3 ways of working with body

yoga, wisdom, coaching

Going beyond old ways of looking at body

“Your body is not a machine,
rather a wonderfully intricate interaction with everything around you,
Which is why it ‘knows’ so much just in being.”

Gendlin 
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Over the past two decades I’ve done a lot of courses and read a lot of books. If you know me even a little then you know that I’ve been on a search for the truth. I’ve been searching for a way to practice that would allow me to be at ease with myself. I remember having therapy many years ago and my therapist saying that I was ‘tormented’, which reflected quite well my inner state at the time.

This is why I studied so many different approaches: Psychology and Counselling, Social Sciences, NLP, Life Coaching, Wellness Coaching, Energy Healing, Reiki, Mindfulness, Yoga, Embodiment, Somatic movement and now Focusing (Embodied Listening).

And in my searching I learned so much. I discovered so much about who I am, my conditioning, my inner and outer processes and the humbling acknowledgement of our shared human condition.

And I’ve worked with hundreds of clients in various settings – people who like me were on a search and I learned so much from them, for which I am so grateful.

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3 ways of working with body

And what I realised is that there different ways of working with our body and our whole experience – leading to different levels of connection.

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1. Traditional (old school) approach – where we treat body as a mechanical object. 

We look at body’s alignment and the difference between right and left sides as well as top and bottom, analyse the posture and decide on how to correct it.

There is a real separation between body and mind – physical and mental/emotional issues and treatments.

Some of the best known corrective approaches to body are based on this principle: allopathic medicine, osteopathy, physio, fitness and exercise, fitness-focused yoga.

Many of us like this approach and find it useful – we want our body to be fixed and sorted, especially when in a lot of pain or discomfort. We want to feel stronger, more in control and fitter.
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2. Newer somatic approach – where we treat body as a space containing passing sensations.

We recognise the power of impact of the Vagus Nerve and a healing power of deep abdominal breath. We acknowledge that body can self-regulate and heal with the right conditions.

We understand that body affects mind and mind affects body and we acknowledge power of emotions.

Some of the best known practices are: 
Mindfulness practices especially body scan, somatic movement and Mindful Yoga, Yin Yoga and all breathing practices. Energetic healing touch practices such as Thai Yoga Massage.
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3. This last approach is very new – it treats body as flowing and living sensation wanting life-forward movement. 

We acknowledge and accept that body is one whole living system that communicates through felt-senses – meaningful body sensations.

The sense of wholeness and integration comes by itself from deep listening and acknowledging of those felt-senses. There is no separation between body and mind – just like the old wisdom of yoga teaches us.

Best known practices are:
Focusing and Wholebody Focusing, Somatic Experiencing (for trauma work) and Embodied Mindful breath-led Yoga.

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This last approach for me comes under Embodied Wisdom practices – taking a pause to notice, acknowledge and be with our body, our whole experience – with kindness and curiosity. Allowing yourself to rest within. Understanding that integration comes from creating harmony and inclusion within (no ‘show it who’s the boss’ BS).

This is what I teach my clients – especially in private sessions as they allow us to explore the individual needs.

I’ve spend the last year learning Focusing practice for myself and to hold in Presence my body with its felt-senses. And I have to say this way of being completely changed how I am with myself, other people and the world. This practice allowed me to go beyond mindfulness and awareness into a real inner dialog and a sense of deep integration and wholeness.

All of the above approaches to body are valuable and useful but you will get different results from each one.
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Why does it matter? 

Because understanding the distinctions is helpful in helping you achieve your goals.

Because if you want to create a deeper sense of wholeness, integration, self-trust and ease then learning to be with your felt-senses is the way forward.

This September I have last 3 spaces available in my private practice schedule for my signature programme Embodied Wisdom Path Coaching Programme, which is designed for you to learn those life-changing practices.

I offer 30 mins free consultation call and you can book it directly in my online calendar – let’s talk about how we can work together.

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How to build self-trust

self-trust, yoga, yin yoga,

Building your self-trust

I woke up today at 2am. Second night in a row.
But today I was unable to go back to sleep.
Something was pulling on my attention. Something that I could not name yet but very distinct nevertheless. Demanding attention and acknowledgement.

So I got up, made some tea and settled down under my orange blanket. I love that blanket, its colour and warmth brings me so much comfort.

And I started journaling – just writing all the thoughts and stories my mind has been bringing up over the past few days. And there’s been a lot going on. So much change and growth.

I started from the level of my mind to clear some space and to settle down. Too many things pulling on my attention at the same time.

And once I wrote many pages in my journal (and had another cup of tea) I felt more settled, like all those parts within me felt more heard.

This allowed me to drop within my body and notice what else needed my attention.

And here it was… the thing yet unknown and vague but clearly present. A felt-sense.

A heaviness in my chest, like a heavy stone.

I said hello to it.

There was an emotional quality to it.

And a image came with it too.

Yes, it’s clearly related to a current life situation.

I sat with it, listened to it, felt it in my body, with curiosity and kindness. It had a lot to say.

But a different thing to the story my mind said earlier. And I acknowledged it with kindness and compassion.

Ohhhh… that’s what’s it’s really about.

I asked it what it needed. And listened again.

And then I felt a distinct shift in my body, like a relief and release. It felt heard.
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The beauty of showing up for yourself regularly is that you build a sense of inner trust.

How does it translate to your daily life?

Well…

You notice what’s really going on for you and you start making decisions and choices from this more grounded and present space.

You stop sacrificing your peace of mind and integrity just so you can be accepted by others and belong.

Because you realise that this kind of belonging has a very high price.

And you end the war within.

This is what made a huge difference in my life.

And that’s what I teach my clients.

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If you’d like to know more about my Yoga + Coaching programme check: http://www.anetai.co.uk/body-wisdom-coaching/

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Body as whole body in Ahimsa

Private Retreat

 

Have you heard of Ahimsa? 

Yoga is a breath-centred practice. It means that breath needs to be our main focus and needs to lead our practice.

But how often do we forget about breath during our yoga practice (and our life)? How often do we sacrifice our breath so we can push our body to do a pose or movement?

That’s where Ahimsa comes in. Ahimsa is the principle of non-harming and it is the essence of all yoga practice. 

Buddha was adamant that we should never mistreat or abuse our bodies. That we should always treat our bodies with kindness, friendliness and respect. 

And we can use our breath to help us bring the principle of Ahimsa to our practice and our daily life. Breath helps us return to our body so that we can deeply listen to it and therefore learn ways to best care for it.

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This is why slowing down in our practice can bring us back to our breath…

There is so much fun doing a faster and challenging practice. I know very well the joy of moving my body and feeling strong and supple. The sense of achievement that comes with it is unmistakable.

And I also know how it feels in my body when I slow down and move my body with focus on following my breath. It becomes a meditation movement and an inner enquiry. I feel strong and present but also very connected within, very calm and at ease.

It’s all about our intention and what we want to focus on. And that choice is very personal.

Life is movement, breath is movement…

When we start bringing Ahimsa into our practice and our whole body and breath – we start living from this space of embodiment. We include our whole body in everything – all our decisions, our relationships, our wellness habits and our work.

With our practice we realise that there is even movement in stillness. And as our awareness deepens further we can also begin to see for ourselves how there is stillness in the midst of movement.

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So here is a little meditation on breath and body…

Sit down comfortably.
Bring your awareness to the sensations of support underneath you.
Then bring your awareness to your breath.

Aware of an in-breath as an in-breath, I breathe in.
Aware of an out-breath as an out-breath, I breathe out.

Breathing in a long breath, I am aware of breathing in a long breath.
Breathing out a long breath, I am aware of breathing out a long breath.

Breathing in a short breath, I am aware of breathing in a short breath.
Breathing out a short breath, I am aware of breathing out a short breath.

Breathing in I am aware of my whole body.
Breathing out I am aware of my whole body.

Breathing in, I calm my whole body.
Breathing out, I calm my whole body.

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So next time you start your practice…

set your intention to practice with the principle of Ahimsa. Connect with your breath and allow it to lead you. Include your whole body in your movement and stillness.

And enjoy being alive!

with love and gratitude

Aneta x

anetai lotus

 

Thursday little Self-Trust

Spike

Thursday little Self-trust

Have you noticed how cats can relax so easily?

They simply get comfortable, flop down and rest. No fuss, no wondering if they should do it or not, no wondering if they deserve it.

I love watching our cat Spike chilling out with pure joy and a smile on his face 😉 
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We can spend so much time questioning and doubting ourselves. 
Analysing every word and choice. 
Feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

But how would it feel to just say to yourself: 
I AM ENOUGH.

> And notice what comes up in in response to it.

> Welcome it all with kindness and friendliness.

> Acknowledge it and listen deeply to what it has to say.

> Notice how it changes when you give it your full attention with kindness and mindful presence.

And then make choices about your health, relationships and life from that space of kindness and acceptance.

>> How would your life change then? 
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So today as you move through your day and the usual doubts come up simply say to yourself: I AM ENOUGH.

And hold your whole experience with kindness and friendliness.

xx

And if you’d like to chat with me and see how I can support you in my signature programme Thrive with Ease – then click on the link and schedule a free 30 mins session with me: https://anetaidczak.as.me/?appointmentType=1793836

anetai lotus