We’re bombarded with self-improvement fads, from mindfulness apps promising instant zen to mind hacks touting laser focus. But what if the key to truly “being in the now” doesn’t lie in external tools or mental acrobatics, but within ourselves? As a neurophilosopher specializing in health and fitness, I propose a revolutionary approach: harness the power of your embodied self to become one with the present moment.
The Skeptics: Traditional views often portray the mind as separate from the body, suggesting true presence arises solely from focused internal thought. Some might even cite specific meditation techniques that seemingly detach from bodily sensations.
Actually, civilizations have favored our minds and souls before our bodies, which have only been considered as vessels. Therefore, our thinking is greatly influenced by this totem, and it can be difficult to understand the importance of considering the premium role of our body in our thinking.
The Embodied Revolution: However, neuroscience paints a different picture. It reveals two fascinating facts that challenge the traditional mind-body separation:
- Most neural connections are directed from the body to the Central Nervous System (CNS): this means a vast majority of information flowing into your CNS originates from your body, not the other way around. Your body is constantly sending signals about your environment, internal state, and emotions, shaping your perception and cognition in profound ways.
- Our CNS is a Bayesian probabilistic computer: It doesn’t simply process information; it constantly makes predictions about the future based on your past experiences and actual sensory data. This predictive nature is the key for being able to live, move, and enjoy the richness of the present moment.
But you can also get stuck in repetitive thought patterns if you’re not focused on your senses and your body. The less you’re connected with your body, the less you listen to your senses and the more you rely only on your memories — or old data. When this happens, your CNS is trapped in the past, and you’re trapped with old behaviors and beliefs.
Therefore, by intentionally engaging with your body, you can disrupt these ingrained patterns and cultivate the wonderful feeling of being in the Now.
Here’s how to tap into your embodied potential:
- Move mindfully: Embrace embodied movement practices like yoga, tai chi, dance, or just barefoot walking and pandiculation. Focus on the internal sensations as you move, feeling the ground beneath your feet and the stretch and contraction in your muscles. This anchors your attention directly to the present moment.
- Activate your senses: Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media, truly engage your senses with your surroundings. Notice the warmth of the sun on your skin, the texture of your clothing, the intricate details in a flower. These sensory experiences ground you firmly in the present.
- Breathe deeply: It’s a classic for a reason. Deep, conscious breaths activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and bringing your attention to the present moment. Focus on the rise and fall of your chest and the flow of air in your nostrils.
- Embrace discomfort: We often avoid physical sensations like pain or tightness, but ignoring them can fuel anxiety and disconnect us from the present. Acknowledge these sensations without judgment, observing them as neutral experiences in the present moment. And ditch pain killers as much as possible; instead, move your body as much as possible!
This isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about rewiring your brain. By engaging your body in these ways, you strengthen the neural pathways that connect your sensory experiences to your consciousness. Over time, being here and now becomes not just a practice, but a natural state of being.
So ditch the apps, and reconnect with your embodied self. It’s the most powerful tool you have for experiencing true presence in the now. You’re your own master when you increase your body consciousness by reconnecting yourself to your body.
This is just the beginning: in future posts we’ll delve deeper into the fascinating possibilities brought by body consciousness. Remember, the journey to being present is a lifelong exploration and your body is your wisest guide.
References about neuroscience in this article: Andy Klark.
Originally published at https://www.gordianknots.net