Tommy Thompson – “Alexander Was a Monologuist”

Today, I am with Tommy Thompson at Zen BodyChance in Tokyo.

Tommy manages to combine cranial nerves with identity, cerebral spinal flow with the sap of a tree, a gun with redemption and the atlanto-axial joint with meditation. It’s a dazzling display of ideas and experiences. He’s here till the following Monday.

https://www.bodymindspiritresearchlab.com/workshops/775

The first class I attended was on meditation – as a Buddhist, I have been practising this for a long time. Tommy had exciting things to say about it:

- in meditation, you focus on being, not doing
- the cranial nerves are central to meditation
- you don’t take a breath, you are given a breath

Part of Tommy’s work is about creating a moment that gives an opportunity for your nervous system to do what it is designed to do rather than what you taught it to do. For my regular readers, you can identify that this moment is the one that allows your ancient evolutionary movement system to blossom into its true nature of caring for your well-being. 

I am sketching these notes before this afternoon’s “Alexander Everything” workshop.

Finally, “Alexander was a monologuist” was part of a dialogue Tommy gave explaining the differences between his and FM Alexander’s teaching methods. Alexander appeared on stage alone—he performed the works of Shakespeare as a solo artist. Tommy sees his work as part of an ensemble effort between him and the student. His work grows out of the relationships that are formed with others. 

Those who work with Tommy feel this—his compassion, concern, and comprehensive vision of how the work can impact your life.

Off for more…