Ever Noticed How Much We Don’t Notice?

Have you ever noticed how much we don’t notice? We don’t notice when we hoist a shoulder to an earlobe when reaching for an object. We don’t notice when we clamp our arms to our sides when we walk, or that we lead with our heads (maybe the mind can’t wait for the rest of the body to get to its destination.) How can we care about, let alone change, something we don’t notice?

We move on automatic pilot, relying on unconscious habit patterns that are programmed and maintained through neural signals. To make a difference in these unconscious patterns of movement, or lack of movement, we go back to our first three steps described in earlier blogs. We make a conscious decision to do so (Step 1) and then set an intention (Step 2). To change these patterns we need to begin to discern how we move or where we don’t move. To create such awareness (Step 3) we use movement.

Step 4:  Movement

Movement – subtle, mindful and rhythmical – can begin to ‘speak’ to, or access, the central nervous system, a non-intellectual part of the brain that affects neural signals – like those that help keep self-limiting patterns in place. We want to create new neural signals that support our intention to, say, loosen tight muscles and ease joint mobility.

We perform mindful (you could say meditative) movements, in a particular manner, on one side of the body. We notice how that side feels in contrast to how the other side feels. This allows the non-intellectual brain to begin to notice the difference between the two sides. The effect is similar to inputting data into a computer. Once the data ‘registers’, it becomes the basis for the brain, nervous system etc. to begin to help us create new neural signals that help reprogram old patterns.

Simultaneously, we kinesthetically begin to feel how we actually (vs what we assumed) use our bodies and the effect of that usage. That kinesthetic awareness informs subsequent movement, which increases awareness, which guides further movement, which expands awareness . . . a spiral of symbiotic relationships emerge, working from within and without.

The nature of the movement is important, but not conveniently described here. Among the essential tools are attitudes of healing as well as visualization, breathing, self-massage and a lot of repetition. In my opinion and experience these mindbody methods, combined with Intention, Awareness, Movement (I AM) create a powerful process that supports transformation of self-limiting patterns, whether physical, emotional or behavioral.

The resources are inside us. We just need a road map to find and use what we already have; once we do, it’s ours for life. For we boomers, it makes for graceful aging with ease. This doesn’t mean we won’t ever need to seek help from other professionals. I receive therapeutic massage and chiropractic in addition to my personal movement practice.

Share your comments; they are appreciated. This is a huge topic and I am only glancing the surface. To learn more about the fascinating internal communication network click on Articles (on the right). I also recommend the book Molecules of Emotion by the brilliant researcher Candace Pert, PhD.  See you next week.

Question for You:  How do you address unwanted patterns?

Unexpected Benefits

I didn’t realize I’d get a benefit by sharing my passion for living life from within! Blogging made me ask if I’m walking my talk, which led to some needed spiffing up!  But moving on with the basic elements of activating our inner resources:

Step 2: What Is Your Intention?

Intention helps the inner compass find ‘true north’ to move us in the direction we’ve chosen when it and we are consistent with our nature.

So much has been said by so many on the subject of intention, does anyone need to hear anything more about it? Ever? Yes, because in addition to the good stuff, there’s been too much over-simplification. Also, as we move through this blog series I’ll show you how to use it in conjunction with improving mobility and pain relief.

To know your intention, allow yourself space to be and time to reflect so that the intention is consistent with your nature, with the grain of your being. An intention that reflects your heart’s purpose and desire will help you take flight – likely preceded by some homework – something I noticed I’d become a tad shy of:  too much thinking about not enough doing!

An intention puts our internal resources on notice that we’ve chosen a clear direction. This is a powerful thing because as the intention is reinforced (see next blog post), the way to fulfilling it begins to show itself, in whatever time frame is appropriate (quickly, slowly, who’s to know?)

Pie in the sky?

There’s been a lot in popular media that takes a simpler (simple minded?) view. I heard a professional say:   If you want to be a world-famous opera singer, just have the intention and visualize yourself on a stage. That’s all you need. Not on my planet. How about adding voice training and practice?

Closer to Reality:

If a person chooses to gain greater use of a wounded leg but simultaneously thinks it’s not possible, he’ll prove himself right. A contradictory fear, hidden desire or need that doesn’t come into the light will be a hidden saboteur that negates intention. Uncovering our own hidden belief systems (a possible intention?) helps us become more whole and more effective.

Setting Your Intention:

Once you’ve got the intention, make it yours:  own it, claim it, create reminders of it. Take time to be with it. Breathe it in. Write it down, dance it in, sing it out with words or sounds. Some like to paint it, shape it in clay – whatever you are inspired to do, let it flow.

I have a conflict in that I want to write all that I can on this topic, but it would be a book instead of a blog post. See you next Monday. Thanks for your comments, love them, please leave lots.

Question for You:

Have you had a good experience using intention? A bad experience?

Getting Started: Activating Brain Central

“So,” you might ask, “how do we start tapping into that powerful pool of natural resources residing within that you wrote about last time?” Good question. This is a simple introduction to something vast and complex:  as big as changing habitual, self-limiting patterns, as simple as making a decision and creating an intention.

How to embark on a potentially transformative process? Start in a place where you’ll be undisturbed. A quiet, peaceful space where you can take deep, calming breaths and be present.

Step 1: The Way To Begin:  decide to.  It’s that simple. Make a conscious choice; it begins to engage ‘brain-central’.

Step 2 on Monday.  See you there, meanwhile:  What do you do to get centered, calm and present?

Thanks for your comments and questions. Keep them coming, they mean a lot.

Moving from the Inside Out

I moaned and groaned. I was beside myself. “Every name I think I might want has been taken. Names and titles I’ve used for my work for many years are in use by other people – they have the domains. What to do?”

Whiny and pathetic, eh? Almost two weeks of not finding an available domain name caused me to nearly despair. Frustrated, not wanting to give up but almost ready to, I plopped down on the arm of my favorite chair. Head downcast, all I could think was how important it was to have a name with organicity, that flowed and reflected what the blog and my work are about. Anything less wouldn’t be fitting.

Spontaneously, with feeling I declared as if ending an argument I didn’t know I was engaged in: “Whatever it is, it HAS to come from the inside out.”

“What?” I took note. “That’s it, of course! Moving from the inside out.” My heart soared over that brief assemblage of words. Words that are natural to me and reflect my purpose. They sang to me.

This blog’s purpose is to always come from within, where the best flows from – never from the top of my head! I know there is renewing and transformative power residing in the natural resources within everyone. We just need to know how to tap into them. It boggles the mind because it’s as simple as paying attention: to how we move, how we feel, our attitudes. Add a few mind-body tools and we can access and utilize what’s already inside us, free. We came with it. Thank God!

I hope that’s intriguing. I invite your comments and brief stories for the benefit of all. There will be guest bloggers and interviews with professionals who use natural forms of healing: from transformational movement, massage and self-massage, attitudinal adjustments, to homeopathy, meditative knitting and laugh yoga.

Have a great day, see you here on Wednesday.