“... movement with attention will change how our brains put it all together. Our human destiny, if we’re to be vital and alive and healthy, is to keep creating those opportunities for change and growth by choosing over and over again, to bring movement and attention to all that we do. ”
It Ain’t What You Do, It’s the Way that You Do It!
Somatics not only teaches you how to regain control over muscles that have become habitually tight (which improves your posture and flexibility) but it is also extremely beneficial for your brain health too. They key to this is not only through the Pandiculation technique but also in the way you move, this comes down to awareness, attentiveness and pace, this stimulates not only the sensory motor cortex, but other areas of your brain too.
Most of our daily movements are habitual, as if we are on auto pilot and the majority of exercise classes likewise; even many Yoga classes have become “Hokey Cokey” style. This way of moving does not produce new neural connections and can keep you not only limited in your movement possibilities but also in your outlook, mental and emotional states too.
In Somatics you are invited to really sense what we are doing, feel your way through the movements, which takes awareness and attentiveness and forms the basis of Pandiculation.
Our brains love variety and challenge (even if we, consciously don’t). We are so used to moving quickly, repetitively or with force that this takes little skill. Slowing down challenges you by requiring more control in your movements, that way, your brain has to co-ordinate and organise your movements and this is what creates the new connections our brains so need to stay alert and nimble.
Do Something Different
Did you know that the primitive and early development movements are what matures our brains? Wiggling, rocking, rolling, learning to crawl, these movements not only stimulate the brain to master being upright and ready for walking they also play an essential part in integrating reflexes that determine our cognition, behaviour and emotions. I learned this through the Rhythmic Movement Method and I will sometimes share these movements in class as they are also an excellent and simple way of releasing stress and anxiety.
The other way to stimulate new neural pathways is to do something different. Our brains thrive of novel movements too, figuring out how to do do something completely different, this requires a slow approach, attention and repetition with awareness. Last week’s class, “Unwinding the Belly is NOW IN THE LIBRARY does just this. It focuses on small, intricate movements to release tension in the abdominal muscles, which when tight restricts your breathing, digestion & elimination and contributes to stooped posture . You can access it here
Coming up in Class This Week
This week I’m going back to my Yoga roots and staying with the “belly” theme and exploring a Yoga pose called “Revolved Belly Pose” It’s a twist and we’ll explore this with a gentle and attentive approach.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and any insights, so please feel free to comment.
Liz 🙏🏻💕