This is a short book and does not deserve in any shape or form the title "the complete guide".
The text is set in a narrow column, lines are double-spaced, and there are large spaces between each paragraph.
The author is "Dr Deborah Edward" but there is nothing about the author, and there are no illustrations, no bibliography, no references, no index.
Much text is repeated. You learn first that the core principles are: Awareness, Inhibition, Direction, Primary Control, End-gaining vs. means-whereby, and Non-Interference (each receiving a two-sentence explanation). In Chapter 2 you learn that the key aspects of the Alexander Technique include ... the same things as listed above (though now including "self-observation". Then it goes on to state the principles and core concepts (same list as in Chapter 1), but now with up to 3 sentences describing each.
Chapter 3 covers Alexander's own story.
Chapter 4 covers "Body Awareness and Mindfulness". The section on body awareness contains nothing about the unreliability of feelings; the section on mindfulness is a standard description.
Chapter 5 covers "Posture and Alignment". As for how the Technique deals with posture it lists the same six items as in Chapters 1, 2, 3. In "Key Aspects of the Alexander Technique's Approach to Movement" it lists the same six items as you have read four times by now (slight variation in phrasings), but now with an added item, "Integration of Mind and Body".
Next section, "Enhancing Physical Coordination", provides a variation on the previous listings, e.g. "Awareness of Movement Patterns", "Inhibition of Automatic Responses", etc., each explained in max. two sentences.
The section "Voice Projection and Clarity" contains yet another variation on the above listings. And so does Chapter 8, "Stress Reduction and Relaxation".
As for actual practice, there are only bland, commonplace instructions. For example:
"Eating. Practice mindfulness while eating. Sit comfortably and focus on posture and breathing. This can lead to better digestion and reduced strain on the body." (p. 88)
Or for example when sitting the advice includes:
"Regular Breaks. Take regular breaks to stand up, stretch, and walk around. These shore pauses can prevent the build-up of tension and promote circulation." (p. 90)
As for applying the Technique to a variety of activities, the standard phrasing is just to say that it will reduce strain and discomfort or similar. E.g.
"Hiking: When hiking, use the technique to maintain good posture and efficient movement, reducing the risk of discomfort and injury." (p. 96)
The book appears to be AI-generated. The author has published 12 "books" on Acupressure Therapy, Affirmative Prayer, Activated Charcoal Guide, Art Therapy (she appears to be working through the alphabet in covering subjects) etc., etc., all between 5 and 9 November 2023.
