Nov 2006

Educational Feature

Moving the Architecture of Standing

A process of movement exists in all aspects of life. You can see it as the rhythmic pattern in flowers, in the weaving of a rug, or the movement of a martial artist. It reflects the dance of function, expression, and transformation. It is refined and organic and natural. The refinement is a reflection of the knowledge and the embodiment that comes from learning the lessons that result in greater function, more precision, and grace. The organic and natural aspects are a reflection of the body doing what it does best — thinking and doing for you in ways that are most appropriate for who you are and where you are. Thank goodness, when we slip into a posture, sit, or stand, our bodies can function on their own and take care of us.

As we discussed last month, Standing is the stage where you have the least amount of mobility, hence the least freedom to move. While this stage may seem rigid, it is a very dynamic posture in that this is the stage that holds the space for you to wait until you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually are ready to rise up into Walking.

The sensation of waiting in Standing is intense. This intensity is sensed in the lower body through the downward pull of gravity, the extreme depth and compression of bones and joints in the lower body. The intensity is also sensed in the upper body through the extension of the spine that is stimulated through reaching out with curiosity, and looking up and out.

Standing is the moment where you get to sink into well-oiled hip joints and open knees. It is a posture that gives you the opportunity to look back, feel, and notice the effects of your work. You get to notice what has led you to this moment in the Now, and you get to feel Now as a sensation.

Standing is the point in time where you get to imagine your future. You get to rest your feet for the first time on the ground and wait until you feel the “Let’s walk” impulse. Standing is a powerful position that asks that you release your whole self into the downward pull of gravity. Alexander Technique teaches to get ready to Stand by imagining moving up and out.

The architecture of Standing is all about sensing your relationship with the past. In Standing you may feel stuck, yet the benefit is that you get to look into the future, seeing others walking and showing you your future. Without rushing or pushing yourself into action before you are ready, you get to be where you are, you get to give thanks and reflect.

Don’t be concerned if the first few times you rest in Standing it feels like effort. Repeating a movement means repeated excitation of a pathway in your central nervous system. The result is a gradual and easy transmission of nerve muscles through that pathway. This is brought about by a decrease in synaptic resistance and is the basis for the formation of habits and for learning.

Moving the Standing posture relies on the movement of breath. Therefore, move the stage of Standing by breathing deeply and fully like a bull ready to charge, and make subtle movement changes that will prepare you for the moment when your spirit says, “Now I am ready to Walk.” Keep in mind that all previous stages have provided a unique contribution to this moment and have prepared you for the final Stage of Self Healing, which will carry you through life – Walking.

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