Do you experience stress, neck or back pain, or breathing or voice problems? The reasons may lie in your reaction habits developed over the years, which cause neck tension, compressing your posture and thus disturbing the body's natural functions. The Alexander Technique is a learning method based on thinking, which you can use in any everyday activity to promote your own well-being. You will learn to release unnecessary tensions and restore the dynamic connection of the head, neck, and back. In this way, the musculature finds a better balance as if on its own. In the course, the instructor gently guides the student's body with their hands to find a purposeful way of functioning in everyday movements. Movement and working postures become lighter, and neck and back pains subside. Breathing and voice find free flow. Presence deepens, and the mind becomes more alert. Natural posture is found without tension. In the course, we will apply the principles of the Alexander Technique to self-selected activities, e.g., walking, running, sitting at a computer, voice use, lifting, playing an instrument, etc. The course is suitable for anyone interested in letting go of harmful habits. Participation does not require special fitness; daily use of the Alexander Technique improves muscle strength. Instructor Susanna Sillman, www.aatteella.fi
Saturday, August 15
Arrival in Valamo, meal at 2:00 PM, accommodation by 4:00 PM
15:00 Course opening and work
19:30 Evening meal
Sunday, August 16
06:00 Liturgy.
07:30- Breakfast
09:00 Work
12:00 Lunch/Moleben
14:00 Work continues
15:30 Break
16:00–17:30 Work continues
18:00 Ninth Hour. Vespers. Small Compline and Great Akathist to the Mother of God.
19:30 Evening meal
Monday, August 17
06:00 Midnight and Matins. First Hour.
07:30- Breakfast
09:00 Work
12:00 Lunch/Moleben.
14:00 Work continues
15:30 Break
16:00–17:30 Work continues
18:00 Ninth Hour. Vespers. Small Compline and Rule of Prayer.
19:30 Evening meal
Tuesday, August 18
06:00 Midnight and Matins. Liturgy.
07:30- Breakfast
10:00 Work
12:00 Lunch/Moleben
14:00 Work continues
15:30 Break
16:00–18:00 Work continues
18:00 Ninth Hour. Vespers. Small Compline and Rule of Prayer.
19:30 Evening meal
Wednesday, August 19
06:00 Midnight and Matins. First Hour.
07:30 - Breakfast
09:00 Work
12:00 Course conclusion and lunch/Moleben.
Bring warm, loose-fitting clothes, a sleeping mat/yoga mat (a mat can also be borrowed from the institute) and a few books for a pillow (can be borrowed from the institute).
Upon arrival at the monastery, register at the reception where you will receive your room key and course card. Course participants are requested to keep their course card visible, especially when visiting the Restaurant Trapesa cafe-restaurant and the Tuohus souvenir shop.
Meals are served at the times indicated in the program at Restaurant Trapesa's buffet. Additionally, meals, snacks, refreshments, and coffee can be purchased from Restaurant Trapesa at daily prices. It is advisable to mention any dietary restrictions during registration.
Rooms are available from 4:00 PM on the day of arrival. On the day of departure, rooms must be vacated by 12:00 PM. The room key should be returned to the monastery reception.
The course price is 512 € for Institute Hotel single room, 465 €/person for Institute Hotel double room, 490 €/Guest House single room. The available room option will be confirmed upon registration, subject to availability. The course price includes teaching (30 lessons), accommodation, and meals as per the program.
Inquiries and registrations by August 1, 2026 salesservice@valamo.fi,
tel. +358 17 570 1810
www.valamo.fi/opisto
The monastery brotherhood warmly welcomes course participants to the monastery services (in the main church).
Please attend the course scent-free.
