The Un/Safe Body: Exploring Conscious Walking with Alexander Technique Facilitator, Elizabeth Castagna

This episode features a rich discussion between Ali Mezey and guest Elizabeth Castagna, a certified Alexander Technique instructor. They dive into themes of being conscious as a mover – specifically while walking. Do we feel supported by the Earth as we walk? How safe do we feel as bodies – and how could we feel safer? They also talk about the impact of injury on movement awareness. Ali and Elizabeth discuss how conscious movement can lead to enhanced sensation, and sense of wholeness – not just with yourself but with the world. The conversation touches upon topics such as kinetic chains, compensatory movement patterns, and the psycho-emotional aspects of body awareness. Elizabeth shares personal insights, including her experience with Lyme disease and its effect on her vision. With a focus on cultivating sensitivity and supporting others in their embodiment journeys, the conversation underscores the transformative potential of body-based practices.To be an angel to the podcast, click hereTo read more about the podcast, click hereMORE ALI MEZEY:Website:  www.alimezey.comPersonal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundationsTransgenerational Healing Films: www.constellationarts.comMORE ELIZABETH CASTAGNA:The Beacon Walking Lab WorkshopsInstagram: @feellikeyourselfagainPhoto of Elizabeth: David McIntyreThe Alexander Technique is a method of movement education that focuses on improving posture, coordination, and body awareness. Developed by Frederick Matthias Alexander in the late 19th century, it teaches people to recognize and release habitual patterns of tension that interfere with natural movement and breathing. By emphasizing ease and balance, the technique promotes a more effortless way of moving, sitting, and standing, which can reduce pain, improve overall physical functioning, and support mental clarity. It is widely used by performers, athletes, and individuals seeking to reduce stress and enhance body mechanics.BIO:Elizabeth Castagna is certified to teach The Alexander Technique by Alexander TechniqueInternational and received her training with master teacher Chloe Wing in New York City. Shebecame Chloe’s Teacher Training Assistant from 2006-2013.In 2019 Elizabeth was certified by The Developing Self of the UK for teaching the AlexanderTechnique to children, teens, and young adults. From this training grew The Developing Self USgroup of AT teachers working to bring AT to schools in the US and to support each other in thatprocess. Elizabeth co-facilitates this group with AT colleague Gabrielle Czaja.She has taught AT Lab for children ages 5 – 11 at The Randolph School for 8 years. And hasoffered AT inspired better balance chair classes to seniors in retirement communitiesand local libraries. Elizabeth has also led AT workshops for actors in NYC.Elizabeth has had the opportunity to work with a range of students including folks withrepetitive stress injuries, back pain, grief, anxiety, Lyme disease, recovery from surgery andfolks who want to feel better in their body. She works with actors, musicians, visual artists,schoolteachers, seniors, teens, children, and prenatal/postpartum care. She offers privatelessons and workshops in The Hudson Valley, New York City and online.Elizabeth is a visual artist with a movement-based art practice rooted in her study/work withsomatics and is a Craniosacral Balancing practioner offering private sessions for 11 years. She’s anative New Yorker, grew up selling hot dogs at Yankee Stadium, and currently lives in Beacon NY.Her ProcessElizabeth dedicates her teaching to seeing and hearing her students clearly, supporting theunfolding of change in their body while respecting the natural pace of this movement which isunique to each individual. She provides a safe, creative space for her students where they candeepen a mindful state, cultivate self-awareness and embody thought with movement througha newfound ease and sense of wonder.With an understanding that how we learn is essential to what we learn, Elizabeth can integrateother somatic processes into her sessions. Among them are free drawing, Body Mind Centeringand Somatic Experiencing all to support her students to connect to themselves, to others, andtheir environment in a new way.In Her WordsI became aware of connecting to the wisdom of my body from my study with Chloe Wing. She’d always say, “Ask your body to show you how it wants to do that.” or “Ask your body what it wants.” In the podcast I mention “Am I safe now?” and “What if I allow myself to be as I am completely” these are both questions that I learned from my studies with Chloe.When we let go of the extra holding in our body we are letting go into the support of the invisible forces around us of gravity and the up or rebound energy from the earth. It is with both the down and the up that we stand freely.I learned about bringing awareness to my brain to help my eyes come together from the work of Alexander Technique teacher Peter Grunwald’s called EyeBody.Psycho-physical unity:In the Alexander Technique, psycho-physical unity is the idea that the mind and body are inseparable and influence each other in a holistic way. This concept suggests that thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations are all part of a unified experience.LINKS, RESOURCES & INSPIRATION:Alexander Technique by Alexander Technique InternationalFOCUSING: How To Gain Direct Access To Your Body's Knowledge by Eugene GendlinA 'Good Death’ with Karen Bellone, Death Doula: Embracing Life & Mortality PART ONE