A year ago I came across Jennifer Roig-Francoli and learned to do The CyCle in her Musicians! Mind Body Practice Tribe Facebook page, I am a musician who plays lever harp. I began doing the Cycle several times a day: first thing in the morning, before I practiced, then again in the afternoon. The results were nothing short of amazing. Doing The Cycle makes me feel focused and light. The technique comes easier and the music just flows. I have always known that if I just get out of the way and let the music flow then the playing is great. The Cycle helps me to better achieve that. My body is more relaxed in a good way, I get more accomplished in a practice session. Doing The Cycle has had a very positive impact on me as a person, not just on my playing. The chronic pain I have dealt with for years has decreased significantly. I have rediscovered the wonder and curiosity inside me; I look at the world in a much different way and am happier for it. Doing The Cycle had such a positive impact on me, it eventually led me to become a part of Jennifer's online Alexander Technique class. Quite simply, The Cycle changed, and continues to change my life, in the best way possible.
Thank you for this! I’m not a musician, but I’ve been struggling with sciatic pain very intensely the last few days. During the Cycle, I let go of the focus on the pain. That was such a relief already. Then, I started getting delicious chills through my whole body and felt an incredible endorphin release. I feel much more positive now, and ready to get into my working day. 💖💖💖
Hi Megan, I'm so glad you found this beneficial, and thanks for commenting! Yes, it's definitely a useful technique for anyone, not just musicians. Feel free to share it with anybody you like! :) Enjoy your work!! xo
This a wonderful demonstration of this Etude. It is beneficial not just for musicians, but for everybody who is engaged in living, in doing. It is a wonderful practice of constructive thinking. I also love the ambient sounds on the video - the birds singing, the cowbells, someone working in the garden.... It broadens the attention between going deep inside and the outside world. It also demonstrates that this Etude can be practiced anywhere - it does not require a quiet room. It can be practiced while waiting at a busy airport, or waiting for a bus or train, or waiting to get on stage for a performance - or before starting to write a difficult letter, or making a difficult phone call. As a fellow Alexander Technique teacher, I have been teaching this to all my pupils who have all found it very beneficial. None of them are musicians!
I think this is the best explanation you have done yet. And, I love the lizard peeking out under the wall edge at the right of the screen 12:30 - 12:48.
WOW, Linda, bravo!! I'm so excited to hear that you've been doing this so long and that you're seeing how profound the effects can be. I'd love to hear more! Are you in my facebook group?
Hi Janette, thanks for watching and commenting. Glad you enjoyed the process! I hope you'll try out the free 5-day Challenge to help you make it a daily habit, so you can find out what happens when you practice it consistently over time (people find it to be really amazing!). :) You can sign up here: bit.ly/bestwarmupchallenge
Yes, definitely. I've helped quite a few people with those over the years. Regarding arthritis, learning how to release overall tension allows the muscles to lengthen, which relieves the joints, introducing more space between the bones. That makes for less painful friction, and more freedom of movement. Thanks for asking, Beth!
