its evolution and is going to evolve as long as there are people engaged in the field of research initiated by Alexander.
He gave us tools for research in a unique field – the way we are using ourselves. In this Technique I’m concerned with the use of myself, not as an external object like in other scientific fields of research but it is I - who is engaged in the research and I - the subject of the research. The results of my work are inscribed in me, in what I am. Nobody can experience or can do this work for me. My job in teaching the Alexander Technique is solely to transmit the tools, exactly like my own teachers who transmitted those tools to me.   
Our workshop is not different from any other Alexander Technique work. We are following together our research. The tools remain the same; our field of research remains the same. In this journey of evolution there is never a dull moment. We’ll try to continue from where we are now. Alexander considered his work as a beginning and this is the way I have to follow it myself, with my colleagues and with all people who try to benefit from the tools he gave us, all those who are ready to let this process of evolution continue in them and in working with others.

Shmuel Nelken is born 1930, since 1933 in Jerusalem.
First contact with the AT 1955, lessons with F.M. Alexander, Miss Goldy and Walter Carrington.
Trained with Patrick Macdonald 1956 -1960.
Pratice in Jerusalem since 1960.
Director of the Jerusalem Training course since 1974.
Wokshops and visiting training courses in Europe and the US.
Paricipating in all AT congresses.
Co-director of the 5th Congress 1996 in Jerusalem.