Standing at the kitchen counter, I survey the assembled: crock pot, cutting board and paring knives, a large silver bowl for scraps. A motley pile of apples drains in the colander. Not the beautiful orbs purchased in local orchards this time of year, our farm apples are un-sprayed and untended, leaving them much enjoyed by birds and yes, worms. This means plenty of slicing and dicing around imperfections. But, oh, my. The good bits are so good. Tart and sweet all at once.
With vats of apples to process, I can get ahead of myself. This is known in Alexander Technique parlance as ‘End-Gaining.’ Charging to the finish line, so to speak, with nary a thought for how best to get there. This means my wrists hurt, the right hand thumb tight and unhappy from an awkward repetitive motion, until I make the choice to notice.
The noticing is termed ‘Inhibition,’ the pause in the midst of habit. Next is ‘Directions.’ Gentle guidance. ‘Let the hand fan outward.’ Ulna and little finger aligned. So simple, this kindness to oneself.
Thank you, Mr. Alexander.
(photo courtesy of pixabay)
So simple, and yet I still (so often) end-gain. Life is better when I pause and stay in the moment. What are you making with the apples? I just wrote an essay about my mom making applesauce and apple butter. It’s that time of year.
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Applesauce! And lots of it—-I have a basement freezer, which was purchased primarily for applesauce, but also for Mike’s vanilla ice cream, which he makes in large quantities each summer.
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Both sound good to me! Send your address;)
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