Glossary

Inhibition

In the Alexander technique, ‘inhibition’ is used in the scientific or physiological sense. It is about stopping over-quick habitual reflex activity.

In another sense, inhibition is, as FM Alexander said, “the act of refusing to respond to the primary desire to gain an end”. That is, inhibition is the act of refusing to respond automatically and habitually to any stimulus to ‘do’ or to achieve a particular end or goal.

Inhibiting, or stopping, allows a person a moment’s pause, in which to consciously choose whether or not to respond to a stimulus, and if so, how to respond. The choice to stop our automatic habitual responses – whether thoughts, actions, or behaviour – allows the possibility of choice and leaves the way open for change.

Alexander saw inhibition as crucial because, “As long as the brain is preoccupied with the projection of messages which result in bringing about our habitual manner of use, there is little chance of breaking the vicious circle of the associated reflex activity in ‘doing’.”

As he also said to a pupil he was teaching, “Like a good fellow, stop the things that are wrong first.”

Also see non-doing.

See other glossary terms and concepts.