The ASO Newsletter - 28th Edition

Helping you stay connected to research on the Alexander Technique

Introduction

“Can embodied practices, on their own, affect self-compassion?” - Lisa Harris

This month we release an interview carried out by Charlotte Woods Ph.D. MSTAT, one of the ASO team, with Lisa Harris MSc, MSTAT. The discussion is about Lisa’s unique MSc thesis which is entitled "An Exploration of Embodied Movement Practices as a Route to Self-Compassion”.

Charlotte and Lisa discuss the background of the research project, how Lisa went about gathering her data, and what the main findings were. Lisa also talks about how the experience of undertaking this research has changed her own way of being in herself and in her Alexander Technique teaching.

Lisa’s thesis can be found in the ASO research database here.

Audio version:

About Lisa Harris and some background to her MSc. thesis

I came to Alexander Technique in 2008 through lower back pain.  Following redundancy from the railway, I re-trained at the Alexander Reeducation Centre in the UK from 2010-2013 and now work part-time from home as an Alexander Technique teacher, and more latterly aiming to be a self-compassionate and compassionate one!  I'm always interested in learning and self-development and did a 2-day course in Positive Psychology, which intrigued me.  Positive Psychology is the scientific study of what makes life worth living and includes areas such as positive emotions, working with our strengths, and having hope and resilience.  I applied for the MSc at Buckinghamshire New University, which was 2 years of part-time study (2019-2021).  Although my long-ago Bachelor’s degree was not related to psychology, in my interview I explained that I particularly wanted to look at how our bodies affect our well-being following my own experiences with Alexander Technique training, and I was awarded a place.

Resources and Links

• Access Lisa’s Thesis in the ASO research database here: An Exploration of Embodied Movement Practices as a Route to Self-Compassion

• Access Lisa’s thesis for download through Research Gate here

Thank You

Thank you for being here and supporting research on the Alexander Technique and its teaching. Special thanks to Lisa Harris and Charlotte Woods for their generous contribution to this post. To all community members who have contributed so far, thank you! Your work is appreciated and making a difference.

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