Why compress when you decompress?

My belief on the whole, is that one of FM Alexander’s goals was, barring injury or physical disturbance, to help people allow themselves to know of how to move or be still in comfort, but also to suspend the reaction of anxiety when we are still. To look forward in “measured” anticipation, so you aren’t too excited but ready for what is next. A razor’s edge!

One way to distract yourself from having to “know” or “address” anxiety is to follow FM’s direction: OUT! If we encourage our direction to be outward, (or at least acknowledge/ release any part of you is pointed inward), we have a greater advantage of seeing the difference. A common way that people try to relax is to collapse themselves in a lump. While this can be “cozy”, if it’s hard to get up, you’ve probably done more compressing of the spine than necessary. No harm really, if you are young and healthy, but I would encourage DE-compressing! Lying flat for 5-10 minutes. Good for the spine, good all around! You have the time. Yes, you do!