We can design our lives to accumulate experiences that make us who we want to be. Just so, we can choose the important body concepts that will be reflected in the overall balance of the bodymind. And we know that the body leads the mind and in turn responds to the insights it inspires; it's exciting to know we have agency as creators of our health and happiness. As you sow, so shall you reap. Once we realize we have choices rather than defaulting to habits and patterns that perhaps are not serving us well, we can begin our transformation no matter what age or stage we are.
I like the image that we are a tapestry-- each thread contributing to the magnificent work of art, with different combinations of colors and textures-- that becomes who we are. The beauty is in the imperfections and variations, as well as the even parts. Each enhances the other. And it is the multifaceted accumulation of processes and insights that we commit to our daily practice that become effortlessly part of our embodied memory, with practice.
One of the important awarenesses of the Bodymind Method (also a metaphor for life), is Head- Heart Balance. And I'd like to share a visualization for you to incorporate into your practice and in every aspect of your daily life. In order to maximize the benefits of this concept, you can refer to previous Quick Read posts Umbrella Breathing and Basketball Head before you begin.
1. Sit in a comfortable position either in a chair or on the floor, finding the sweet spot of balanced alignment so there is no muscular tension in your body- outer body released, inner body bright. Continue to breathe diaphragmatically feeling the expanse of space within.
2. As you breathe, anchor your sitz bones like the roots of a tree on your inhale. Deepen the rooting and feel the spine, like the trunk growing up towards the sunlight, on each exhale. Carry the energy out the top of the head in a gentle arc.
3. Continue to practice these two awarenesses in coordination with the breath. On each exhale imagine also the back of your head pressing gently against a wall as your heart reaches forward without interrupting the flow of energy up and out the top of the head. As in the Alexander Technique (Head Over Heels) think only of the intention and direction of the head back/heart forward, not physically doing anything to make it happen. It's all about energy rather than effort.
4. Allow these three key concepts to become an integral part of your daily practice to create balance and vitality in your life, moving through each moment with open-heartedness, coordinated with the anchor of awareness. Have a soulful ,sentient, spectacular Sunday!
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Good morning Ms Hunter,
Your 'head-heart balance' post gave me reason to experience again many of your earlier blogs; umbrella breathing, basketball head and the Alexander Technique, all of which in combination, provided me with a fresh start to navigate this leisurly Sunday NH snowstorm with renewed purpose ansd pleasure. I thank you and the heavens !