Review of “Moving Mindfully: A Self-Help Guide to the Alexander Technique”
 A
Compact Disk by Elizabeth A. Buonomo
It’s early April in New England. Snow still covers the ground. The
afternoon sky is gray and the air feels damp and heavy. But that’s outside.
Inside, I’m literally cooking with thoughts of “up” and “ease”. Inhabiting
my kitchen, I’m making minestrone soup—cold weather always triggers
habitual soup-making reflexes—and writing this review of Elizabeth Buonomo’s
gem of a CD, “Moving Mindfully: A Self-Help Guide to the Alexander Technique”.
Fresh from experiencing Elizabeth’s articulate and thoughtfully constructed
introductory chair and floor lessons, I chop zucchini with a free arm
releasing out of my long, wide torso. This is my aim as a teacher—sending
students off with useful tools to integrate into their lives—precisely
what Elizabeth’s lesson has given me in this moment.
As I chop, stir, taste, reach for a pen and jot down a phrase, stand
in front of the open fridge and release into a deep monkey to plunge
headfirst into its depths, Elizabeth’s voice resonates--like the felt
memory of a skilled teacher’s hand, hours after the lesson is over.
Yet this is a CD--minus hands, communicating entirely through the power
of voice. Indeed, Elizabeth speaks with clarity and fullness, guiding
the student through an engaging treasure hunt of bony landmarks, joints
and pleasurable discoveries of ease. Her carefully chosen words inspire
trust. Elizabeth paces the lesson skillfully, allowing time for ideas
to sink in while maintaining momentum and flow. There is art in finding
this balance and Elizabeth Buonomo succeeds beautifully in her efforts.
By Cheryl Pleskow, M.Ed.
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