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Introduction   |   Theory   |   Summary   |   Practical   |   Audio   |   Appendices

A systems view of biological health

Section 4: Practical exercises

5 : Assuming the position

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There is absolutely no prescribed position to put your body in when performing these exercises. For the simple reason that there is a vast range of individual variation, and so what works for one person may not work for another. I have done this lying down, sitting, standing and walking.

However(!) there are certain basic principles that apply most people in most situations:

  1. The more capable of movement you are, generally speaking the safer your body-mind will feel:
    • Standing is more in-control than sitting, but is also maybe not so relaxed.
    • Sitting on a hard straight-back chair is more in-control than lounging in a soft chair.
    • Having both your feet on the ground with them very slightly back (so you are able to get out of the chair easily) is more in-control than having crossed legs or leaning backwards (both these positions tend to immobilise you slightly).
    • Lying down is the least in-control.
  2. The more you feel yourself to be in-control of the space you are in, the easier it also is for your body-mind to feel safe:
    • In practice this means busy public spaces - particularly where there is lots of activity behind you - are not so good for the purposes of this exercise.
    • If you are in a room it is better to position yourself so you can command the space - i.e. sit with your back to a wall, with the (closed) door in full view. If there are other people in the house make sure that they know not to disturb you for the next few minutes.

There is also the issue of "relaxation". Generally speaking it is better to be able to slightly engage your muscles (or allow they to be as engaged as they are), because this tells your body that you are capable of responding. Whereas deliberately disengaged muscles may accidentally tell your body that you are entering a submissive state (and are therefore in grave danger).

The fact is that you body will relax far more deeply than you can "make it relax" on its own once the body-mind has re-calibrated itself to the actual safety of your environment.


 
Introduction   |   Theory   |   Summary   |   Practical   |   Audio   |   Appendices
     
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