there is an unthinkable intelligence in how nature organizes itself. we don’t need to fix our system but rather support its natural ability to re-balance. when we become observers/witnesses of our bodies and thoughts (which requires slowing down), we can start noticing more details, become more sensitive to ourselves. in time, this can develop into the ability to perceive and release tension as it appears rather than after it has built up into a cramp or an injury.
complexity can be broken down into moment-by-moment sensations in our bodies, small or big natural reactions to the stimuli around us and within us. the more sensitive we become to these sensations the more we can distinguish reality (the sensation) from reaction (what I think of it), making space for equanimity. There we can start welcoming the changing world as it is.
the journey through life includes learning how to navigate among things that take us out of balance with integrity. by integrity I mean the alignment between our inner feedback system (the sensations) and our actions.
what creates flow in my life is my availability to be present with what I sense in the moment (allowing), and to act when I have clarity on what these sensations point to, to what is important in that moment. this is radically different than acting out of what I think I should do or what is “right to do”.
the same happens in relation to another being: what do I experience in front of this person? am I attracted and drawn in? can I act from that curiosity rather than trying to look/act “properly”? am I confused, scared, angry? can I respect that and keep distance, or share what’s happening in me rather than force myself to be “nice”?
“being in touch means first of all to be able to listen and feel what’s going on inside of us. from self-connection comes the space to listen and to connect to another, rather than thinking we can fix them. empathic listening (with our ears and our hands) is one of the ways we find this quality of connection.”
things I find important…
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touch
I consider touch a basic human need. it’s through touch that we can cope with the stress of the world when we are born, and we can still use it to co-regulate in adulthood
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play
there’s a lot of seriousness around healing and bodywork, which can make the whole process of coming back to yourself a serious deal. I think play is a powerful skill to learn in order to sustainably navigate through life’s challenges.
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slowing down
this is a pre-requisite to sensitivity, cutting the rush, turning off the noise, and feeling the sensations in your body. without sensitivity and awareness of sensations, bodywork becomes a quick fix rather than a support to life-long well-being
RESOURCES
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The Body Keeps the Score
the role of traumatic experiences in our embodiment and how to tap into it
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Biotensegrity
The study of soft matter physics, how living organisms develop an independent and buoyant system of compression and tension to move in the world.
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The Continuum Concept
the role of touch and culture in human upbringing and its effects on adulthood
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Move Your DNA
An insightful book by Katy Bowman about using movement as nutrition for our body and mind. Here an interview with the author.
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Myofascial Release
Myofascial release therapy is a type of gentle, constant massage that releases tightness and pain throughout your myofascial tissues. First, your healthcare provider will locate trigger points, or knots, in your fascial tissues. Then, they’ll gently apply pressure until they feel the tension release.
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Biodynamic Osteopathy
Osteopathy embraces the interplay of structural organizing dynamics and metabolic activities that give rise to form and function. It recognizes the inherent wisdom and intelligence within every cell. It seeks to recover what has been lost; to find the innate self-corrective principles that guide us, maintain us, and restore us. It taps that within us which is all-powerful. Osteopathy is the artful study and practical application of anatomy and physiology.
