Moving-mobile sculpture, Limerick University.
F.M. Alexander states in his book, Man’s Supreme Inheritance, “Briefly, as I see it, the subconscious in the application is only a synonym for that rigid routine we finally refer to as habit; this rigid routine being the stumbling block to rapid adaptability, to the assimilation of new ideas, to originality. On the other hand, consciousness is the synonym for mobility, that mobility which will obtain us physical regeneration and mental outlook that will make possible for us a new and wider enjoyment of those powers we all possess, but which are often deliberately stunted or neglected.”
We who profess the work of FM Alexander are quick to share the benefits of learning better physical use, better posture, moving with more ease, and freedom from pain. We work to become more aware of releasing tension and gaining better balance. But, generally, it seems the emphasis is on better physical balance. Yet, in all our diligence, attempting to gain awareness and giving ourselves orders, we still fail to recognize that our beliefs stimulate many of the behaviors which continue to cause pain and imbalance, whether mental or physical. Somehow we fail to connect with the fact that holding on to many of our beliefs is keeping us from the very growth and balance we seek. Stepping outside the box and releasing some of those long-held beliefs of the “what has been shall always be” mode takes courage. This habitual thinking is comfortable and pleases us – never mind that being stuck may be the very cause of our unbalance.
What would it feel like if the next time a new idea is brought to our attention, we actually stopped and considered that the new and uncomfortable just might be freeing and might bring balance to our physical self as well as our mental self? Perhaps the business would move forward. Perhaps the writing would come more smoothly. There really can be many possibilities. In fact, letting go of some long-held belief or behavior may be the freedom and balance we seek.