The History Channel began a new series, Einstein, this week. During the first episode there was a good deal of discussion of gravity and gravitational pull. Einstein disputed Newton’s idea of gravitational pull. In his celebrated writings on relativity, Einstein suggested that it is space that pushes us to the earth, rather than gravity pulling us to earth.
The idea fascinated me. Often in teaching aikido and in my Magic of Stretching sessions, I see my students holding themselves in a position. Holding a position requires effort and tension. It can also isolate us from our surroundings as our focus is upon ourselves rather than how we relate to the world around us. For instance, the swimmer in Judy’s earlier post – oblivious to everyone and everything.
Can you remember an instance when you have been in such a disconnected, distracted state? What were the ramifications?
When I see my students holding themselves in place, I have always asked them to let go, to allow their bodies to settle – to let gravity do its work. Now I see the possibility of a new metaphor – letting the space surrounding each of us give us support.
Give this a try. Take a few deep centering breaths and allow your body to naturally realign. Now, become more aware of the space surrounding you. Visualize its gentle support. Begin to walk slowly and as you move imagine that space is nurturing and supporting your every moment. Your awareness of and connection to your surroundings will heighten as you visualize this support. And, this heightened perception sets just the right stage for reframing thoughts and relationships into a positive mode as well.
Judy Warner
0 comments:
Post a Comment