19/10/2026
Someone asked a question recently on an AT forum - along the lines of show widening the back with photo. For what it's worth, here's my response - there's probably more that could be said: "It's part of an all inclusive set of FM Alexander Technique inhibitory directions and is meaningless on it's own. Want your back to lengthen (and widen)* only makes sense in the context of understanding that Alexander discovered an observable pattern of misuse. the purpose of inhibitory directions is to stop off at source our misdirection. *Lengthening is missing. Teachers use differing words/ phrases and Alexander acknowledged that words, no matter in what form, are inadequate to describe a sensory experience. He taught inhibitory directions and at the same time with his hands brought about a more desirable coordination that the pupil was encouraged/ invited to learn to maintain. Words are useful as a way in to learning what is a process of ongoing sensory experience and one's own discoveries. Photos wouldn't be helpful in this case. But photos of misuse are abundant, and can be helpful if there's a desire to move in a good direction as far as use is concerned."
