What is Embodiment and what does it do?
The Challenge - Stress, disconnection, aches and pains.
Embodiment as a type of natural contemplation of the body, space and senses: The methods involved in Embodiment are intended to both address the barriers or challenges to being embodied and develop the skills that are needed to practice. The biggest barrier to embodiment will be different for different people, but the main one is anxiety or tension. The modern world can feel like it is full of pressures, disconnection, distraction and emotional challenges. Embodiment helps us to connect more deeply with life, manage stress, communicate and relate, and develops resilience and skills that are useful in any context. Embodied Living - confidence, vulnerability communication, connection: It is well known that a huge part of communication is non-verbal. This means that when we are communicating, what people pick up on is more about tone, of voice, state of consciousness, and energy levels, among other things. So, we can say that when we are communicating, we are both using our being, and communicating our being. So, we can take that by developing our embodiment, we can improve our skill in communication, confidence, vulnerability and connection with ourselves, our surroundings, and others. This can be done by connecting to the resources available to everyone:
Embodiment and Contemplation as remembering: There are many traditional methods and practices for developing embodiment, the main ones are all practices that connect us with nature, internally and externally: many types of meditation/contemplation most martial arts, dance, creative practices and certain types of Yoga. All of these practices can be used to remember our selves, and a deeper connection to life. Embodied living is about finding the similarities and crossovers between many various practices and ideas and applying them to all kinds of contexts: health, psychology, coaching, communication, relationships and professional development, to name a few. Other benefits, being centered, and seeking the path: Through embodiment, we can be more alert to changes in our environment, socially and physically, allowing us to respond with initiative and care. Being centered and present to the physical space we are in is an essential element in relaxation, confidence, and understanding of what is happening around us. Awareness and embodiment draw on deep internal resources that anyone can develop: the body itself is a highly evolved system. Even though the modern world is so different to how humans evolved, we are not so different. As natural beings, we have in times past had a deeper relationship with the natural world. The resource of spatial presence is still available to us in the modern world. Embodiment both uncovers and develops this resource for application in all parts of life. Embodiment is about: Relaxation - Breathe deeply and watch your breath. Inspiration - Prioritize your inspiration, receptivity, and flow. Body Awareness - Learn to access the resources of yourself. Strengthening pathways - Make what you discover stronger. Mindfulness - Pay attention and enjoy practicing. Critical Thinking Exercises - Understand your practice on your own terms. Observation - Look closely at life. Map making - Creatively reflect on experiences. Click for some Blog posts about embodiment. |
The overwhelming majority of communication, and therefore relationships, is non-verbal.
Embodiment in the digital age:The digital age has brought about a significant shift in the way we communicate, interact, and engage with the world. With the advent of technology and the internet, many people are spending increasing amounts of time in front of screens, engaging in virtual experiences and interactions. This shift has led to a significant contrast between embodiment and the digital age, particularly in terms of the impact on self-knowledge and values for people.
Embodiment refers to the experience of being present in one's physical body and engaging with the world through the senses. It is characterized by an awareness of one's physical sensations, emotions, and movements. In contrast, the digital age is characterized by a disconnection from the physical body and a focus on virtual experiences and interactions. This disconnection can lead to a lack of self-awareness, as individuals may become preoccupied with virtual experiences and neglect the physical sensations, emotions, and movements that are taking place in their own bodies. This contrast between embodiment and the digital age can have a significant impact on mental health and education considerations for young people. Research has shown that a lack of embodiment can lead to a range of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and a lack of self-awareness. Additionally, it can also lead to a lack of self-knowledge and values, as individuals may become detached from their physical experiences and emotions and may struggle to understand their own thoughts and feelings. To mitigate these negative impacts, it is important to promote embodiment practices and digital literacy in the digital age. Hou, Y., Xiong, D., Jiang, T., Song, L., & Wang, Q. (2019). Social media addiction: Its impact, mediation, and intervention. Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace, 13(1), Article 4. https://doi.org/10.5817/CP2019-1-4 Ess, Charles. "The embodied self in a digital age." Nordicom information 32.2/3 (2010): 105-118. |
