
I’ve noticed that the whole world is embracing the tenets of “being in the moment”, including the NY Times. This week on page 3 appeared “Here to Help”, how to be more mindful on the go. This short article highlights pausing, leaving work at work and an exercise known as R.A.I.N. or Recognize, Accept, Investigate and Non-Identification. These’ exercises’ can be interchangeable with the powerful tools of the Alexander Technique, which I call on regularly to help my students look better, feel better and move better. Here they are:
Recognize. NY Times: “Acknowledge what is happening, just noting it in a calm accepting matter”. I call this awareness. You may become aware of tension/pain in your neck during your workout. It is simply what is with no value judgement.
Accept. NY Times: “Allow life to be just as it is without changing it right away and without wishing it were different somehow”. I call this pausing before taking action. In lessons, give yourself a moment to reconsider your next movement.
Investigate. NY Times: “See how it feels, whether it is making you upset or happy, giving you pleasure or pain, just note it”. I see this as part two of recognize and accept.
Non-Identification. NY Times: “Realize that the sensation you are feeling make for a fleeting experience, one that will soon pass. It isn’t who you are”. I call this realizing that we all have habits but they don’t have to define us. It is possible to direct ourself away from them in a new efficient manner. Think how can I use the muscles I really need to get in and out of my car?
The way we have been doing this for years feels right so why should we stop doing it this way? Right is good yes? But familiar (or right feeling) is not necessarily efficient. As habits become more ingrained, we move farther away from freedom and ease.So, we may need someone to help us sort it all out. I can do that!
If you want to find out more, book a lesson with me, either on Zoom or if you are in the NY/NJ area at my studio in Montclair, NJ. Please use my contact form below, tell me about yourself and leave your availability. I will respond within 24 hours.
If you know others who may benefit from reading my blog, please forward.
Recognize. NY Times: “Acknowledge what is happening, just noting it in a calm accepting matter”. I call this awareness. You may become aware of tension/pain in your neck during your workout. It is simply what is with no value judgement.
Accept. NY Times: “Allow life to be just as it is without changing it right away and without wishing it were different somehow”. I call this pausing before taking action. In lessons, give yourself a moment to reconsider your next movement.
Investigate. NY Times: “See how it feels, whether it is making you upset or happy, giving you pleasure or pain, just note it”. I see this as part two of recognize and accept.
Non-Identification. NY Times: “Realize that the sensation you are feeling make for a fleeting experience, one that will soon pass. It isn’t who you are”. I call this realizing that we all have habits but they don’t have to define us. It is possible to direct ourself away from them in a new efficient manner. Think how can I use the muscles I really need to get in and out of my car?
The way we have been doing this for years feels right so why should we stop doing it this way? Right is good yes? But familiar (or right feeling) is not necessarily efficient. As habits become more ingrained, we move farther away from freedom and ease.So, we may need someone to help us sort it all out. I can do that!
If you want to find out more, book a lesson with me, either on Zoom or if you are in the NY/NJ area at my studio in Montclair, NJ. Please use my contact form below, tell me about yourself and leave your availability. I will respond within 24 hours.
If you know others who may benefit from reading my blog, please forward.