Maaike Aarts | Alexander Technique teacher @ Think Up
@thinkupacademy.bsky.social
Helping people unlearn unhelpful habits affecting posture, movement, stress, and limiting beliefs since 2002.
👉 Download my Think Up app: thinkup.nl/en/app/
👉 Let's connect on IG! instagram.com/thinkupacademy
👉 Download my Think Up app: thinkup.nl/en/app/
👉 Let's connect on IG! instagram.com/thinkupacademy
🧠 Our brains love efficiency. They turn repeated actions into automatic pathways.
That’s why changing a habit can feel like swimming upstream.
In the Alexander Technique, we learn to rewire these pathways safely and with awareness.
www.youtube.com/shorts/mIAGV...
That’s why changing a habit can feel like swimming upstream.
In the Alexander Technique, we learn to rewire these pathways safely and with awareness.
www.youtube.com/shorts/mIAGV...
One Reason Why Habits Are Hard to Change | Alexander Technique
YouTube video by Think Up Academy
www.youtube.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:45 PM
🧠 Our brains love efficiency. They turn repeated actions into automatic pathways.
That’s why changing a habit can feel like swimming upstream.
In the Alexander Technique, we learn to rewire these pathways safely and with awareness.
www.youtube.com/shorts/mIAGV...
That’s why changing a habit can feel like swimming upstream.
In the Alexander Technique, we learn to rewire these pathways safely and with awareness.
www.youtube.com/shorts/mIAGV...
Our habits shape our future often more than our decisions do.
When we act on autopilot, we repeat the same patterns without realizing it.
In the Alexander Technique, we learn to change safely and consciously.
www.youtube.com/shorts/VVX1r...
When we act on autopilot, we repeat the same patterns without realizing it.
In the Alexander Technique, we learn to change safely and consciously.
www.youtube.com/shorts/VVX1r...
The One Thing You Must Understand About Habits, According to FM Alexander | Alexander Technique
YouTube video by Think Up Academy
www.youtube.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Our habits shape our future often more than our decisions do.
When we act on autopilot, we repeat the same patterns without realizing it.
In the Alexander Technique, we learn to change safely and consciously.
www.youtube.com/shorts/VVX1r...
When we act on autopilot, we repeat the same patterns without realizing it.
In the Alexander Technique, we learn to change safely and consciously.
www.youtube.com/shorts/VVX1r...
I’ve been diving into breathwork lately — nose breathing, gentle pauses, and slower, softer breaths. It’s helped me understand how vital CO₂ is, and how much we tend to over-breathe. If you’re curious, Patrick McKeown’s book on the Buteyko method is truly eye-opening. 🌿
November 20, 2025 at 3:49 PM
I’ve been diving into breathwork lately — nose breathing, gentle pauses, and slower, softer breaths. It’s helped me understand how vital CO₂ is, and how much we tend to over-breathe. If you’re curious, Patrick McKeown’s book on the Buteyko method is truly eye-opening. 🌿
Do you want to be happy and healthy when you’re 85 or older? (I hope your answer is yes!)
The key is to identify and change your end-gaining habits, slowly but surely, from today.
www.youtube.com/shorts/_Wuas...
The key is to identify and change your end-gaining habits, slowly but surely, from today.
www.youtube.com/shorts/_Wuas...
Benefits of Ending End-gaining Habits | Alexander Technique
YouTube video by Think Up Academy
www.youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Do you want to be happy and healthy when you’re 85 or older? (I hope your answer is yes!)
The key is to identify and change your end-gaining habits, slowly but surely, from today.
www.youtube.com/shorts/_Wuas...
The key is to identify and change your end-gaining habits, slowly but surely, from today.
www.youtube.com/shorts/_Wuas...
That "special" kind of stress you’re feeling has a name for it.
It’s called end-gaining, and it’s huge reason for why you feel bad, affecting yourself, your loved ones, and the greater society, in a negative way. Watch this quick video to know more:
youtube.com/shorts/vm9HL...
It’s called end-gaining, and it’s huge reason for why you feel bad, affecting yourself, your loved ones, and the greater society, in a negative way. Watch this quick video to know more:
youtube.com/shorts/vm9HL...
Why End-Gaining Habits are Harmful | Alexander Technique | Think Up
YouTube video by Think Up Academy
youtube.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:12 PM
That "special" kind of stress you’re feeling has a name for it.
It’s called end-gaining, and it’s huge reason for why you feel bad, affecting yourself, your loved ones, and the greater society, in a negative way. Watch this quick video to know more:
youtube.com/shorts/vm9HL...
It’s called end-gaining, and it’s huge reason for why you feel bad, affecting yourself, your loved ones, and the greater society, in a negative way. Watch this quick video to know more:
youtube.com/shorts/vm9HL...
”End-gaining” is such an important topic for me and it’s present in so many areas of life: from our children’s schools, to the doctors, the food we eat…
Can you think of more examples you’ve observed in daily life?
www.youtube.com/shorts/-ps22...
Can you think of more examples you’ve observed in daily life?
www.youtube.com/shorts/-ps22...
Examples of End Gaining | Alexander Technique | Think Up
YouTube video by Think Up Academy
www.youtube.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:06 PM
”End-gaining” is such an important topic for me and it’s present in so many areas of life: from our children’s schools, to the doctors, the food we eat…
Can you think of more examples you’ve observed in daily life?
www.youtube.com/shorts/-ps22...
Can you think of more examples you’ve observed in daily life?
www.youtube.com/shorts/-ps22...
I’ve just printed new flyers for my upcoming trip to London, where I’ll be teaching a masterclass for upper strings at the Royal College of Music 🎻
About my new flyers:
🎵 One introducing my course “Freedom and Ease for Violinists and Violists”
🎶 The other is a flyer for my free Think Up app
About my new flyers:
🎵 One introducing my course “Freedom and Ease for Violinists and Violists”
🎶 The other is a flyer for my free Think Up app
November 3, 2025 at 7:51 AM
I’ve just printed new flyers for my upcoming trip to London, where I’ll be teaching a masterclass for upper strings at the Royal College of Music 🎻
About my new flyers:
🎵 One introducing my course “Freedom and Ease for Violinists and Violists”
🎶 The other is a flyer for my free Think Up app
About my new flyers:
🎵 One introducing my course “Freedom and Ease for Violinists and Violists”
🎶 The other is a flyer for my free Think Up app
Stress, pain, pollution, and even political turmoil often share a hidden root: “end-gaining”.
In the Alexander Technique, we learn to step out of it and choose lasting solutions. 🌿
Watch the video to see how it shows up in daily life and what we can do about it!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXIu...
In the Alexander Technique, we learn to step out of it and choose lasting solutions. 🌿
Watch the video to see how it shows up in daily life and what we can do about it!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXIu...
End Gaining + Means Whereby | Think Up | Alexander Technique
YouTube video by Think Up Academy
www.youtube.com
September 25, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Stress, pain, pollution, and even political turmoil often share a hidden root: “end-gaining”.
In the Alexander Technique, we learn to step out of it and choose lasting solutions. 🌿
Watch the video to see how it shows up in daily life and what we can do about it!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXIu...
In the Alexander Technique, we learn to step out of it and choose lasting solutions. 🌿
Watch the video to see how it shows up in daily life and what we can do about it!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXIu...
Over the past week we got to babysit these two gorgeous dogs. So sweet, cuddly, and full of personality — it was such a joy having them around!
I’ll definitely miss the snuggles… but I won’t miss the 5 a.m. and 6 a.m wake-up calls, the extra fur on everything, and the dog perfume in the house!!
I’ll definitely miss the snuggles… but I won’t miss the 5 a.m. and 6 a.m wake-up calls, the extra fur on everything, and the dog perfume in the house!!
September 21, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Over the past week we got to babysit these two gorgeous dogs. So sweet, cuddly, and full of personality — it was such a joy having them around!
I’ll definitely miss the snuggles… but I won’t miss the 5 a.m. and 6 a.m wake-up calls, the extra fur on everything, and the dog perfume in the house!!
I’ll definitely miss the snuggles… but I won’t miss the 5 a.m. and 6 a.m wake-up calls, the extra fur on everything, and the dog perfume in the house!!
I wanted to share how I create audio guides for my Think Up app.
I write and rewrite the texts, then record them while trying to actually live the Alexander Technique myself (😅).
After that, I edit everything in Logic Pro
Then my husband works his MAGIC with the mastering 🎧!
I write and rewrite the texts, then record them while trying to actually live the Alexander Technique myself (😅).
After that, I edit everything in Logic Pro
Then my husband works his MAGIC with the mastering 🎧!
September 14, 2025 at 6:47 AM
I wanted to share how I create audio guides for my Think Up app.
I write and rewrite the texts, then record them while trying to actually live the Alexander Technique myself (😅).
After that, I edit everything in Logic Pro
Then my husband works his MAGIC with the mastering 🎧!
I write and rewrite the texts, then record them while trying to actually live the Alexander Technique myself (😅).
After that, I edit everything in Logic Pro
Then my husband works his MAGIC with the mastering 🎧!
Being productive doesn't have to mean having a tight jaw, shoulders pressing up, and breathing in a shallow way.
✨ Your body CAN move through the day with you, instead of against you.
Try noticing where you’re holding on... and then let it go with a gentle sigh as you read this.
✨ Your body CAN move through the day with you, instead of against you.
Try noticing where you’re holding on... and then let it go with a gentle sigh as you read this.
September 4, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Being productive doesn't have to mean having a tight jaw, shoulders pressing up, and breathing in a shallow way.
✨ Your body CAN move through the day with you, instead of against you.
Try noticing where you’re holding on... and then let it go with a gentle sigh as you read this.
✨ Your body CAN move through the day with you, instead of against you.
Try noticing where you’re holding on... and then let it go with a gentle sigh as you read this.
My flyers for the Alexander Technique Congress have arrived!! Looking forward to a week of inspiration, connection and fun in Dublin, where I will take workshops on teaching AT to school children and learning more about how AT can help with trauma.
August 3, 2025 at 6:58 AM
My flyers for the Alexander Technique Congress have arrived!! Looking forward to a week of inspiration, connection and fun in Dublin, where I will take workshops on teaching AT to school children and learning more about how AT can help with trauma.
I’m looking forward to tuning into my all-inclusive awareness while reconnecting with the incredible nature of Norway and Sweden.
I may pop in here occasionally, but regular posts and practices will be back in September.
Wishing you all a wonderful summer. Take care! 🌞
I may pop in here occasionally, but regular posts and practices will be back in September.
Wishing you all a wonderful summer. Take care! 🌞
July 14, 2025 at 6:16 PM
I’m looking forward to tuning into my all-inclusive awareness while reconnecting with the incredible nature of Norway and Sweden.
I may pop in here occasionally, but regular posts and practices will be back in September.
Wishing you all a wonderful summer. Take care! 🌞
I may pop in here occasionally, but regular posts and practices will be back in September.
Wishing you all a wonderful summer. Take care! 🌞
Looking back on a truly wonderful Alexander Technique summer week in France with Doris Hochscheid! Grateful for the inspiring participants and fulfilling week.
Feeling nourished in every way — body, mind, and spirit.
✨ Come join us next summer in beautiful Fontaines St. Clair! ✨
Feeling nourished in every way — body, mind, and spirit.
✨ Come join us next summer in beautiful Fontaines St. Clair! ✨
July 14, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Looking back on a truly wonderful Alexander Technique summer week in France with Doris Hochscheid! Grateful for the inspiring participants and fulfilling week.
Feeling nourished in every way — body, mind, and spirit.
✨ Come join us next summer in beautiful Fontaines St. Clair! ✨
Feeling nourished in every way — body, mind, and spirit.
✨ Come join us next summer in beautiful Fontaines St. Clair! ✨
Are you trying so hard to improve your posture that it's making you tense and stiff??
That’s ''end-gaining'' — when we fixate on the result without realising we're harming ourselves in the long term.
Here's why that happens and what to do about it 👉
www.youtube.com/shorts/TudnL...
That’s ''end-gaining'' — when we fixate on the result without realising we're harming ourselves in the long term.
Here's why that happens and what to do about it 👉
www.youtube.com/shorts/TudnL...
End-gaining & Sitting Up Straight | Alexander Technique | Think Up
YouTube video by Think Up Academy
www.youtube.com
June 27, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Are you trying so hard to improve your posture that it's making you tense and stiff??
That’s ''end-gaining'' — when we fixate on the result without realising we're harming ourselves in the long term.
Here's why that happens and what to do about it 👉
www.youtube.com/shorts/TudnL...
That’s ''end-gaining'' — when we fixate on the result without realising we're harming ourselves in the long term.
Here's why that happens and what to do about it 👉
www.youtube.com/shorts/TudnL...
I've got a book recommendation for you to read this summer: Myth of Normal by Dr. Gabor Maté 📚
He brilliantly uncovers the true root causes behind trauma, stress, addiction, political polarization, and environmental destruction.
Timely to understand WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE WORLD RIGHT NOW.
He brilliantly uncovers the true root causes behind trauma, stress, addiction, political polarization, and environmental destruction.
Timely to understand WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE WORLD RIGHT NOW.
June 25, 2025 at 4:49 PM
I've got a book recommendation for you to read this summer: Myth of Normal by Dr. Gabor Maté 📚
He brilliantly uncovers the true root causes behind trauma, stress, addiction, political polarization, and environmental destruction.
Timely to understand WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE WORLD RIGHT NOW.
He brilliantly uncovers the true root causes behind trauma, stress, addiction, political polarization, and environmental destruction.
Timely to understand WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE WORLD RIGHT NOW.
Do you also feel it when you watch someone perform — their tension, their ease, their struggles? That’s your mirror neurons turning their experience into your own.
Mirror Neurons | Think Up | Alexander Technique
YouTube video by Think Up Academy
www.youtube.com
June 19, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Do you also feel it when you watch someone perform — their tension, their ease, their struggles? That’s your mirror neurons turning their experience into your own.
Do you really know how to relax?
You can be still... and still feel tension. 🤷♀️
Clue: Relaxing is not passive, nor downward. It's a gentle ACTIVE practice of LETTING GO to return to clarity, openness, and presence.
Swipe to know how! ➡️
You can be still... and still feel tension. 🤷♀️
Clue: Relaxing is not passive, nor downward. It's a gentle ACTIVE practice of LETTING GO to return to clarity, openness, and presence.
Swipe to know how! ➡️
June 16, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Do you really know how to relax?
You can be still... and still feel tension. 🤷♀️
Clue: Relaxing is not passive, nor downward. It's a gentle ACTIVE practice of LETTING GO to return to clarity, openness, and presence.
Swipe to know how! ➡️
You can be still... and still feel tension. 🤷♀️
Clue: Relaxing is not passive, nor downward. It's a gentle ACTIVE practice of LETTING GO to return to clarity, openness, and presence.
Swipe to know how! ➡️
Imagine you're a soaring eagle, looking down while flying, observing both your body and the world below.
Do you notice you don't have to choose between observing your body or the space? How do you feel?
That's the golden zone called All-Inclusive Awareness.
Do you notice you don't have to choose between observing your body or the space? How do you feel?
That's the golden zone called All-Inclusive Awareness.
June 10, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Imagine you're a soaring eagle, looking down while flying, observing both your body and the world below.
Do you notice you don't have to choose between observing your body or the space? How do you feel?
That's the golden zone called All-Inclusive Awareness.
Do you notice you don't have to choose between observing your body or the space? How do you feel?
That's the golden zone called All-Inclusive Awareness.
Jogging, computer work, or any activity becomes much more effortless when we are aware of the space around us... and I want to share how you can practice this!
Send me a message on my Think Up Academy FB page or Instagram to listen for free for a month.
Limited to the first 30! Details👇
Send me a message on my Think Up Academy FB page or Instagram to listen for free for a month.
Limited to the first 30! Details👇
May 29, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Jogging, computer work, or any activity becomes much more effortless when we are aware of the space around us... and I want to share how you can practice this!
Send me a message on my Think Up Academy FB page or Instagram to listen for free for a month.
Limited to the first 30! Details👇
Send me a message on my Think Up Academy FB page or Instagram to listen for free for a month.
Limited to the first 30! Details👇
If your hands feel stiff, your shoulders sore, or your playing feels harder than it should be... tension might be holding you back more than you think.
But here’s the thing — your grip isn’t the root of the problem. It starts somewhere else.
Swipe through to find out why and how to unlearn it ➡️
But here’s the thing — your grip isn’t the root of the problem. It starts somewhere else.
Swipe through to find out why and how to unlearn it ➡️
May 20, 2025 at 4:19 PM
If your hands feel stiff, your shoulders sore, or your playing feels harder than it should be... tension might be holding you back more than you think.
But here’s the thing — your grip isn’t the root of the problem. It starts somewhere else.
Swipe through to find out why and how to unlearn it ➡️
But here’s the thing — your grip isn’t the root of the problem. It starts somewhere else.
Swipe through to find out why and how to unlearn it ➡️
Have you ever noticed that daydreaming, recovering, and resting during the day can turn into collapsing and heaviness in the body?
Well, there's an Alexander Technique practice to rest that includes alertness: Active Rest.
It allows the body to decompress, while awareness stays open and present.
Well, there's an Alexander Technique practice to rest that includes alertness: Active Rest.
It allows the body to decompress, while awareness stays open and present.
May 10, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Have you ever noticed that daydreaming, recovering, and resting during the day can turn into collapsing and heaviness in the body?
Well, there's an Alexander Technique practice to rest that includes alertness: Active Rest.
It allows the body to decompress, while awareness stays open and present.
Well, there's an Alexander Technique practice to rest that includes alertness: Active Rest.
It allows the body to decompress, while awareness stays open and present.
Is your body and mind stuck on high alert?
This might be why. ➡️ Read on to reset.
#alexandertechnique #mindbodyawareness #stressmanagement #focus
This might be why. ➡️ Read on to reset.
#alexandertechnique #mindbodyawareness #stressmanagement #focus
May 1, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Is your body and mind stuck on high alert?
This might be why. ➡️ Read on to reset.
#alexandertechnique #mindbodyawareness #stressmanagement #focus
This might be why. ➡️ Read on to reset.
#alexandertechnique #mindbodyawareness #stressmanagement #focus
Compared to the extreme types of attention, All-Inclusive Awareness is an integrated focus where you remain aware of your whole body, your activity, and the space around you ALL AT THE SAME TIME.
Do you recognize this middle space in your own experience?
#alexandertechnique #allinclusiveawareness
Do you recognize this middle space in your own experience?
#alexandertechnique #allinclusiveawareness
April 25, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Compared to the extreme types of attention, All-Inclusive Awareness is an integrated focus where you remain aware of your whole body, your activity, and the space around you ALL AT THE SAME TIME.
Do you recognize this middle space in your own experience?
#alexandertechnique #allinclusiveawareness
Do you recognize this middle space in your own experience?
#alexandertechnique #allinclusiveawareness
The truth?
Stopping isn’t weakness.
Small adjustments can prevent injury.
Listening builds resilience — not quitting.
✅ Start noticing where tension creeps in.
Your body is asking you to listen.
Stopping isn’t weakness.
Small adjustments can prevent injury.
Listening builds resilience — not quitting.
✅ Start noticing where tension creeps in.
Your body is asking you to listen.
April 18, 2025 at 3:43 PM
The truth?
Stopping isn’t weakness.
Small adjustments can prevent injury.
Listening builds resilience — not quitting.
✅ Start noticing where tension creeps in.
Your body is asking you to listen.
Stopping isn’t weakness.
Small adjustments can prevent injury.
Listening builds resilience — not quitting.
✅ Start noticing where tension creeps in.
Your body is asking you to listen.