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Week 6 Summary: Stopping the Wrong Thing

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F. M. Alexander warned against trying to getting rid of faults by correcting them. He observed that if a problem is created by faulty use, then relying on the same faulty directing mechanism to correct it will only create more problems. Instead of adding a new movement or effort, the solution is to stop doing the thing that causes the trouble in the first place.

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This principle is central to the Technique: most problems come from unnecessary muscular activity. Adding more effort in the name of correction only compounds the issue. True change comes through inhibition, or non-doing, which prevents the old habit from taking place.

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Teachers such as Marjorie Barstow captured this in simple sayings: there is no single “right” posture, only movement with more ease. Inhibition is the choice not to let the old pattern repeat. With awareness, humour, and curiosity, we learn to release unnecessary effort and open space for freedom and coordination.

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Takeaway

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Trying to “correct” faults only adds effort. Alexander showed that by simply stopping the wrong thing, unnecessary tension can release and freedom returns.

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