Are you your thoughts, or are you the observer of your thoughts? The great French Philosopher, Rene Descartes said, “I think, therefore, I am”! I spent a good number of years pondering ‘Are we merely our thoughts?’
Often, we ignore the importance and sanctity of the body. Many people don’t feel a connection with their body and are dissociated physically and psychologically as well. Even among those who are motivated to understanding the purpose and meaning to their existence, the body is not considered a necessity for self-realisation or enlightenment.
According to legend, Bodhi Dharma, who was invited to China to teach Meditation, observed that even Monks in ancient times, shunned the Body. They only gave importance to cultivating the mind… and therefore couldn’t attain moksha or nirvana as their bodies became too frail and they didn’t enjoy longevity. Consequently, they left their bodies and passed on without attaining nirvana! Bodhi Dharma ( Da Mo as he was nicknamed) went on to teach techniques like ‘Muscle Tendon Changing’, ‘Bone Marrow and Brain Washing’ aimed at mind, body, spirit wellness.
There are several people I come in touch with who state that their body didn’t feel safe to dwell in or that it was too stimulating or painful to sense into it. Therefore, they indulged in practices that avoided or completely omitted the body and gave importance only to the mind. They ignored or blocked out pain through a coping mechanism referred to as a *spiritual bypass, ignoring the fact that the mind is contained in the body!
It is true that our mind is powerful; it can travel to the galaxy and back in milliseconds. However, we constantly receive information of the world through our senses as well: visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, tactile and also through our instincts or gut feelings. There exists a deep connection and relationship between the body mind and soul.
Rani (name changed) stated that “By neglecting my body, I felt like I lost the connection and relationship between my body, mind and soul”. Rani used to constantly feel a sense of sorrow, grief, and disconnection from her body. Having worked with Somatic Experiencing and Qigong Embodiment for several months with me, she now feels a lot more attuned and present in her body. When events in her day-to-day life feel overwhelming, she grounds herself and engages in gentle movements and self-touch that we practiced together. Like Rani, most of my clients realise, through these sessions and practices, that it’s never too late to be a child again… They begin to observe their hands, feet, fingers, toes etc in awe, just like a baby who is wondrously curious of their own fingers, toes etc. They also find joy in reconnecting with mother nature, to their family, friends, pets, work and hobbies. They begin to value, honour and respect themselves. Through mind, body, and spirit, many discover true love and the pure joy of being their authentic selves! I feel honoured to be a witness in the healing process of Rani and several other clients like her.
There is undoubtedly an interconnectedness between the body, mind and spirit. I’m grateful for having had the opportunity to work with body based practices like Qigong, Tai chi and Somatic Experiencing for Trauma resolution from amazing teachers. Ancient Qigong and Tai chi practices lay emphasis on the alignment and development of the physical, emotional and spiritual centres for overall wellbeing of the mind, body, and spirit. The starting point is always the body. These practices begin with regulating the body, the breath, the energy field, the mind and the spirit.
Watch this space for more on healing…
*Spiritual Bypass is a term coined by John Wellwood, an American psychologist who noted that some people, leaned to spirituality in order to avoid feeling difficult or painful emotions or challenges.
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