Body Learning Pt. 2

a. Summarize: Primary Control, Unreliable Sensory Appreciation, Inhibition, Direction, Ends and Means
Primary control- a dynamic, ever changing relationship that functions all the time, for better or worse, in every position; serves as a key to coordinating the organism as a whole
Unreliable sensory appreciation- habitual misuse that adversely affects the reliability of kinaesthetic sense; the feeling of 'rightness in action' is untrustworthy; if the sensory appreciation is inaccurate the true needs of someone is uncertain, but as the standard of rightness develops, intuition becomes a more valuable tool
Inhibition- the ability to stop and delay a response until one is adequately prepared to make it; common sense, 'Stop, look and listen'; it is a process of stripping away things that impose on people so that one can work naturally and reason can function without distraction; leaving oneself alone
Direction- the experience of trusting reason rather than habit, even if it feels awkward; directing yourself to do something without forcing it; the activity of all the parts reflects direction of oneself as a whole
Ends and means- a balanced relationship achieved by indirect means; to stop and inhibit the habitual response--practise the projection of conscious direction; 'keep your options open' through to the critical moment of decision; continuing to project the directions for maintenance of the new Use

b. Reflection: What did you find interesting, helpful, confusing, etc. about the reading?
I found some of the ideas to be very interesting, and easily understood. Once you're reading through the ideas, you can think about it observantly and understand how simple and concrete the idea is. All the ideas coincide with the idea of instincts, natural thinking, or rather not thinking. When the author was describing how Alexander had to 'think' and not 'do' when he trying to put his body in the natural alignment, I found it more useful to think of it the opposite way. To 'do,' but not to think. All of Alexander's techniques involve the body's natural way of positioning itself and moving. If one were to stop thinking of 'standing right' or 'moving right,' it just happens on its own accord. However, I do understand that many people's bodies (probably including mine) are so used to positioning themselves in a stressful manor. I think the best way to "fix" this is to take an Alexander class because having someone else adjust your body or put it at ease and into a more natural way of being is much more effective than just the words. I think my favorite quote from this reading is, "...the path to self-realization involves finding out what one's true needs are and then fulfilling them." I believe this quote to be extremely accurate in the matters of everything. Many moments of life are wasted on things that people, in the moment, believe are their true needs. I know I have definitely wasted some money on "true needs." But the main focus of this quote is, one should first examine the situation or item, wait on it, and then decide. One would want to fulfill their true needs vs. their momentary wants. Deciphering the difference is key to living a more productive and guided life. Alexander pushes us to develop an accurate standard of rightness, which I believe many people are lacking of. If more people were to learn and study Alexander's techniques I believe that they would be much healthier and happier. I hope personally that I can also form into this natural way of moving and positioning myself.