Perfect Poise, Perfect Life
Bring your body into balance and revolutionise your life
By Noel Kingsley
Publisher Hodder Mobius
AVAILABLE HERE
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Brain versus Heart
Heart Rules by Jennifer McConnell
Does your brain sometimes argue with your heart? Do you at times feel that although you'd like to do something, your brain says No you should not? And if so, which wins?
I've been asked by the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique to make a presentation next week at our Annual National Conference about the 'hows' and issues of running a successful practice. Hmmn. I guess I'll think of something to say!
However, it's interesting to consider what does 'being Successful' actually mean? In the traditional sense it is generally interpreted as financial wealth, profitability, clear brand identity, high demand for product or services, fame or recognition and popularity. But all this may only partly be true. And indeed may not be true in certain cases.
It is my belief that 'being successful' means satisfying our 'want'. Finding that out can be tricky. Is 'what you want' to be found in your head or is it in your heart? If it's in both, you're travelling in the right direction. But for many there can be confusion and crippling conflict.
Our heart speaks to us and holds the key to our deepest desires. But our head can kick in and over-ride our heart with thoughts of 'what we should do'. Our life experiences and social norms tell us what is expected, how we measure up against others in the same field, competitive spirit plays a part, fear of the unknown, how others will perceive us and what we think we ought to be doing. And these may not marry well with our innermost desires.
Some newly qualified teachers of the Alexander Technique can feel that they should immediately build a busy practice, fill their diary and get dozens of clients. (What they feel they aught to do.) But while this may be true for some, others may need to take it a little more slowly and build their experience at a pace suitable for them, their abilities, stamina and personal situation. We are all different (neither better nor worse) and consequently we have different 'needs'. It may just not be the best thing for some newly qualified teachers to launch into a full practice. Indeed it could be harmful for them. But their heart knows this as their heart-felt innermost needs and deepest wishes are what often govern how our life goes, ....rather than 'head held ideals'. They may find that although they think (brain) they want a full practice, deep down (heart) they do not. So they think they are not being successful. But I would suggest otherwise. They are being successful, because they are getting what's in their heart. They may not feel that they are being successful as their business does not match up to what they 'think' they should be doing, based on expectations, comparisons, judgements, critical assessments and preconceived ideas.
I reckon most people are being successful all the time, whether they are aware of it or not. It's just their head (brain) thinks that they are not. It is our heart, with our innermost desires that governs what comes about. If an Alexander Teacher (or any practitioner) wants to see just three clients during the day when her children are at school, and she manages that, then she is being very successful.
Performing at the level that is in your heart, and then mentally acknowledging and accepting this, can make for a very happy and contented life.
Our brain and heart can have quite different agendas. If we can discover what is truly in our heart, and then think and visualise this, our heart and brain will be working in unison. The synergy between the two is far more powerful than if they are working against each other. We can use our thinking to help energise our true desires. If we marry the two, then we'll really be motoring. As 'Thoughts become Things', and 'What you think is what you get'.
A good time to discover what's in your heart, is during the moments of waking from sleep in the early morning. This is the time when you are most relaxed and your subconscious can have its say far more easily and noticeably before your head wakes up properly and interrupts with "You can't do that! Take note of what exciting idea or thought you have during your waking moments before getting out of bed. This is where your heart's desires can make themselves heard and if you follow them they can lead you to maybe not the most exciting future, but one that is wonderfully appropriate to you. Then we may enjoy a contented and happy life.
