アレクサンダーテクニークコミュのステファニー・ダットンのテレビインタビュー

ＡＴ教師で水泳教師、そして“ワツ（Watsu）”というボディワークもやる、ステファニーがテレビのインタビューを受けた際に感じたことを文章にしています。英語ですが（いつもごめんなさい）難しくない英語なのでぜひ読んでみてください。彼女の感じた緊張と恐怖、そこから再考察した生徒さんへの理解の大切さが書かれています。

私は体験したことがないのでよくわかりませんが、“ワツ（Watsu）”とは温水プールの中で行なうマッサージ、ストレッチです。温水がクライアントの心を休め、水が体重を支えてくれるため背骨などの負担が軽減されてワークを受けられることが特徴。ちょっとＡＴから離れてしまうかもしれないけど、みなさんとシェアしたくて書いてみました。

ワツについては
http://www.balancedlivingmag.com/2006/March%20-%20April%2006/What%20is%20Watsu.htm


インタビューについての文章はこちら

Jennifer Kabatz Presenter for MBS TV CableNine Interviews Stephanie...
Two Sunday afternoons ago, I was busy sitting at my computer catching up on administration when my cell- phone rang. Jennifer Kabatz, one of the Interviewers/Presenters for MBS Television, CableNine was calling. She had read my article ‘What is Watsu’ which was published last month in Balanced Living Magazine. Jennifer was calling to ask if she could interview me about Watsu for pregnancy.
It was one of those rare moments, when opportunity was knocking at my door. I delightedly said yes without thinking of any of the consequces. It was only when I put the phone down that it hit me, “I’ve never done a TV Interview before, and what if my mind goes blank?, and what if?, and what if?” Good God, my live radio interview seemed like an impossible nightmare and now I'm ready for television?

That night I paced the floor, talking out loud, asking myself “What is Watsu.” But, in reality it wasn’t about the topic, it was about me and my anxieties. I felt I had just thrown myself into the deep end of a pool, madly treading water, but not getting anywhere. I began to grasp at any excuse to get out of the interview or to have someone else do it for me

When I teach clients who are anxious or have a fear of water, I help them to accept their fear, and encourage them to trust themselves in unfamiliar territory, this takes time and understanding. Over a period of time they start to feel calm and relaxed, and eventually start to enjoy the freedom of being in water.

Unfortunately I did not have the luxury of time to conquer my own anxieties. It was now or never.

On the day of the interview, to say I was nervous was an understatement. I arrived at the Studio early and sat in my car, practicing calm breathing, and going through my prepared script. I eventually plucked up the courage to walk into the studio, and introduce myself to the Presenter, Jennifer and the film crew.

The moment I met Jennifer I knew I was in safe hands, she was a delight and immediately put me at ease. In fact, all of the people who were involved made me feel at home. Jennifer suggested that we do a mock interview, which helped me to focus and relax my over-active mind. This enabled my thoughts to flow, rather than my nerves to take over.

Finally it was our time to go on. We sat down in the studio, and one of the film crew hooked me up to a microphone. Whilst this was happening, the Producer was speaking to Jennifer saying "we have 6-minutes of filming with no re-takes." Nothing like adding just a little more pressure!

After several minutes of them monitoring the tone of our voices, we’re told that the cameras are rolling and suddenly Jennifer is introducing me. Before I know it, we have come to the end. In some respects it was the longest 6-minutes ever, and in other ways, it was a very short time for me to promote my work and encourage the viewers that Watsu has a very important part in their world.

In many way’s it was an interesting time for me, and you could say the boot was on the other foot, as it’s normally me encouraging clients “you can do it.” The experience did reiterate to me just how important it is for me to provide my clients with a safe environment in which to face their fears. It also reinforced the importance of having a teacher with understanding and empathy, one who will support you to get you through those emotional feelings that as adults we are so afraid of.

“The thinking mind is a useful and powerful tool, but it is also very limiting when it takes over your life completely, when you don’t realize that it is only a small aspect of the consciousness that you are” ~ Eckhard Tolle, Stillness Speaks.

Eckhard Tolle's theory teaches us to become aware of our mind and body, and the power that we have to change our habitual patterns of thinking.

To have a safe environment in which to explore anxieties or fears, can be good for the mind and soul. A healthy mind and spirit teaches us to go with the flow of life and to enjoy life’s little challenges, whatever comes knocking at your door.

My television experience took me way outside of my comfort zone. But to my surprise, facing that fear and conquering it, left me feeling not only liberated but empowered.

The interview will be shown on CableNine Television in June 2006.