Move Confidently.Radiate Ease.Be Elevated. |
Upgrade Your Posture
& Discover Poise
San Francisco Location:
Learn to replace physical tension, heaviness and fatigue
with ease, lightness and new energy.
Great posture. We all want it! It's fundamental to feeling our best and to be able to function optimally. In fact, it is so fundamental that the health of the entire body depends on it!
Have you ever tried to pull yourself up when someone said you should not slump? Have you noticed that after you tried, it does not take long before the effort you used to pull yourself up with will turn into the same slump you had just minutes ago?
It's because the way most people go about "fixing their slump" is by trying harder and therefore adding more tension. Using the intrinsic connection of your brain to your muscles to get to the root of what made you slump in the first place is what you will learn.
Welcome to the genius of the Alexander Technique.
Geoffrey Roniger
Yoga Teacher / New Orleans
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I have studied the Alexander Technique privately with Flora for over three years now, and it has radically changed my understanding of the body and the way I feel in my daily life. Simply put, the Alexander Technique gives you the actual sensation of poise, coordination, and internal ease that other somatic traditions only pay lip service to.
This experience is made possible by Flora's great skill as a teacher. She has done a tremendous amount of work on herself and can therefore transmit very subtle cues with astonishing clarity and compassionate directness. It should almost be a prerequisite to the practice of physical yoga for those who want to avoid strain and injury.
And the best part is that it increases your sense of ease, efficiency, and enjoyment in anything that you do! I am forever grateful to Flora for introducing me to such a powerful life tool.
This experience is made possible by Flora's great skill as a teacher. She has done a tremendous amount of work on herself and can therefore transmit very subtle cues with astonishing clarity and compassionate directness. It should almost be a prerequisite to the practice of physical yoga for those who want to avoid strain and injury.
And the best part is that it increases your sense of ease, efficiency, and enjoyment in anything that you do! I am forever grateful to Flora for introducing me to such a powerful life tool.
Sean Zhu
Title / San Francisco
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Emily Fabiaschi
/ San Francisco
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As a long-time dancer and yogi, I felt I had pretty good body awareness, however, I couldn't crack the code on my neck/shoulder and lower back tension. Its not painful, just uncomfortable. I thought the only solution was a temporary reprieve after the occasional massage. The first session with Flora blew my mind as I realized I could change the way I move in the world and that alone alleviates this back tension! What an amazing discovery! Flora is a fantastic teacher of the Alexander Method of movement because of her expertise in the subject and her encouraging nature. She utilized many different teaching techniques to help me understand the method (hands-on adjustments, plaster spinal column, pictures, questions, anecdotes, etc). I'm immensely grateful for finding Flora and this method! I know this will stick with me through my 30s and for many decades to come.
Emily Fabiaschi
/ San Francisco
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Jerry Downing
Psychologist / SF Bay Area
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I am a psychologist in my 60s who was first a runner and then a biker for over 40 years before developing a stenosis-related back problem. I was referred to Flora by a well-respected physical therapist in SF who believed that she might be able to improve my condition through addressing longstanding, contributing postural habits. I have been extremely happy with this referral. Flora is a gifted practitioner of Alexander's approach, whose remarkable embodiment of what she teaches is itself quite inspirational. Moreover, she is at once clear, down-to-earth, and intuitive in her communication and teaching style, which she adapts to the needs of the individual student. I am seeing changes in my posture and overall body awareness--and associated levels of pain--that I did not think possible after a lifetime of such poor habits. Further, I had no expectation that the Alexander Technique, at least in Flora's hands, can also represent a very grounded form of body-mind spiritual practice. Obviously, I recommend Flora without reservation! Her work is potentially life-changing.
Barbara Troast
/ SF Bay Area
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Nicole Burgund
/ San Francisco
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I first came to the Alexander Technique because I felt I wasn't using myself efficiently. Unnecessary tension manifested itself in many situations, both physically and emotionally. I sensed I had developed habits which got in my own way, preventing me from a natural, spontaneous clarity.
Flora exudes this kind of natural poise and freedom, in her movements as well as her personality. She is as generous, warm, and good-humored as they come -- and immediately inspires the kind of trust required for such personal, sensitive work as Alexander Technique.
I had lessons twice a week, over a three month period. With a lot of patience and care, the "external" work began to affect me internally. Flora is as enthusiastic about "allowing the neck to be free" as she is about that instruction's larger implications -- the idea that, by developing an awareness of how one uses one's organism, one is cultivating a more meaningful awareness of oneself in the world. I discovered a quality of attention I had never before experienced.
Flora exudes this kind of natural poise and freedom, in her movements as well as her personality. She is as generous, warm, and good-humored as they come -- and immediately inspires the kind of trust required for such personal, sensitive work as Alexander Technique.
I had lessons twice a week, over a three month period. With a lot of patience and care, the "external" work began to affect me internally. Flora is as enthusiastic about "allowing the neck to be free" as she is about that instruction's larger implications -- the idea that, by developing an awareness of how one uses one's organism, one is cultivating a more meaningful awareness of oneself in the world. I discovered a quality of attention I had never before experienced.
Joshua Rosenfeld
/ San Francisco
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Deborah Santana
/ Marin County
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Flora is a wonderful Alexander Technique teacher. I have learned how to stay lifted without straining or over-correcting my posture. I love Flora's kind energy and have incorporated these techniques into my daily life. She taught me how to walk down stairs and on the hiking trail. So beneficial!
Deborah Santana
/ SF Bay Area
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Daniel Norton Luna
/ San Francisco
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I first met Flora at one of her enlightening Posture 101 Workshops, where she gave an informative presentation on the basics of sitting down and standing up. Her demonstration made a lot of sense, so it made even more sense for me to save up my money to start attending Alexander Technique classes with her. At the time, I was considering posture lessons or massage or chiropractic realignment. In the end, the lessons were the best route because they would address the root issues of poor posture which caused my lower back pain. Whereas, the other options merely soothed the pain, which would naturally return through poor use of my anatomy.
Now, I've finished lesson #14 and I plan to attend 24 in total. I've never felt more in touch with my body (perhaps, since I was a wee babe). My lessons with Flora have always been helpful and uplifting. Her explanations have inspired me to pay attention to my anatomy in whatever activity: sitting at the computer, writing, reading, walking with a backpack, washing the dishes, taking pictures of flowers, playing the guitar, etc. This mindfulness may seem like a lot, but it's actually pretty relaxing.
In the end, I am responsible for the way I use my body. But with Flora's help, I have experienced the forgotten grace I've lost touch with and gained an inspiration to invite this grace back into my life.
Now, I've finished lesson #14 and I plan to attend 24 in total. I've never felt more in touch with my body (perhaps, since I was a wee babe). My lessons with Flora have always been helpful and uplifting. Her explanations have inspired me to pay attention to my anatomy in whatever activity: sitting at the computer, writing, reading, walking with a backpack, washing the dishes, taking pictures of flowers, playing the guitar, etc. This mindfulness may seem like a lot, but it's actually pretty relaxing.
In the end, I am responsible for the way I use my body. But with Flora's help, I have experienced the forgotten grace I've lost touch with and gained an inspiration to invite this grace back into my life.
Daniel Norton Luna
/ San Francisco
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Mark Scheeff
/ San Francisco
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I'd been having knee problems for awhile and, additionally, had positively lousy posture from being quite tall in a world not built for me. I started a regular physical therapy regime and regular Alexander lessons with Flora at the same time. At first, PT seemed like the thing that must be doing the most good. In PT, you get up in the morning and do a whole bunch of exercises, pull on bands, lift weights, sweat a little, whatever, and then you go about your day. In Alexander, I'm learning to...stand. Really? To walk? I've been doing that since I was a baby. How could this change anything?
Six months later, getting up in the morning and doing a few isolated exercises (ala PT) seems a little silly while the Alexander technique permeates everything I do. In every waking moment, you are using your body and the Alexander technique is there trying to help you do it wisely. You'll probably feel and look better and you'll also have a framework for using your body in whatever you do with it.
Needless to say, Flora is a wonderful teacher, kind, but clear if something is amiss, positive without being insincere. If you are considering trying out Alexander, go work with Flora. It's as simple as that.
Six months later, getting up in the morning and doing a few isolated exercises (ala PT) seems a little silly while the Alexander technique permeates everything I do. In every waking moment, you are using your body and the Alexander technique is there trying to help you do it wisely. You'll probably feel and look better and you'll also have a framework for using your body in whatever you do with it.
Needless to say, Flora is a wonderful teacher, kind, but clear if something is amiss, positive without being insincere. If you are considering trying out Alexander, go work with Flora. It's as simple as that.
Mark Scheeff
/ San Francisco
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Sean Zsu
/ San Francisco
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I worked with Flora for a total of eleven sessions, first in group of three then individual, and it has been amazing to see my transformations and learn so much about my body. I came in with sciatica, and I have gone to physical therapy which was only helpful when I follow the exercise program religiously. Working with Flora allowed me to understand the ways I was misusing my body, which were the root cause of my pain. I feel much better now, and I really think everybody should try out Alexander Technique with Flora even if you don't have any pain right now. Plus, she's really cool person with amazing life stories.
Rene S.
/ SF Bay Area
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Amy C.
/ San Francisco
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I loved my lessons with Flora. I am recovering from a ski injury where I broke my leg and fractured my hip. This accident actually left my shoulder in terrible pain. Flora helped the pain in my shoulder tremendously. She is very skilled at teaching The Alexander Technique. She is gentle and strong at the same time. Our sessions built on each other and my back and shoulder pain are remarkably better. Yoga has never felt better with new awareness of the alignment of my neck and spine. In addition, I can finally do my seated meditation practice without back pain! Thank you Flora.
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Rene S.
/ Sf Bay Area
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- I had been hearing about Flora's magic for years from a dear friend of mine...I now cannot believe I did not listen and go to see her sooner!
This fall, my discomfort following an accident where I was hit by a car on my bike was interfering with my day to day meaningful activities. Similar to many other stories, the traditional approaches of medicine and exercise were not assisting me to full recovery, and here is where Flora's skill is key. She helped me find the root of my maladaptive movements which trace back much further than my recent accident.
Flora is wonderfully gentle, fiercely intelligent, and extremely intuitive. She educates you with informative visuals and metaphors, and physically guides you through movement with expertise. Flora holds you accountable in a gentle way, that is both effective and reinforcing. Seeing her is emotionally humbling and incredibly empowering. The best therapy! Not to mention the ease and enjoyment (not just pain-free) way I am learning to move. It is so satisfying, and while it does take dedication and time, the results are more than I could have hoped for, and I am not done yet!
I truly cannot recommend Flora highly enough! A heartfelt Thank you, Flora
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Liz D.
/ SF Bay Area
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- I went to Flora with lower back pain that had been plaguing me for over a year and after two lessons I was free of pain! Learning AT from Flora has changed my life. I'm not kidding. She helped me see how I was using my body and taught me ways to do my daily tasks (such as weeding the garden and sitting at a computer for hours a day) with less effort and tension. I feel like I'm floating on a cloud after a lesson with Flora. It takes time and practice to break old habits though, so you will want to plan on taking regular lessons. She has fair prices.
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Mathew D.
/ San Frnacisco
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I'm a musician and music teacher that decided to take lessons to help with some pain I developed in my shoulder, forearms and hands from piano and guitar playing. Flora was quick to identify the bad habits I'd formed over the years and guided me in correcting them.
My pain has gone away and I feel more confident and in control when performing. The lessons have also helped me to begin identifying posture and use problems in my students. Flora's teaching has helped me to be more conscious of how I'm using my body and has made me a more effective music teacher.
My pain has gone away and I feel more confident and in control when performing. The lessons have also helped me to begin identifying posture and use problems in my students. Flora's teaching has helped me to be more conscious of how I'm using my body and has made me a more effective music teacher.
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Mary Specht
Yoga Teacher / San Francisco
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Flora's depth of knowledge will impress you. She clearly lives and breathes all things Alexander Technique, alignment, and mind-body. And she's a joy to work with; she has the kind of warm, energizing personality that makes you look forward to your next lesson.
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Barbar Troast
Title / San Francisco
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I was suffering from headaches that acupuncture and body work didn't help and I had lower back issues. I'm young and exercise regularly so the problems that showed up in my MRI were pretty shocking! I have to look at this as a "wake up call" because I don't want surgery nor do I want to live on pain killers - I was already taking too much Advil. So I searched online for a teacher of posture but I found much more. Flora has made me aware of the way I carry myself which was causing my headaches and back issues. After about 5 appointments, my headaches have gone away. I am also learning a whole new way of walking, sitting, standing, etc. to take the stress & pressure off my lower back and all my joints and muscles. We have identified yoga type exercises for me to do at home in a new and conscious way. It's a MUST for me now. It has been life changing and a real treat to work with Flora. I highly recommend her!
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Yuki Kasuya
/ San Francisco
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Before taking Flora's class I had several Alexander Technique sessions. However the teaching methods between Flora's and another one is quit diffent. When I took Flora's first lesson at Sivananda Yoga SF center, I immediately feel the difference and I realized that this is what I've expected to learn Alexander Technique. After the Flora's session, I started taking her private lesson. Flora showed me totaly new(for me) concept of human body movement and energy flow which I've never aware of. That is amazing. I'm finishing her 12 lessons but planning to extend another set of lessons. I've noticed about improvement of my body movement, posture, and basic concept of Alexander Technique. I highly recommended Flora's lesson for everyone no matter who has any physical pain or not. Learning Alexander Technique will be a beneficial and good investment for your healthy life.
Flora is friendly, fun and nice person. I enjoy taking her lesson very much at her beautiful and peaceful office in down town San Francisco.
Flora is friendly, fun and nice person. I enjoy taking her lesson very much at her beautiful and peaceful office in down town San Francisco.
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Smart Technology. Smart Posture?
You upgraded to a standing desk, had an ergonomic evaluation and got an expensive chair, but you are still experiencing pain and unease. Why is that? Chances are you are unknowingly holding yourself and moving in ways that create tension and too much effort. Alexander lessons teach essential skills to eliminate the cause of your tension. They are are science-based, fun, light-hearted and inspiring.
"The Power and Well-Being of the Body lies in the Artistry of its Use."
Flora D.H.Ojanen
Posture As An Ongoing Balancing Act.
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