Getting rid of my old habits of tension (physical + mental) has meant really learning to take things slowly and gently. This has been one of the hardest things for me!
Because when we're stuck in habits of "fast, fast, fast", "never enough" and "always more", not knowing how to stop (whether it's resting physically or stopping the infernal wheel of the mind in constant turmoil), or even neglecting certain aspects of our well-being (I'd skip meals, go to bed late, not hydrate, and so on) the one and only way to change what has become a real habit of physical and mental strain is to dare to step back and reclaim our bodies and their capacities with curiosity and gentleness.
The human nervous system, which controls, among other things, muscle tension, contraction and movement, needs to assimilate new things slowly and gently 🧘🏻♀️
This principle of slowness, patience and perseverance applies to all new learning in life:
For example, when you learn a new language, you start by learning one word at a time. Then you repeat these words to memorize them, until you can combine them into short sentences. Then, one day, you'll be able to string together several sentences and have a conversation in your new foreign language 🧑🏻🏫
The same applies when you want to relearn new habits, or get rid of old patterns of movement or thought that are causing you harm.
That's why building new habits, new ways of using, feeling and calming your body and mind, involves moving slowly and gently, consciously 🙏🏻
Because when you move fast, you're not actually learning anything new: you're just repeating and reinforcing your existing pattern of "fast, fast, fast" - from which you're trying to escape.
That's why it's essential that you complement any sporting activities (which you do to "let off steam" and "soothe" your body and mind) with gentle activities that re-educate your nervous system.
Dare to delve into yourself, your body, your mind, your feelings and your emotions - with wonder over worry 💖
“Chi va piano va sano e va lontano”
It's through the daily practice and mastery of somatic therapy - which uses both hands-on movement techniques and self-care to teach the nervous system how to release chronic muscle contraction and relearn natural, effective postures and movements - that I've been able to create lasting change in my body and my life.
I've begun to see my life change little by little, as I make wiser choices regarding my well-being and my projects - starting from a state of PLEASURE and RELAXATION rather than obligation and constraint 🙌🏼🧘🏻♀️