Hi! I’m Morgan Rysdon. I'm a nationally certified Alexander Technique teacher based in Atlanta. If you’re someone who struggles with stress, tension, anxiety, or just plain old pain and discomfort, I hope you find my videos informative and refreshing. If you're someone who generally feels pretty good (way to go!), I hope you enjoy exploring some new ideas and approaches to living a life full of peace, more calmness, and more freedom. These skills have helped me on my own path towards comfort, healing, and happiness and I hope the same will be true for you!
When you’re in a workspace, you are limited in your choices. For instance, I have a built-in desk that it’s too high and I have a chair that is cheap and too short and very uncomfortable and I also have to work nine hours a day at my desk. I have a lot of problems, including my back, my wrist, my arms, my neck, so I need a comfortable adjustable chair, a.k.a. an ergonomic chair. You quite literally lost me when you said the name ergonomic makes you think it’s comfortable. What?? It’s either comfortable or it’s not. You’re only solution is to grab a chair from around the house and start there. Not a great solution when you’re at the office. Also, what if that chair that you grabbed from around the house isn’t high enough and you’re sitting super low at your desk. What is your solution? My chair at work has casters and I’m on carpet. It doesn’t move. Unless I push it. I stand on it all the time to water the plants above the cabinets. Ergonomic chairs, place you at the right height at your desk at work and support your lumbar as well as offer cushion for 9 hours. If you can counter that with some equivalent solutions, that would be helpful, but saying that a chair only makes someone feel comfortable because of the name of the chair and grab a chair from around the house and start there is not helpful. Also, you’re teaching a method to students. But if it’s sound it could be applied to any age. Grandmothers don’t just change their own lightbulbs, they also work in office settings. 😑
Happened upon this video after learning about the idea/technique of the Alexander technique. Hope to still view more about this topic. Thanks for putting this video on RU-vid for all to enjoy.
You're so welcome! Thanks for leaving this comment-I hope you enjoy the pillow as much as me! I literally took it with me on a 40+ hour road trip this summer AND a ferry ride to an island for a week-I never leave home without it! 😂
some random man on a bike said “what a fat fat” and i couldnt hear how he ended the sentence but he looked me right in the eye and when i looked back he did too.. i feel embarrassed
So glad to hear that! ☺️ And thanks for the feedback! I will be sure to make another video and omit the use of the word 'friend' in my narration for those who share your opinion. 👍🏻
And yes, I’m like a turtle with a phone, rounded shoulders, craning neck, even curving myself forward! Since cellphone use is ‘so necessary’ well for some things of course, there will be a lot of opportunity to practice, expanding and elongating and elevating the airspace position of my phone, thank you!
Ahhh...the never-ending struggle with our devices is real friend!!! 😂 It's great to hear that at least you're becoming more aware of your posture while using your phone! 😊 It can definitely be a challenge with how much we rely on all these devices nowadays. Remember, small adjustments like expanding, elongating, and elevating your phone's position can make a big difference over time. Keep practicing-your body will continue to thank you for it! ✨
Hey Morgan, I love your videos! I’m nearsighted and have a lifetime of bad habits associated with craning my neck, having it too far forward, etc. This has also created a lot of back pain as well. My life undoubtedly would have been substantially better had I learned the Alexander ways as a child. It is amazing how extensive negative effects of bad habits of posture and resulting unrealized loss of energy and subsequent addition of pain infiltrate so many areas of one’s life, that may on the surface appear to not even be related, but actually are. At any rate I am very very grateful to learn now. I thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with all of us! I’m learning remembering the ideas you present, such as ‘creating space between my hands and face/head’ and ‘where my head is in relation to my spine’ and so forth. These ideas have helped with some of the chronic pain. And I believe that will continue to get even better as I continue to listen and take in the Alexander philosophy and applying it in ‘real life’ moments. (And I really like your greeting, So Thank you Friend!)❤
Awww-thank you so much for your kind words friend! 🥰 And for sharing your experience! I'm really glad to hear that the concepts from the Alexander Technique are already helping you with your chronic pain and unnecessary postural habits. 😊 It's always amazing how small adjustments can make such a big difference in our overall well-being. Your awareness and dedication to applying these ideas in your daily life are exciting to learn about and I wish you lots of luck (and curiousity and fun!) on your journey. It's never too late to start making positive changes, and I'm thrilled that you have found my videos helpful in your process. 🤗 Remember, progress is a journey, and each step you take brings you closer to a healthier and more comfortable way of living. ✨ Thank you again for your heartfelt message and for being a part of this community. 🙏🏻 If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out. Take care, and keep up the great work! Warmly, Morgan ✨
When I've been going to bed recently, I start thinking, "You know, I may not have had peace a few days ago, and I may not have it a few hours from now, but darnit, I have peace right now." And it gives me a lot of gratitude for life.
Thank you for this video! I was a student of the Alexander Technique as a violinist, and found the foundation principles very useful. As I transitioned into teaching online, I found my body starting to hurt while seated at the computer. After investing in many expensive chairs, I finally settled on a $40 IKEA wood chair with a lightly cushioned seat. What I discovered was many of the office chairs are designed around the average male body which means a 5'2" female like me had swining feet, pressure behind the knees, and a lumbar support in the middle of my back. Now, I have a whole new attutide. My printer is in another room so I have to get up to retrieve things. I stand for some lessons and sit for others, and I now have a foot rest cushion so my feet don't hang. I'm so happy to meet someone else who sees ergonomic chairs, and roller chairs, as poor supports for our bodies.
Absolutely! 🙏🏻 It's great to hear about your positive experience with the Alexander Technique and how it's helped you navigate the challenges of teaching online. Your insight about ergonomic chairs and the importance of considering different body types is spot on. Many people overlook these factors and end up uncomfortable in standardized chairs designed for a limited range of body shapes. It's wonderful that you've found a solution that works for you-a simple, affordable chair along with mindful practices like standing during some lessons and using a footrest cushion. Your proactive approach to listening to your body and making adjustments is commendable. 😊 Keep up the good work, and continue prioritizing your comfort and well-being! ✨
What I learnt from this? When trying to be in the present don't just include things within you like your breadth or things you touch and eat, but also what is near you.. maybe the tree around you, the cat near you.
That's a beautiful insight! ✨ Being present isn't just about internal awareness, but also extending that mindfulness to the world around you. Connecting with things outside of yourself can calm down your nervous system, ground you in the present moment, and-most obviously!-make you aware of what is happening around you. 😊 Thanks for sharing! 🙏🏻
Hi Robert! I'm so relieved to hear that the video resonated with you and that it could be of help, especially considering your rotator cuff injury! 🤗 It sounds like you're determined to get everything done in one go, but it's crucial to listen to your body and not overdo it, particularly when you're dealing with an injury. Your health and well-being should always take priority, even if it means making a few extra trips (which sometimes is the LAST thing we want to do! *haha* 😂) Thank you for your comment and for subscribing to my channel! 🙏🏻 I appreciate you! 😊 Take care of yourself, and I hope you feel better soon! ✨
Great tips! So important if you want to feel lighter, stronger and flexible…the older you get the more you value these principles. I love the AT! Tnx for sharing.
I would love a video on hand use in exercise programs that have you up and down off a mat. I’ve been enjoying a workout routine that is very dynamic and while low impact, the creator splays the hands a lot to support the body moving in many directions and to me this is a red flag with shoulder organization and voice function.
Hello Ajaz! Thank you for reaching out. 🙏🏻 It's been over a year since my last video, but I'm excited to share that I do have plans to resume soon. While it might not be as frequent, I'll do my best to create valuable content. I appreciate your patience and understanding. Video editing takes up a significant amount of my time, and unfortunately, my schedule doesn't always allow me time for my channel as much as I would like. Hopefully in the near future that changes! Nevertheless, I'm eager to get back to creating content, and I hope you'll enjoy the upcoming videos! ☺️
Hello Morgan...Great to hear from you...i hope i can inspire you kickstart this channel again. i got a good feeling about this.@@MorganRysdonCenterStudio 😀
Thank you so much for your encouraging words @ajazhussain4064 ! 🙏🏻 Your enthusiasm means a lot to me, and I truly appreciate your support in kickstarting this channel again. With your positivity and belief in its potential, I'm feeling inspired-let's make this journey together! 😊 ✨
I'm so glad that you found the video informative. If there's anything else you'd like to learn or discuss, let me know. Your feedback is appreciated! ☺️
Hey there! Thanks for bringing this to my attention! I apologize for any inconvenience caused by the expired links-it's a one woman show over here. 😂 I will make sure to update them soon so you can enjoy my content without any more hiccups. Your feedback is valuable to me! I appreciate your support! 😊👍
Hi Morgan, thanks for the video. I have a friend who had a few AT sessions years ago to help with back and digestion issues. The sessions really helped, so they returned for further sessions for their mental health issues and general struggles with life. They are under the impression that the sessions "set into motion" something unseen that needs no further work and they are "waiting for their new self to emerge". They've been saying for years that they're "nearly there" and will reference their "new self" as though this is a version of self with no issues or struggles. They'll then fall into despair when they hit a low patch again. They've had another few sessions recently that seemed to have helped a little, but their interpretation and expectations of the AT seem to be the same. Having researched the AT a little, I'm concerned that they've been misled, or have misunderstood, what the AT can provide in terms of support. Does the above sound like an AT process? Thanks so much
Hi there, thank you for sharing your friend's experience and your concerns. (And my sincere apologies for my late response, I didn't want to rush an answer and finally found time this evening to address your question.) It is understandable to feel worried if you believe someone may have misconceptions about a particular therapy or approach. And while the Alexander Technique (AT) can indeed offer benefits for physical and mental well-being, it's important to approach this work with realistic expectations as well. In the case you've described, it seems like your friend may have developed unrealistic expectations or misinterpretations of what the AT can provide. The AT is a valuable tool for improving body awareness, movement, and overall coordination, which can indirectly influence mental well-being. However, it is not a quick-fix solution that permanently resolves all issues. Additionally, it doesn't promote living life unconsciously, merely going through the motions. It is important for your friend to understand that personal growth and development are ongoing processes that require active engagement and effort beyond just attending their lessons. Encouraging your friend to discuss their expectations and experiences openly with their AT teacher would be greatly beneficial. Additionally, exploring other forms of support or therapy might offer a more comprehensive approach to addressing mental health struggles. (For instance, I combined therapy with my AT education and found this to be extremely productive when done together. This approach benefited me greatly not only in terms of mental health but also from the perspective of the Alexander Technique.) Ultimately, providing support and understanding to your friend as they navigate their journey of Self is essential. Encouraging them to seek clarification from their AT teacher and explore additional avenues of support can help them develop a more balanced and realistic perspective. I'm genuinely interested in learning more about your friend's journey, including their process, approach, and current understanding. In my experience, I've encountered numerous students who, despite studying with various teachers, struggled to comprehend the personal responsibility inherent in the "work" they needed to undertake independently. This is why I'm dedicated to promoting awareness about the self-work we each have the capacity to engage in autonomously. Taking ownership of this process can be incredibly fulfilling and transformative. 😊 Thanks for your question and for being here! 🙏🏻 I appreciate you! ✨
I have tourettes, so my neck does spasm a lot. However, as I am doing more AT and CR, I find myself releasing some tension. Although, I move my neck around a lot in CR. Any advice on this?
Hey! Thanks for noticing my absence-it means a lot to me! Life's been a whirlwind lately, full of changes and reorganizing a few things. But your comment reminded me how much I miss being here. Hoping to be back soon with more content!
YAY! I'm thrilled to hear that you found the video helpful and relevant to your daily life! 🤗 It's not uncommon for tension and soreness to build up, especially in areas like the shoulders. Understanding these patterns can be a significant step toward finding relief and improving overall well-being. Thank you for your kind words 🙏🏻 , and I'm delighted that my videos are making a positive difference for you. ☺️ If you have any more questions or topics you'd like to explore, feel free to let me know I'm hoping to return to my videos in the near future! ✨
It sounds like you're reflecting on the impact of your communication style and reactions on your personal tensions. Recognizing how our words and reactions influence our experiences is an important step towards self-awareness and growth. Remember, self-reflection is a powerful tool for personal development, so keep up the good work! ☺️ Wishing you clarity and peace on your journey of Self! ✨
Absolutely! It's fascinating how often rushing through something can actually end up taking more time in the long run. Your insight about "haste makes waste" rings true here. It's a valuable lesson that teaches us the importance of patience and thoroughness. And you're spot on about the dynamic between teachers and learners - in the journey of life, we're constantly switching roles, always learning from each other. ☺️ Thanks for sharing your perspective! 🙏🏻
Maybe too, for less mind tension, for me , if uploarders talk aot about themselves and what they do at first, peblems , ... for 2minutes , before we get the meat of your movemntsto help , us,, if they can give tips as in this one micro-movements for forward head posture in the begining and maybe while were doing it you can share other info. idk? for instance you talked about everything else before you offered your story about the cupcakes..🧁, in fact asyou were sharing about looking to close to what i was doing, i backed my head, releved tensions i was holding, while i was listening and you did not have to tell me🤓🪡👀🧵, i had to wait three minutes for this taste.👄😋
That's awesome to hear Steven! Taking that first step towards something new can be a game-changer. What inspired you to give it a try, and is there anything specific you're diving into? I'm here to cheer you on! 😊
why don't you tell us the mistake then ask if you feel you have to. For instense a micro tension moment for me is uploaders asking me to subscribe, click notices ..... before i understand if will benefir me. then sometimes all these suscribe popup noises or flashes!
Totally hear your frustration! 😕 It's a bit like being handed a menu and, before you even check out the dishes, the waiter insists you commit to a full-course meal. 😆 As a content creator, I'm always striving to improve. While I can confidently say I'm a nationally certified Alexander Technique teacher with years of experience helping people learn this transformational work when it comes to navigating RU-vid content creation there is still a huge learning curve ahead of me. I appreciate your feedback and will definitely consider how to time those requests better. 🙏🏻 What type of content hooks you in without the premature subscribe dance?
@@MorganRysdonCenterStudio Thank you for understanding, Morgan . My husband says when people as or have all these noises binging or flashes to subscribe , he won't even listen that is why , thats why said that to you. What helps me in wanting to subscribe is not all the rederick of who, what and why, in the beginning ,when i do something in the beginning that helps to ease tensions PS in my body,it makes me feel like kistening n more. You mentioned dancing, not in the contents i am addressing, but, for me when i dance I seem to move alot better, but, the hard part for me is making that a habit, when, i know its helpful. ps. like you just said about the waitor," let me taste some of my expeeience of the food before, they ask how the meal is. As an AT teacher i. am sure you understand and i am sure its difficul cause we have such a unique set of challanges , likes, dislike, etc.
This can be helpful especially now my sore ribs or ribcage. Especially after my fall these are very helpful yesterday even getting on the floor challenging i did have a hard time before and even a little after cr. Do you do yoga or anything for strength in AT?
I'm sorry to hear about your fall; that sounds like it must have been tough. It's great to hear that you're finding some relief in applying this work. As for me, I don't practice yoga as much these days, but I do stay active with regular exercise that includes running, lifting weights, and walking. In general exercise really helps me both physically and mentally. Do you have any specific yoga routines or exercises that you find particularly helpful for your ribs or overall strength?
@@MorganRysdonCenterStudio not really i swim and do somatics but i need weight bearing i think because of osteoporosis , that’s why i asking . what exercises running i feel unsafe and for some reason have fallen too many times and maybe fear , don’t know
@@cinmac3 It sounds like you've been navigating a unique set of challenges. It's great that you're incorporating swimming and somatics into your routine. Weight-bearing exercises can indeed be beneficial for osteoporosis. Have you considered activities like brisk walking or resistance training? They can provide the weight-bearing element while being gentler on the joints compared to running. And addressing any fears or concerns about falling is crucial. Maybe starting with supervised or assisted exercises that could help build confidence. I suggest if you're going to do any online videos (on RU-vid for example) that you first watch thru the entirety of the video so you will know what to expect and you can more easily follow along. Good luck and let me know how things go!
yes building confididence and feeling safe is primarily what the body needs. As far as weights are seemingly very important, I am weary with weights, i like hanging , i do feel safe, but , i have been causes of srains i have from all the pains and over use of my body's over use of muscles , we dont need as you nicely explained with the shoulder. Every morning i lye down and only raise my legs on a chi machine and let my legs vibrate on it, i do think it might be as" constructive rest", could you please tell me, what you can about that.
I realized the lady has an eating disorder and my weights actually a bit lower scale had a low battery possibly im 10, 11 pounds underweight im just seeing ut as a blip and i cant probably be overweight. I have symptoms of a very low body fat level and am going to get it rechecked and medically I have a bmi of 16.2 so I'm just going to ignore comments from now on and try focus on gaining muscle.
Oh no, I'm sorry to hear this! People often throw around remarks without considering the impact they can have. Remember, your worth isn't determined by a number on a scale. What matters most is how you feel about yourself and your well-being. If you're comfortable in your own skin and healthy, that's what truly counts. Sending you lots of positive energy! ✨
