This is not a book, but a short article. It has 68 pages, but they are set in big letters, lines are double-spaced, and there are large spaces between each paragraph. It appears to be a quick compilation of information one might find on the internet.
The title is misleading as the book treats the Feldenkrais Method, the Alexander Technique and Hatha Yoga equally. It contains a brief introduction to each method, and then talks about a combined approach of them. This does not amount to "understanding, learning and practicing" as the subtitle promises.
Alexander Technique: apart from a brief account of Alexander solving his vocal trouble, the book only mentions four key principles: awareness, inhibition, direction and primary control. Each are described in one or two sentences.
As for the Feldenkrais Method we are told it consists of two modalities: awareness through movement and functional integration. Each are described in two or three sentences. It goes on to state that a foundational principle of the Feldenkrais Method is the concept of neuroplasticity. I am not sure how this can be "foundational" since neuroplasticity was not generally accepted until the 1980s.
Hatha yoga is described as "a holistic practice that seeks to bring about harmony between the physical body and the mind" (p. 30). Now you know. There is so a list of "key asanas" (pp. 32-33) and what they are good for (in one sentence each), but as the book contains no illustrations, you are not given any information as what they consists of and how to perform them.
The book waffles on about how wonderful it is to integrate "these practices into a holistic approach to movement" (p. 40). It only describes three actual exercises. The one for the Alexander Technique consists of closing your eyes and "take a few deep breaths to center yourself". Then you "scan" your body from head to toe, identifying tense areas, and letting go of them by imagining lengthening and widening "those parts of your body" (p. 55). This is such a generic somatic exercise and it is not the Alexander Technique.
The book is very short on actual information and on anything practical to do, but rich in positive buzz words. Take the end as an example: "It [the journey towards mastering movement] is a lifelong gift you give to yourself – one that promises to enrich your physical health, nurture your mental clarity, and deepen your connection to the profound wellspring of ease and mastery within you. May your path be one of fulfillment, balance, and boundless self-discovery." (p. 68).
The book appears to be AI (Chat-GPT?) generated. There is nothing about the author, no bibliography, no references, no index. The author has published 55 "books" on NLP, Red Light Thearapy, Kegel Exercises, Homoeopathy, Male Fertility, Thai Massage, Mongolian Medicine, etc., etc., all between 18 September and 18 October 2023. (To combat AI-generated books Amazon has limited authors to publishing a maximum of three books per day.)
