Embodied Cognition

Embodied cognition  is the idea that “the relationship between our mind and body runs both ways, meaning our mind influences the way our body reacts, and the form of our body also triggers our mind.” Embodied cognition redefines the interrelated role of our brain and body. The brain, while important, is not the only resource we have available to us to generate behavior and see results. How we move and shape our posture directly impacts our physiological states. 

Richard E. Petty, former professor of psychology at Ohio State University, sums it up this way: “Happiness leads to smiling and smiling leads to happiness.” On our numerous trips to Thailand, we’ve noticed the locals love to smile. In fact, there is such a cultural emphasis on smiling that the Thai language has 13 expressions to describe different types of smiles. Smiling is one of our favorite conscious moves.It creates a cascade of endorphins and is contagious for all those we connect with.

I love that science now proves that how we stand, sit, and in general hold ourselves has an impact on how we feel. Our posture is the container for our feelings and our feelings can be shaped by our posture.  If I want to feel better I can do something as simple as adjust my body. I feel, empowered by this revelation.  We invite you in the coming days to notice you. What is the position of your head; forward, tilted, tucked. How do you stand:  Are your knees locked out, are your toes pointing in the same direction as your knees, is your pelvis tucked, and your low back arched? How do you sit when driving, at the computer, on the toilet? 

After noticing…You get to choose! Do I like how I feel in this position. And what is the simplest easiest most pleasurable thing I can do now to feel even better?  You are building your body intelligence every time you value what your sensing feeling body is expressing.  You can choose to ignore it, numb out to it,  even hate it. Or.  You can choose to be with it, exaggerate it, change it. and maybe even love what you are feeling! Every choice can reinforce and create new pathways of awareness leading to your presence. In the present moment we can navigate the field of our awareness and choose our relationship with what is.  Are you resisting or embracing the moment, our bodies can tell us.  Pain and tension are examples of how we resist what is. How does the shape of your body reflect your current relationship with the moment? And are you willing to change it, so you feel better? Embodied cognition is a presencing move in our cosmic toolbox that amplifies, heals and connects us to our well-being. Consciously choose your next move <3 

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing
and rightdoing there is a field.
I’ll meet you there…” ~ Rumi

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