Vision Improvement

through Alexander Technique

Tara Sullivan 4-20-2013

The notion that people can change the way their body looks and feels, their pain status, and perhaps also an inter-related state of mental and emotional being has become widely accepted even in the most conventional models. Myriad means of doing so have gained popularity, whether ancient or experimental, movement based or rooted purely in thought. Yoga, meditation, tai chi, and even plain old walking, to name just a few, are not uncommon prescriptions even from Western medical doctors these days. However, our collective thinking seems closed to the possibility that some aspects of our human experience can be changed, or are even worthy of such an exploration. One of these is eyesight and vision.

Applicable to literally any activity, the Alexander Technique involves using the body in harmony with its structure and function by means of mental direction. Key concepts involve: becoming aware of and letting go of habit; understanding of fundamental hierarchy in how vertebrates operate; and the role of the kinesthetic sense in both habit and novelty. In this workshop we will apply some of the Alexander Technique principles to the process of seeing as well as to some "eye-exercises" and movements. We will also discuss why working on vision might be among the most useful ways to make change in one's whole self.

Tara Sullivan holds a B.A. in Music from Sarah Lawrence College, is a Certified Teacher of the Alexander Technique (ACAT), and is a Certified Jivamukti Yoga teacher. A soprano, Tara is formerly of the Music faculty at Long Island University's C.W. Post campus. She has worked extensively with her teacher and colleague Peter Grunwald, a pioneer in applying the Alexander Technique to the process of seeing, and is editor of his book "Eyebody" - the Art of Integrating Eye, Brain and Body. She has recently relocated to Berkeley from her home in New York City via three years in New Zealand and quite a bit of travel. Tara has a private Alexander Technique teaching practice in the East Bay where she also teaches Jivamukti yoga, prenatal and postnatal yoga.