Democratic
Empowering Your Body Awareness: A Democratic Approach
🤓 When we practice (regardless of the style, method, or technique), there is often a tendency to focus intensely on specific parts of the body. The focus may be directed toward a particular area that is clearly involved in the activity (e.g., the biceps during a bicep curl) or toward another area of interest. This interest can vary widely.
🫆Before we continue, where in your body do you usually focus your attention during practice? If you practice different disciplines, does your focus vary?
🔑 While focusing on one specific part of the body may be beneficial, it’s important to remember that many other parts of the body are interconnected. A more holistic approach involves incorporating awareness of additional areas of the body. By doing so, you can expand your experience and realise that you are more than just your lower back. I usually describe this as a democratic approach to body awareness, where every part of the body is important and plays a vital role in movement.
⚠️ When you experience pain or injury, it’s common to instinctively overprotect the affected part of your body. This is a natural reaction. However, over time, it’s important to learn how to redirect your attention to the rest of your body. Overprotecting an area isn’t a helpful strategy—it often leads to fear of movement that can alter pain perception. Instead of functioning like a smoke alarm that activates only in emergencies, it may start signalling even when you simply light a candle.
🧠Practice shifting the focus away from the area experiencing pain, concerns, or discomfort, and also involve the segments below, above, in front, and behind it. Suddenly, you’ll realise there is more to you than just an isolated body part. This approach fosters collaboration within the body.
This doesn’t mean trying to ignore or suppress the pain or discomfort. ​ Instead, it helps you recognize that while you may feel pain in one area of your body, you can simultaneously experience other sensations in different parts of your body. ​
⤑ By incorporating movement inquiry, you can explore the present moment.
How can I cultivate a more inclusive approach to my body awareness?
How can I shift my focus and explore areas that I tend to overlook or usually do not integrate into the experience?
Can I observe my breathing and stay focused on the present experience of feeling each inhale and exhale?
An invitation of possibilities.
//Magnus Ringberg
