by Corinna Underwood

Created on: December 03, 2009

Does the Body Mind?

Are body and mind really two separate things?

Though the basic assumption of a dualist mind/body model has been upheld for centuries, it has not had an easy time. The split between the mental and the physical has continued to cause problems which we are no closer to reconciling today. Problems such as its inability to explain the interaction of emotions and physical forces. How can something non-physical interact with or affect something material? There is also a difficulty in explaining a range of experiences such as the placebo effect and instances of what we call 'mind over matter'. Instead of worrying over the same old problem, the solution is to rethink our understanding and to move from a separate mind and body to a body that minds.

How does the body mind?

The body is always minding, though not always in the same way. If you see something you find frightening or dangerous, your muscle tissue will contract causing a sensation on your skin and in your gut, adrenaline will be released and you will prepare for flight or action. This is your body minding. The scent of a certain flower, the sunlight falling in the window in a certain pattern, the feel of a crisp new shirt against your skin can all evoke a sudden memory and a range of emotions along with it. This is your body minding. A sudden pain across your chest reminds you that your diet has not been a healthy as it should be and you're really aren't sure you're getting enough exercise. This is your body minding.

How can we be more mindful?

An understanding of your minding body has dramatic effects for wellness and healing. There are many ways of becoming more mindful, yoga, meditation, creative visualization are just a few that are helpful, but there is one above all that comes to us most naturally and yet many people fail to use it to its full advantage. That is breathing. Focusing for just a few minutes a couple of times each day on your breathing and ensuring that it is deep and regular not only strengthens your own mindfulness of your body but also increases your body's ability to mind.

How can mindfulness increase our wellness?

Mindfulness can increase your state of wellness in three major ways.

1. Your body is the perfect feedback system for what is going on in your life and its effects upon you. Being mindful of this can not only reveal a lot about your life situation but also your state of well being.

2. Any process of healing starts with you. Mindfulness can help you regulate and adjust your lifestyle to eliminate health problems.

3. Being more aware of your body and its mending processes can help you prevent illness. Eliminating stress and removing obstacles that block the flow of your energies will provide a balanced and healthy self.

How can I start today?

Take some time out to think about your lifestyle, your environment, your daily existence. Allow your body to mind itself slowly while you are at rest, and pay attention to the signs it gives you. Examine them and consider whether they are signs of good health or warnings about aspects where improvements are needed. If you can make the time to develop this mindfulness into your daily routine, you will immediately begin to notice a difference in the way you feel. You will be more aware not only of your body's limits, but also its wonderful potentials.

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