Awakening the sleeping body: physical exercise, a deep dialogue with oneself 

In modern society, we are busy running around and tired of socializing, and often ignore the signals sent by the body. The pain in the cervical spine, the stiffness of the waist and back, and the inexplicable fatigue… these are all silent protests from the body. Have you ever thought about having a real dialogue with your body? Physical exercise is just such a way. It guides us to pay attention to the body again, awaken the dormant perception, and find the harmonious state of unity of body and mind.

What is physical exercise? More than just exercise

When we talk about exercise, we usually think of traditional sports that involve sweating and pursuing muscle lines. However, physical exercise is more like a deep dialogue with oneself. It emphasizes focusing on the feeling of the body during exercise. It is a slow, focused, experiential exercise. It does not pursue external changes in body shape, but focuses on internal perception and experience, allowing us to be more sensitive to subtle changes in the body.

The term “somatics” was first proposed by sports philosopher Thomas Hanna in the 1970s, but its concept has a long history. Ancient yoga, Daoyin, Tai Chi, etc. all contain the wisdom of somatic training. They all emphasize connecting the body and mind through specific postures, breathing and movements to achieve a state of harmony between body and mind.

The scientific basis of physical exercise: a bridge between body and mind

There is solid science behind physical exercise, which relies on three main neurological processes: proprioception, interoception, and exteroception.

Proprioception: It is our “sense of position” that allows us to perceive the position, movement, force and pressure of the body. Receptors in muscles and joints constantly transmit information to the brain, helping us to precisely control every movement of the body. Interoception : It is our perception of the internal state of the body, such as heartbeat, breathing, digestion, etc. It allows us to be aware of subtle changes in the body, such as a faster heartbeat when nervous and a slower breathing when relaxed. Exteroception: It is the way we perceive the external world through the five senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell). These three senses interact with each other to build a complete understanding of our body and the surrounding environment. Somatic exercise activates these senses and brings awareness back to the body, allowing us to understand ourselves more deeply.

Who needs physical exercise? Everyone!

Modern life is fast-paced and stressful, and many people are in a sub-healthy state. Physical exercise is particularly beneficial for the following groups:

Long-term desk workers: cervical and lumbar problems are common diseases for them. Physical exercise can help them relax muscles, improve posture, and relieve pain. People with excessive stress: physical exercise can help them relax their body and mind, release stress, and improve sleep quality. People with low mood: physical exercise can help them improve their mood, increase self-confidence, and enhance their sense of happiness. Chronic pain patients: Some studies have shown that incorporating physical exercise into chronic pain management can reduce pain or change the pain experience. In fact, whether you are a healthy person or a sub-healthy person, you can improve your physical and mental health through physical exercise. It is not only a way of exercise, but also a life attitude, a way to live in harmony with your body.

Physical exercise and traditional physical therapy: different approaches to the same goal

Somatic exercise has some similarities with traditional physical therapy, but the focus is different. Traditional physical therapy focuses more on restoring the body’s motor function, while somatic exercise focuses more on the mind-body connection and the cultivation of body awareness. Some physical therapists will also incorporate somatic methods into treatment to achieve better results.

How to start physical exercise?

Physical exercise can take many forms, including:

Yoga: Connects the body, mind and spirit through various postures, breathing and meditation. Pilates: Emphasizes core strength training, improves body posture and balance. Tai Chi: Focuses on slow and gentle movements, focusing on the unity of body and mind. Dance: Expresses emotions through body movements, releases stress, and enhances body coordination and flexibility. Stretching: Simple and easy to do, can be done anytime and anywhere, helps soothe muscles and improve flexibility. You can choose the method that suits you according to your preferences and physical condition. Most importantly, during the exercise, focus on the feeling of the body, experience every movement with your heart, and have a real dialogue with your body.