The Mind-Body Connection
Illustration by Keith Negley
Sometimes knowing the “why” isn’t enough - we must practice the “what” and “how” in order to achieve a holistic sense of well-being. My personal journey into practicing the full range of motion throughout my body did not happen until later in life, but when it did, it made all the difference for my mind and spirit.
Here is my story, on how I came to recognizing my body imbalance in life.
As a child I grew up in a family mainly talking about stuff, and where sports weren’t generally given much attention. Creative hobbies took me elsewhere, and with a primary focus on building skills of the mind, school wasn’t exactly a place for me to cultivate a clear “voice of the body” either. So, by the time I became a university student, reactions from my body weren’t really a conscious part of the way I was making sense of myself or the world around me.
Being somewhat late to understanding the dynamics of the mind – body connection, I began to see the disconnect in my approach. Spurred by subtle, yet recurring signs of dis-ease, my personal journey towards balance began with establishing what I now see as the body perspective of my being. Trouble was that, while understanding the theory behind the value of a healthy body, I did this without integrating it through any real kind of physical practice.
Still in the process of learning how to maintain a state of well-being based on a more balanced approach, I am gradually understanding the importance of having holistic routines in place. As challenging as it can be, committing to a regular practice not only helps me move forward. It also makes me aware that whenever I refuse to move my body (and actually doing the work!), it is typically at times where I need it the most.
Why is movement important for the mind-body connection?
An integrated approach to mind, body and spirit is not only the foundation, but the very key to balance and flow. Disproportionate attention to one or two out of the three will naturally lead to imbalance and even malfunction over time.
Our thoughts, feelings, beliefs and attitudes can affect our biological functioning and physical health. Conversely, what we do with our physical body can impact our mental state. We are looking at a complex interrelationship between our mind, body and spirit.
Paying attention to the body and our sensations, we can better understand our state of mind and spirit as well. So to start, let’s focus on the importance of movement.
How do we stay attuned?
Being aware of your body is not about appearance, but about listening and understanding the way it “speaks” to you. Being still and allowing yourself to notice the way you feel, gives you access to a different kind of knowing and clarity about what to do.
To maintain a healthy body, we need to explore our full range of motion. Just as life is dynamic, the body is your biological vessel for holistic transformation and change. Bodily movement is about being flexible, strong and dedicated to achieving a sense of freeness and flow.
To learn more about body exercises in the context of spirit and mind, I invite you to discover: https://www.frombalance.com/discovery
Love,
Sille