Self - Physical Awareness

Matrix Key: Personal Awareness - Self - Physical Awareness


"Just watch this moment, without trying to change it all.  What is happening?  What do you feel?  What do you see?  What do you hear?" - John Kabat-Zinn

How often do you tune in to information that comes from the 5 senses and your environment? To truly be present in the moment, we learn to turn down the mind chatter and tune in to whatever is happening right now around us.  As you become aware of the information provided by your senses, you simultaneously become aware of how your environment is affecting your physical body.  The smell of a certain food might bring happy memories of a favorite meal while a bump with someone in a crowd might remind you of a playground bully.  You can take the impact of this physical experience with you through your day - sharing the good with other people or taking care not to transfer your frustration with a thoughtless stranger into an argument with a friend or coworker.

Our physical world affects us whether we acknowledge it or not.  Choosing to be conscious of our surroundings - taking in the good, letting go of the bad - brings energy and awareness to all parts of our life.  I have noticed with my clients that when they step back and observe the world around them, they not only feel more connected and aware, but also discover insights and solutions that were not present to them before.  

In the WholeLife Matrix, I suggest four practices to increase your physical awareness:
  1. Grounding 
  2. Being Present
  3. Physical Memory
  4. Body/Mind Connection

Throughout the day we have those "in between" moments when we stop for a few minutes - in line at the store, on hold on the telephone, even commercials as we watch TV.  Rather than letting our minds churn with frustration about the waste of precious time, embrace that precious time by experiencing your physical surroundings.  The choice is yours.  

Are you ready to win?

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