Fall Update • Sept. 2021
Sara Goldstein Studio
BOOK A LESSON
Email me with your availability to book a lesson!
REFER A FRIEND
MIND THE GAP
TAKE CARE
I find myself in the same routine; updating syllabi, class lists, schedules. But it's different this year. It's a return to teaching in person, but nothing is the same. We will be covid tested, vaccinated and masked. We hope this will be successful!
My first in-person teaching since the start of the pandemic was Alexander Technique classes for 52 high school students at Boston Conservatory's Vocal Choral Institute (VCI), all tested and vaccinated. Here was an array of young people who had been in school and out of school, zooming and isolating for over a year. The sense of joy was palpable as these kids were together in person for two weeks. Watching them shift from socially anxious to being good friends was delightful!
As we concluded our two weeks, I wanted to leave them with some ideas about how to care for themselves in performance situations; in any stressful situation. I came up with a mnemonic device to help them remember three things:
Ground - in any new or stressful situation, find the ground. Literally, sense your feet on the floor, and acknowledge the support that is there
Air - don't forget to breathe. Appreciate the air all around you for the taking, and releasing out.(It's there even if you're wearing a mask!)
People - find the people! They are a resource. Making social contact with others is a known path to calming the nervous system.
To these curious and evolving young people, I said, "MIND THE G.A.P."
I hope to remember to slow down and keep these three things in mind as I start the school year.
ADIEU AUGUST
August in the Berkshires brings a last gasp of summer wildflowers. The hummingbirds are doubling up on their visits to the feeder as they prepare to leave for the Gulf of Mexico, an astounding thought. Nothing is the same in our lives, and yet nature is oblivious to our Covid-19 travails. The Goldenrod and Queen Anne's Lace just appear, right on cue. It is very reassuring.
My studio is open. If you are vaccinated, I welcome you into my well-ventilated space. I am allowing time between students, and I am remaining masked at all times. From my experience over the past 18 months, I am confident that Zoom lessons are also very effective and enjoyable. This is always an option. Hope to see you one way or the other.
Wishing you all the best for the autumn months ahead!
ABOUT THE ALEXANDER TECHINQUE
The Alexander Technique helps us to function in harmony with our natural design and with greater efficiency and ease. Alexander lessons are recognized as a valuable resource to people of all ages, including performing artists, athletes, anyone with chronic or incidental pain or just wishing to improve wellbeing.
Book a Lesson with me, or Learn More on my website.