It was snowing that morning. I was in the Times Square station, changing from the Broadway local to the BMT to go downtown. It was rush hour. People were wet, angry, in a rush, pushing. Even though I was going downtown for another yucky medical test, and even though I was in the middle of a collective grouch scene, well, I realized that I was floating. I felt so light, I was lengthening and widening, I was not gripping in my knees or my elbows, as is my want. I just felt great. Wow…Alexander Technique! I was under the spell of my recent spate of five lessons within eight days, all my AT lessons in general, along with my one semester of teacher training. I was luxuriating in all that. I was thinking that if I could feel so great in such circumstances, under the status quo, well, the transformation that I will undergo during my hopefully soon to be resumed training will be enormous. Happiness!
During the medical test, I had the “let my neck be free” mantra going in my head, and I did whispered ahs. I pretended that I was doing a table turn. And then, I made it back uptown. It was no longer rush hour so the atmosphere in the subway was lighter. On the walk home I bought a cheddar cheese and chive brioche from a local bakery. Once home, I enjoyed it with a big cup of coffee…while meditating on the fact that I would not have time for such intense AT hands on until I start training again. My feeling great would have to last awhile. Soon I would be going back to work.
And I do believe that I will be returning to work transformed, totally chilled out. I had just received an amazing e-mail from one of the senior managers at work. He is excited for my return! And so am I! Now I am psyched. I feel that the surgery-provoked hibernation period is coming to a close.
The weather was really inclement. I was hunkering in for the day. I got out my Loeb edition of Ovid’s Metamorphoses and re-read the Pygmalion narrative. I started meditating on what to make for dinner…
Pygmalion and Galatea (Photo credit: peterjr1961)
Mark Josefsberg
Rena, this post could help lots of people. Please keep them coming, and getting them out there.
Rena Anya Devéza
Mark! Thank you so much! It’s so funny that as soon as I get into the subway…well…I inhibit and direct big time!
Yvette Daoust
Thank you. Mark is right, you are inspiring. I will think of your post when I’m next on a crowded underground train! Even a small number of people inhibiting and directing quietly can lower the general tension level too. Even one — do you think so?
Rena Anya Devéza
Yvette! Yes, I do think so! Mirror neurons! I also couldn’t help smiling that day, in the subway, wherever, and people caught my smiles and smiled back.