There are three ways to physically change your body in a way that promotes healthy growth. None of them are easy, but mindbody connection isn’t an easy path. However, after years of practicing and bringing my awareness to it I can say that I think it is an enjoyable and rewarding process.
- The first is through psychological and emotional change — by shifting your perceptions of what ‘reality’ is, and looking at what you project onto yourself each day. How do you see yourself in the world? Is that view accurate to what others experience? Look at your value system, are you putting in the time to do what you value? Are you driven by external motives seeking validation from others or are you content with yourself.
- The second way is to reconnect with your body through bodywork, accupuncture, or self-massage. Are there parts of your body you have forgotten about? Is that shoulder discomfort really from the suitcase you carried the last time you traveled, or is it from constant overuse and neglect over a lifetime? Reintroduce yourself TO yourself, and take a look at your myofascial / muscular inhibitions and limitations. Get to know the things you’ve forgotten, retrace your steps, find the golden ring, ball, key, whatever you wish to call it, from your past. Your body is a map and treasure lies in it somewhere out of sight.
- The last way is through biomechanics training, or by correcting and balancing out the tensional force through your body. Learn to engage, relax, and move in ways that leave you feeling more integrated and alive! Training doesn’t have to be a mindless time to check out- instead check in! Train your body with intention, and do things for it with a purpose. Invite yourself to the process of moving in a way that makes you feel expressive, strong, and resilient.
We live in a time of alienation from ourselves. But our body is the one tool we get for a lifetime. Don’t forget about it! Get back in touch with the nature that is within you.
Take the lead towards weaving changes into your body and therefor your life. Embrace the difficulty and learn from the tortoise- go slow.