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Originally published on November 22, 2021.
Exploring the development of our senses/awareness with the integration of our physical structure and how this can manifest in our touch.
Introduction
A Brief overview
The concept of interaction/relationship
What defines our perception?
How our senses develop via interaction and what we interact with
What do our systems and our senses use as a reference?
Using our senses to develop our sense of touch and perception
The concept of interaction/relationship:
One of the first concepts of interaction in Chinese classical medicine is the interaction between Heaven and Earth. With a human being manifesting, suspended, and interacting between the two. Without interaction, we cannot exist in any form. The actual interaction of Chi within this ‘space’ later creates the potential for our awareness to manifest and develop.
Since this space is the place we manifest within and from our interaction with it, it must define our awareness and sense of reality. Three represents what is above, below, and in the center; it is heaven, earth, and humankind: yin, yang, and their mixture. Their exceptional nature allows them to take control of the conduct of life and to give meaning to the universe.
What defines our perception:
The Heart is considered the ‘Emperor’ of our system. The space of reflection and therefore where our consciousness and subconsciousness manifest. The system creates and presents information (Chi) which we can then reflect, interact and respond to.
The information is presented to ‘us’ via our senses which are processed and eventually reflected upon. Our sense of who, what, and where we are is therefore created in our brain via our senses. This creates the Heart/Mind connection. How our senses, therefore, interact and ‘perceive’ both internal and external stimulus directly influence our sense of them.
Zhan Zhuang (Standing Pole) Chi Kung:
If we can develop a reflective practice physically and or mentally this process can be used as a very effective ‘key’ to refining and developing our senses. One such method is that of Yi Chuan, Chi Kung. It is derived by the use of exercise and postures to both integrate and harmonize our bodies/systems towards a more “whole” unit.
The physical relationship to ourselves has the potential to refine and develop our senses since these senses are interwoven into our physical systems. The practice of Zhan Zhuang (Standing pole) a foundation of the Yi Chuan practice can also be viewed as not only a method to integrate and unify our systems but develop and refine our senses. In using our senses as a reference we develop them from where and who we are, and we can then begin to develop and refine them.
How our senses develop via interaction and what we interact with:
As we begin to orientate/integrate our bodies in relation to ourselves so our senses and sense of self begin to develop. Allow yourself to sit on a chair or the floor Reach out and pick up an object from near you Make a note of any thoughts and or feelings that come up during the process, and also once holding the object.
How our senses develop via interaction and what we interact with: Allow a sense of connection with your chair/floor and your ‘sitting bones’ (BL36) Move yourself rocking forwards and backward around these points Become aware of the area around GV1 (anterior to the tip of the coccyx) Allow yourself to move forwards and backward within the triangle created by the interaction of these 3 points by adjusting your weight Allow the corners of this triangle to connect with DU20 at the top of the head while feeling in balance with the lower triangle (creating a pyramid.) Note any sensations, thoughts, and feelings Using this framework as a reference reach out and lift the same object again.
How our senses develop via interaction and what we interact with:
Repeat the above stages adding another triangle between LIV8 on both sides and GV1 What did you notice? Was there any different feeling or thoughts which manifested? Did adding additional structure change your sense of perception? Did the structure contain you or support you? How we set the structure up defines our relationship to it.
The structure of Awareness -- Using our structure in relationship to others:
Once we begin to allow our internal structure to support itself, we can begin to ‘relax into our own space and ourselves’ This relaxation can be viewed as our nervous system moving from sympathetic towards parasympathetic. A ‘space’ where we begin to quieten and listen to ourselves more. And how do we monitor and listen to ourselves? Via our senses… We can begin to develop a practice and a process where we can begin to listen to ourselves via our own senses.
The next stage is to begin to ‘use’ this information/awareness when connecting with others. We can reset the previous exercise when we simply lift an object with and without the support of structure to contact and connect with another person. And from this, we can continue the process of self-reflection and listen to our senses towards interacting with another with a sense of ‘open perception to use Alice Whieldon’s phrase “Resonance” “Our sense of and interaction with our selves via our physical structure creates our sense of who, where and what we are in relation to others.”
With gratitude and thanks to my teachers, students, and peers. Past, present, and future.
For further contact, classes, questions, and information
Adam Hellinger FWss
adamhellinger@gmail.com
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