Mind/Body Connection

What it is...

There are two divisions of the spinal cord reaching up into the brain. One division is the sensory nerves which extend into the rear of the brain, controlling our perceptions of self and the world around us. And the other is the motor nerves, continuing to the front of the brain, which control movement and function.

These divisions of the brain and spinal cord are completely interdependent. They continually send signals to each other in an ongoing information feedback loop. Our sensory nerves are receiving information signaling our motor control nerves to respond, which then signal the sensory nerves and so on. As perfectly stated in Thomas Hanna's book Somtatics, "It is a wonderful neurological fact that increasing bodily awareness means increasing neurological sensory awareness, and that the sensory awareness of the muscles goes hand in hand with voluntary motor control of the muscles."   

Uh oh... I broke!

When this process continues throughout development, greater cortical learning and cognitive ability is allowed. We are then able to mature responsibly. When negative or traumatic experiences interfere with this developmental process, the neurological feedback loop will shortcut through the nervous system to the muscle and out again without involving the higher, cognitive brain functioning. This allows the lower, primal brain to take over and behavioral function becomes an unconscious or involuntary reaction.

Do you often wonder why you keep repeating the same mistake? ...Mistakes that often cause you pain and suffering? You may be involuntarily repeating a pattern and the pain and suffering is your error message. Do you ever find yourself holding tension in your body involuntarily? You may not even be aware until there is soreness in the area... say your shoulders, neck, back or hips? Pain signals a disfunction in our system, it also provides an opportunity to discover what may be hidden.

The wave of transformation...

I love analogies. So, think of yourself as an ocean, and just like the waves at sea wash ashore debris, our bodies ability to expand and contract, as well as the expression introspection pattern, can bring the unconscious to light. With this voluntary movement for purpose, we can intentionally rewire our system to include the higher functioning brain, therefore restoring the mind body connection.

With this mind/body connection restored and our whole being is in alignment, we can begin conscious living and not only will our spines be aligned, our behaviors will be in alignment with our soul truth as well. When we bring the unconscious into awareness we can begin the process of healing. Only that which is known can be restored.

Sending signals of love,
Tina