Healing Heart Health and Resilience
Healing Heart Health and Resilience
Audio File: http://tiny.cc/vqd7101
What are the things you can do easily, in daily doses, that will improve your overall well-being? I’ve written about engaging in a practice of Awe, so what does that mean to you? The state of Awe is known to calm your nervous system, allowing a shift from the Sympathetic state (SNS) transitioning into the Parasympathetic state (PSN). These two aspects of our nervous system are like the two sides of a coin; they are not separate, but rather a dance that balances how you function. Any nervous system that is continually in a jazzed-up state will eventually burn out. Too much cortisol triggering your system, fatiguing your adrenal glands, draining your Thymus gland, whose function slows down as we age, will surely find anyone in a depleted state that will head south in maintaining optimal health and healing.
Exploring the sensations of awe happens when something awakens in you that creates a sense of happiness, beauty, splendor, and often feels magical. It can be as simple as noticing a leaf’s coloration or the sound of a bird’s song… In addition, I’ve had many clients come to sit after a private session and say, that was magical. The sense of human touch with the intention of help and kindness releases oxytocin, the feel-good hormone. Just like the experience that occurs when this hormone, secreted by the pituitary gland, awakens positive sensations, might this be the feeling of Awe? Think of something that is unbelievably breathtaking. Does that seem like Awe, and do you feel inspired? Find what resonates most with you: art, nature, music, dance, any type of hands-on session where you rise feeling renewed; isn’t that awakening something awesome? Awe is noticing versus something you do. Become aware of what creates sensations that support and lift your spirits.
“I believe that the unity of mind and body is an objective reality. They are not just parts somehow related to each other,
but an inseparable whole while functioning.” – Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais
I’ve adopted one of Dr. Feldenkrais’ quotes to remind others that often what you think is impossible, you avoid instead of asking better questions. What if something that you felt was not possible, you had an experience without intending something to happen or fix a problem. Be naive without expecting a specific outcome; simply be willing to explore something outside your known. And what if from that experience, you felt something transition and become possible? I share that if you can have this kind of new experience, then something actually was possible, while something in you had to shift from a held belief.
“Those extrinsic motivators are fine and can feel life-affirming in the moment, but they ultimately don’t make it thrilling to get up in the morning and gratifying to go to sleep at night – and, in fact, they can often distract and detract from the things that do offer those deeper rewards.” – Maria Popova
Awaken to your body wisdom from within. Focus on that which you want, and ask different questions as to how to begin, from held beliefs to new adventures and pathways that may allow another opening and awakening to new and different, improved outcomes. This is where resilience comes from: making a decision, choosing which pathway to explore, compare, and often rest to notice what felt congruent, settled, and softened. Then allow all of you to play and explore gently to notice what’s different, changing, and welcome that as life-affirming and growing as you learn other pathways that allow more to come. Whatever you choose, I hope Feldenkrais is part of your interest to notice what is truly possible. If it happened once, it can happen again and again. Be inquisitive, continue to ask questions, and find your way, little bits at a time. It’s endless and is hopefully your dance in life!
I hope I’ve earned the privilege of your time and attention this week. Looking forward to connecting, and I wish you all the best in Healing heart, health, and resilience.
Warmest,
Peggi
