How did you become interested in this line of work? (tell us a little bit about your background)

I discovered the Alexander Technique by auspicious coincidence in a life drawing class in art school in my early twenties. I took some Alexander lessons and was amazed by how profound the work was for me. I really needed to enter my body, to let my nervous system settle and find the ground underneath me.

For the first time in my life I was getting to know myself. The body orientation is what made meditation possible for me when I discovered it ten years later. I needed to find the trustworthiness of my own experience and this was a means for doing that in a gentle form that spoke to me.

Please share a wellness tip or word of advice that relates to the workshop you will be presenting.

It sounds strange but when it comes to making changes and working with habits of all kinds, especially postural habits – don’t try to change!

We will really explore this in the class.

Instead of doing more, you will learn to let go of what you’re doing that gets in your way. Trying to change always results in working hard and pushing. Pushing does not result in the freedom we’re after. So there’s an emphasis on letting the nervous system rest, getting to know your habits and then letting them unwind through an indirect approach that is initiated by the re-balance of the head on the spine.

Profound change happens when we get out of the way and access the balanced organization that is inherent in our human design. If we constantly push, we never find true change. We just substitute one habit (the heavy, slumpy habit) for another (the rigid stiff habit).

If we employ habits to change habits we stay stuck in known outcomes. The approach is training for all aspects of our lives – creative pursuits, relationships, our jobs, our meditation practice!

What or who inspires you? (This could be anything from your mentor to your favorite quote)

I have been a close student of Pema Chodron for 30 years. I am so grateful for that relationship. She has been a huge influence on my life and work.

What personal or professional accomplishments are you most proud of?

I have been teaching the Alexander Technique for 35 years and have developed a specialty of working with meditators.

I am a practicing Buddhist, a meditator, a meditation instructor and a Focusing trainer.  I have brought my influences together and developed them in two unique programs I teach called Embodied Listening® and The Shape of Awake®.

I love teaching the Alexander Technique to meditators and to the general public, helping them get more balanced on their cushions and in their lives. The process brings tremendous ease to sitting and to everyday activities.

When you’re upright, supported and at ease, you have direct contact with your life in the present moment. By not fixing or freezing experience, you are present right now.

I am most proud that I have gone deeply into the practices I teach so that they have transformed my life. Consequently, I am blessed to have the opportunity to share them with others and in turn, help their lives.