“Where do I notice ease?”
Say this thought to yourself little and often throughout the day. Or may be wait until you can enjoy a nap or its bedtime.
Write it, draw it, meditate on it. Stick a Post It on a mirror. Set yourself a reminder on your phone if you’d like to.
Practicing this thought throughout the day will help you notice this sequence and support you to navigate daily life in many ways.
As many of you know, one of Alexander’s major discoveries about us mammals is that the relationship of the head and spine govern the coordination of the rest of us. Yes – all of us! Physical, mental, emotional, spiritual – we don’t separate – its all one thing – our Self.
Lucy’s leafy art, inspired by Liz Weasley Nether Green Art Club
“Where do I notice ease?”
This is a simple question to ask yourself regularly. Don’t expect an answer. Don’t look for anything particular to happen.
Simply ask.
Our brain and body are so good at noticing what is wrong, what is missing, what we would prefer to be different. So this is a way of redirecting our experience. We are already experts at the “Where do I notice pain – discomfort – aches – tension – lack – worry – anxiety etc etc.”
I’m sure this is part of the evolutionary process which helped our ancestors survive injuries – they sought help – they survived the harsh winters – didn’t stop with one bag of nuts and berries, etc
At school, we are primed in noticing our mistakes, learning from the errors, trying to do better, trying harder.
Here at No.9 we are currently un-schooling. Well it is the first two weeks of April – Sheffield schools are officially on holiday. We are decompressing from a busy term, a strange early ending to the term, unusual events.
Where does my attention go?
To the news – the constant negative news? No. I limit myself to headlines, and read further about anything which catches my attention so I know what I need to try and do to keep myself and my household and neighbours safe.
To all the jobs I have never quite got around to within the house and garden? – Yes my mind goes there, and I only allow myself to mull these over enough to get them on a list. Then I review the list and decide which ones to do today. I try and choose, rather than letter too many external influences decide for me.
And I practice – “Where do I notice ease?” I learned this simple question from Mio Morales and Jennifer Roig-Francoli, AT teachers in America.
Any musicians or athletes reading this, will understand the benefit of practising basic skills. Do this mindfully, and lightly and often to get your brain looking for what is OK, what is going well, what is easy and pleasurable in your body, in your actual lived experience right now.
Take it like medicine morning, lunchtime and evening. Practice around 100 times a day.
“Where do I notice ease?”
I’d love to know how this exercise is for you? What do you notice? How does your body respond?
I love hearing what you are enjoying about these daily writings and how your are benefitting and applying this in your lives. lucyascham@hotmail.com
