A Thoughtful Dance: Mind-Body Synchronization
There are so many facets that represent who we are as human beings: our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and everything in between. Like a well-oiled machine, our minds and bodies work in tandem to create a certain energy and flow, and these processes influence the ways we present ourselves to the world. Are you in tune with it all? Think about a live orchestra playing beautiful music. At first, it may sound uniform, like a harmonious blend of something singular. Just a single piece of music. But if we look further at this example, it becomes apparent that there are numerous components that comprise the whole of what we experience as being the music. The violins, flutes, cellos, harp, etc. The written piece of music, the notes on the page. The musicians themselves executing the delivery of the piece through their physical bodies, using their very own breath and fingertips to deliver the music to the audience. These individual systems fuse together to become one: they are parts of a whole system. If you’ve ever had the opportunity to see a live orchestra playing music, you can witness the physical evidence of mind-body synchronicity taking place. Serious musicians no doubt connect to their music, and literally feel its presence in their bodies. As an audience member, you can see their movements as proof of their relationship to the music. They may close their eyes in response to emotions the music evokes within them, or they may sway ever so slightly, or even dramatically, in their chairs. The conductor’s physical presence empowers the orchestra to play with utmost passion and precision. Their mental conceptualization, delivered via physical ability, results in non-verbal, emotional expression. Without these parts fusing together, the music you hear can’t be performed at its most transcendent. Elaborating further, let’s pretend that there are dancers who are going to perform to the live orchestra’s musical accompaniment. Without the support of the orchestra, the dancers will have a very difficult time performing the choreography of the piece. They need the orchestra to deliver their part by playing the music, so that they can then execute both a physical and emotional response in telling a story to the audience with their bodies. This interrelatedness is crucial to the performance, and highlights exactly how being in tune with the many systems within yourself, and perhaps even outside of yourself, can lead to a – dare I say it – a standing ovation. The end product is something to be proud of, and something to celebrate. I like to use this example of separate forms of expression coming together (music and dancing) to highlight how the blending of our mental, physical, and emotional selves is vital to the development of our well-being. Now, I’m not saying that you need to be a musician or dancer to understand the gist of this concept. What I’m highlighting here is that functioning at your very best, in any capacity, requires paying attention to the parts of yourself that comprise who you are, including mental, physical, and emotional aspects. For instance, if you ignore your ”physical” aspect and hardly ever exercise, you might be increasing your risk for heart disease or obesity. If you neglect your “mental” aspect, you might be left feeling bored, unchallenged, and stuck in a rut at work. If you brush aside your “emotional” aspect, you may notice that interpersonal issues are surfacing, and you might succumb more readily to negative moods and depression. Connecting with, utilizing, and paying attention to the facets that make us who we are, can assist in creating...
Read MoreReciprocity: Strengthening Your Support Network
Many of us have people in our lives who fulfill a particular function, and our healthiest relationships are based upon reciprocal and mutual satisfaction. For example, you may show love for a friend by sending her a surprise chocolate gift basket when you know she’s in the midst of a bad breakup. She may then reciprocate at a later juncture, perhaps by covering the bill on your next catch-up lunch date together. This example of reciprocal kindness can be a recipe for building a stronger bond, and thereby stronger support, with your friend. That’s not to say you need to buy gifts for others in order to strengthen your relationships with the individuals in your life. What I’m alluding to are various forms of expressions of kindness. These can be verbal courtesies (such as saying ‘please’ or ‘thank you,’ which many of us are often too rushed to say), which can truly go a long way when it comes to solidifying your network. How many times have you not said ‘thank you’ to the cashier or barista working the counter at your favorite coffee shop in the morning? If you’re not guilty, great! Keep it up. Because I bet that if you routinely express appreciation and kindness for others, then the people you see day-in and day-out will remember you. And within the context of that daily experience, you’ll have connected with someone who you’ve affected, no matter how minute the gesture may be. And maybe they will reciprocate in kind the next time they see you, in whatever fashion they choose that is unique to them. Maybe the barista will give you a larger cup of coffee on the house, because they appreciated that you remembered their name. Maybe the cashier will compliment your coat because they thought it was kind of you that you asked them how their day was going. The give-and-take nature of relationships should not be taken for granted. When any relationship becomes too one-sided, or insular, emotions such as resentment and anger can stew and simmer. If you notice that someone is a ‘giver’ and the other is a ‘taker,’ negative emotions are likely to surface, and potentially cause damage to the relationship. If you recognize this in any of your relationships, it is important to take time to reflect upon the dynamic occurring within the context of the relationship, and to make an effort to discuss your perspective with the individual. This can apply to all sorts of relationships: in the work environment, with family members, or in romantic relationships. A dynamic of balanced reciprocity is needed in order for the relationship to work in a healthy way. It is sometimes difficult to identify the people who you know you can count on, and who may qualify as your support network. I’d suggest maintaining awareness of your own behaviors, which can be a great starting point and reflective tool. You are a mirror to the world, and what you put out there is likely to be reflected back to you. You have the power to project your positive qualities to all those you encounter. People will notice if you do! One last tip: surround yourself with positive people and relationships. Begin identifying the people you admire, the people who inspire you, and the people who take a genuine interest in you. You never know … a small exchange of reciprocity can evolve into an interpersonal bond that can strengthen in a supportive way over...
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