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Posture Release Imagery is a mental form of posture exercise. It can be very useful in overcoming postural habits that cause back and neck pain, and unwelcome tensions of various kinds. It promotes more naturally graceful movement. Inspired by the principles of the Alexander Technique, evolutionary theory, and a theory of personality types, the specific type of imagery is a new way of exploring the healthy use of our bodies and, with time, it can be utilized during virtually any activity. You will not find it anywhere else.
Posture Release Imagery (PRI) requires learning and practice, but can provide immense rewards. Download articles with imagery and explanations and experiment with the imagery on the website pages. It is all free. Scroll down to see just some of the illustrations and imagery that are on this site or soon to come. This should give you an idea (but also more questions) about what is found on the other pages. (Click on any illustration to see a larger view.)
* Illustrations that give simplifed views of evolution and the evolution of the dorsal and ventral surfaces.
* Illustrations of the three functional parts of the body, here named the “director,” “motor,” and “rudder” segments.
* One of several illustrations that describe the particular importance of our body’s “edges,” or the border between the dorsal and ventral surfaces.
* Image exercises with instructions for bringing about ease and improved posture by imaginarily promoting the appropriate dorsal-ventral realtionship.
* Image exercises with instructions for experiencing greater body freedom and range of motion through discovering and experiencing one’s “opposite” in tonal (tension) patterns.
* Finally, coming eventually will be discussion about imagery and new principles of posture and their relationship to larger issues in life.
PRI employs a series of imagery exercises that call upon the sensory wisdom of the “right brain.” These exercises are largely based on illustrations of an “archetypal tetrapod,” 
a four-legged creature that represents our own body surfaces—and evolutionary history—simplified. The exercises provide a challenging but ultimately rewarding way to experience the body. If practiced with diligence, the use of Posture Release Imagery can result in a much improved posture and a more graceful yet sturdy sense of ourselves.
Many people can benefit from Posture Release Imagery:
- Teachers and students of the Alexander Technique
- Performers of all kinds - actors, dancers, singers, athletes
- People who suffer from back pain or any pain
that an image can even momentarily aleviate
- Academics in psychology and cognitive science -
for new understanding by viewing the mind and body
through the lens presented here.
By studying what is on the site and diligently attempting the exercises, positive change should show itself. However, it is very helpful to have had lessons in the Alexander Technique or some other mind/body altering experiences that have allowed you to become less anxious and more comfortable with unexpected postural shift and release.
Nine new principles of structural supportand movement are listed and shortly described on the Nine new principles page.
My Articles on this site provide a usable introduction to the method and thinking. Without reading one or another of them, this all may never make sense to you… and that would be a shame.
Posture Exercises - universal imagery and Posture Exercises - type-specific imagery are two pages that provide ready access to introductory and advanced images. These pages will grow as I get time to put more exercises on them.
The Lessons and Workshops page describes ”in-person” options for learning this skill.
The “BIG picture” page/blog is where I will be expanding on many of the thoughts that this work has brought up in me.
Several of the pages are still “in progress.”