When I sit, I don’t aspire
to rest my flesh as it may requires;
but as my mind, attuned to art,
looks at the chair without a heart.
Or as that too compliant clerk
all he thinks of is his work.
Senses to Wisdom—The Art and Practice of Understanding
We understand some things when we see them.
Like, “Pasta in tomato sauce on a plate on the table in front of me.” Clearly, it’s pasta in tomato sauce (unless proven otherwise).
We understand some things when we taste or smell them. “That’s good pasta!”
We understand some things when we hear them. Like, listening to this guy talking about cooking pasta we know from his voice that he takes it very seriously.
We understand some things when we feel them. Joy. Confidence. Satisfaction. Danger. Anticipation.
All this can happen automatically, unconsciously. But sometimes we seek understanding actively, and then, too, we look, we listen. In such a moment we are conscious. Mindful. Open.
In this moment, what is it that we are doing? The start of it, the process of seeking understanding—did it come upon us unwittingly? And where do we end it? Who would we be without such moments? And who would we become if we would catch the essence of such moments, and hold them dear?
Required learning
Right away from birth we humans can’t do much, in terms of movement and language…we have to learn everything. Why do we humans have to learn so much of our movements and speech, and behaviour… seemingly everything? Why aren’t we like other mammals, for example like horses, who are able to stand, walk and run within a few days after birth, and utter sounds in an inherent, universal language?
Yes, there’s pretty explanations… brain development and bone density and yada yada yada, it’s all laid out in developmental science, but… why is it like this? Why is the sky blue? I mean yes, sure, Rayleigh scattering, but why is that wavelength blue and not green or transparent? Why — in a “why is it really” sense?
So I was thinking this morning, as I was standing in my bathroom, in my pyjamas and with my eyes closed, and while I made up a Somatics movement class in standing.
Physiological reasons aside: Is it, maybe, to set us up for lifelong learning? Just like baby birds need to learn to fly, required by nature, we humans are required by nature to learn to learn?
By having to learn to turn, roll, arch, creep, crawl, sit, stand, grasp, let go, throw, catch, walk, hop and skip, by being required to learn all of this and much more, we humans are set up for a life that includes learning, just like a bird is set up for a life that includes flying.
I’ve made some affirmations:
- The process of learning is a natural part of me, and I embrace it wholeheartedly.
- I find pleasure in acquiring new skills and insights.
- Every day, I discover new opportunities for growth and learning, and I welcome them with open arms.
Remember, affirmations can be wonderful tools to nourish positive beliefs and attitudes. Ok now, I will turn some affirmations into rhymes (with a smile):
Embracing learning,
I’ll brightly shine,
the joy of being,
I sure make it mine.
Learning,
a process dear part of me,
I do embrace it whole-heart-ed-ly.
I’m still yearning
to make more time for learning.
Please note: I’m writing about movement learning and humane learning, not the plethora of inhumane crimes that are committed on the daily in compulsory schooling, which is making people live out their lives in an invisible prison of their school-conditioned minds. Ok, rhyme and shine, now it’s your turn. 😄
What are my viewers actually interested in?
So- this morning I sat down in my daily coffee shop routine and was thinking, “I wonder what my readers think about my recent articles about body awareness?” and immediately thereafter I had the glorious question, “I wonder what my viewers are actually interested in?” hm-emoji 🤔
In thought I might pop Colin or Simon a message, but then I thought I might just pop ChatGPT a message instead. So I dropped a couple of dozen Youtube comments into ChatGPT, “Please have a look at these video comments and tell me what people are interested in the most.”
I think there’s already a deep, unsurmountable divide between humans and ChatGPT when it comes to reading skills, reading speed, and writing skills. So, that’s still me Alfons writing. ChatGPT wouldn’t bother with existential philosophy and critique.
Here’s what ChatGPT answered, in less than a second:
Based on the provided video comments, it seems that people are primarily interested in the following aspects:
- Appreciation for the instructor: Many comments express gratitude and admiration for the instructor, praising their teaching style, sense of humor, and presentation skills.
- Positive effects and personal experiences: Several comments mention specific benefits or improvements experienced as a result of the lessons, such as relief from pain, relaxation, improved mobility, and heightened body awareness.
- Specific questions and requests for guidance: Some comments seek advice and clarification on certain exercises or techniques, requesting further suggestions or explanations from the instructor.
- Engagement and preference for longer or shorter videos: A few comments express differing opinions on video length, with some preferring longer videos for deeper exploration and others appreciating shorter versions.
- Sharing personal stories and connections: Several comments share personal anecdotes, experiences, and connections made with the instructor, demonstrating the impact of the lessons on their lives.
- Compliments and gratitude: Numerous comments express appreciation and praise for the lessons, the instructor’s positive attitude, and the effectiveness of the exercises.
Overall, people are interested in the instructor’s teaching style, the benefits and personal experiences gained from the lessons, and seeking further guidance and clarification on specific exercises.
Writing a title for my blog post
Writing helps to solve problems in thinking. Writing allows for time to think; to think things over. It allows to see things from a grander perspective and inspires clarity. What is it that I really want to say?
On the other hand, loosely quoting John Taylor Gatto, “not a paragraph survives when I come to edit my writings 6 months later.” Erkenntnis (feminine noun; insight, cognition, realisation, the tree of knowledge) seems to be ever changing.
Alfons: What could be fitting titles for my blog post?
ChatGPT: Possible titles for the blog post could be:
- “The Power of Body Awareness: Lessons in Movement and Self-Perception”
- “Enhancing Mind-Body Connection: Lessons for Body Awareness and Comfort”
- “Discovering Ease and Coordination: Lessons in Body Awareness and Movement” [..] {7 more titles…}
(still ChatGPT writing:) These titles capture the essence of the blog post, focusing on the concepts of body awareness, lessons inspired by Moshé Feldenkrais, and the benefits of improved movement and comfort.
Alfons: How does it change the meaning when I change “The Power of Body Awareness: Lessons in Movement and Self-Perception” to “The Power of Body Awareness: Lessons in Movement with Self-Perception”
ChatGPT: Changing the title from “The Power of Body Awareness: Lessons in Movement and Self-Perception” to “The Power of Body Awareness: Lessons in Movement with Self-Perception” subtly shifts the emphasis and meaning of the title.
The original title suggests that the lessons explore both movement and self-perception as interconnected aspects of body awareness. It implies that through these lessons, individuals can enhance their understanding of their bodies, their movements, and how they perceive themselves in relation to their movement abilities.
On the other hand, the modified title places more emphasis on the act of movement itself and its connection to self-perception. It suggests that the lessons primarily focus on movement and utilize self-perception as a tool or lens through which individuals can better engage with and understand their movements.
Both titles convey the importance of body awareness and its impact on movement and self-perception. The modified title highlights the integral role of movement in the process of self-perception, while the original title presents movement and self-perception as two closely intertwined aspects of body awareness.
Alfons: A good explanation which highlights the distinction. I was able to see what I want to say more clearly and work that title even further into this direction: “The Power of Body Awareness: Lessons in Self-Perception with Movement.” What is your comment?
ChatGPT: “The Power of Body Awareness: Lessons in Self-Perception with Movement” is an intriguing title that places a strong emphasis on self-perception and its relationship with movement. It suggests that the lessons not only involve movement but also focus on how individuals perceive themselves in the context of their movements.
By placing “Self-Perception” before “Movement” in the title, it suggests that self-perception is a primary focus and lens through which individuals engage with and explore their movements. This title implies that the lessons aim to deepen self-awareness, promote self-reflection, and enhance the understanding of oneself through the medium of movement.
Overall, the modified title effectively conveys the idea that body awareness and self-perception are interconnected, and that the lessons offer a unique approach to exploring and improving both aspects through the power of movement. It captures the essence of the article by highlighting the transformative potential of body awareness in relation to self-perception.
Alfons: Exactly! Thank you for your feedback and help
ChatGPT: You’re welcome! I’m glad I could help. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Good luck with your article!
The Power of Body Awareness: Lessons in Self-Perception with Movement
How can we use movement to improve things like mindfulness, body awareness, and self-perception? What are we even talking about here?
I’m thinking of recent movement trends that may have emanated from modern, functional Pilates and movement classes, western-knowledge updated Yoga classes, mindfulness meets soft-acrobatics classes… which all talk about awareness, exploration and improved well-being. I’m thinking of lessons in Somatics and somatic education, and lessons by last-century Somatics genius Moshé Feldenkrais specifically. What makes for a good lesson? What has to be inside such a lesson?
To start a conversation, to define what we’re even talking about, such a lesson may be comprised of the following, for example, but not limited to…
- movements,
- coordination exercises,
- pauses,
- sensory cues, and
- storytelling
to improve…
- body awareness and
- promote ease and comfort in movement.
Body Awareness
In this context, “body awareness” refers to the ability to consciously perceive and have a deep understanding of one’s body and its movements. It involves developing a heightened sense of proprioception. Proprioception is the awareness of the position, orientation, and movement of the body and its various parts in space.
Body awareness includes being attuned to sensations, tensions, and patterns of movement within the body. It involves recognizing and discerning the quality and range of motion in different body parts, as well as the relationships and connections between them. By cultivating body awareness, individuals can become more mindful of their posture, alignment, and movement habits. A good lesson facilitates improvements in these areas and allows for consciously perceiving adjustments that improve overall well-being and movement efficiency.
In many lessons of Moshé Feldenkrais (or any lesson created in a similar spirit) body awareness is a fundamental aspect of the practice. Through gentle and exploratory movements, individuals develop a deeper understanding of their bodies, discover new possibilities for movement, and refine their kinesthetic sense. Body awareness allows individuals to move with greater ease, flexibility, and coordination, and it can also enhance self-awareness and self-expression.
The emphasis of these lessons is on performing the movements in a
- gentle,
- comfortable, and
- pleasant manner,
- without exerting excessive force or pressure on the body.
The immediate goals and improvements that can be perceived during or after such a lesson touch upon
- flexibility,
- balance,
- ease,
- coordination,
- physical and emotional comfort,
- while reducing unnecessary tension or effort.
But wait there’s more
There are many more goals and improvements that transcend the physical body and touch on psyche and composure. Of course there are broad, long-term goals of physical improvements, but there’s also goals and improvements that extend far beyond the mere physical. A discussion thereof shall be topic of another blog post. Good things need time, thoughts need to settle and develop. We need to see what sticks, what grows, and what we still need to catch.
Human personal learning – a lost cause?
This text is about the importance of real learning and personal growth, and how a significant number of people prioritise social and academic learning and material success instead. The author, a humanist, finds humour in the fact that even AI recognises the lack of emphasis on personal learning. The article includes quotes from the ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes.
So- I’ve fed Moshé Feldenkrais’s speech “Real learning is having choices” to one of the many document eating Artificial Intelligence websites so I could ask questions about the text.
Alfons: What is this speech about?
Document AI: This document is about the importance of real learning, which involves having choices and becoming an expert in different ways to achieve what you want. It emphasizes that this type of learning allows individuals to have control over their lives and make it the way they want it. The document also suggests that academic or social learning is important for fitting into society, but not necessarily for personal growth. Finally, it argues that humans have the ability to make more complex choices and adapt to their environment.
Alfons: What are the most impressive quotes I can use in my business to attract new customers?
Document AI: I’m sorry, but the section you provided does not contain any quotes that would be suitable for a business to attract new customers. The section is discussing the abilities of animals and the limitations of human learning.
This actually made me laugh out loud. I mean, for me it’s interesting. [a] Academic learning, [b] social learning, and [c] personal learning. What a nice categorisation. But I’m a humanist, who is shy of the rat race—as opposed to most adults around me: they pump iron in the gym, they eat meat and dairy products (to grow stronger), they undergo artificial genetic modification (to do the right thing) and are happy to do whatever it takes to stay socially afloat. And while they appreciate humanistic attributes, in their actions they value money and success more. What kind of car, motorbike and apartment can you afford? Where do you go for your holidays? What wrist-watch are you wearing? Who is inviting you to which event? Which schools are your children attending? Which charities are you supporting? What birthday present could you afford for your spouse? “OMG the therapists of my children and my personal trainer are SO expensive—but absolutely worth it!” Even the machines know that humanism and personal learning is a lost cause for the general public.
But of course, ChatGPT would not write in that style. ChatGPT always comes along with an uplifting tone and shines a positive light on different perspectives. ChatGPT is trained to be informative, positive and helpful. It’s just me, the human, who is un-moderated and un-regulated and thus able to struggle against himself in a comico-cynical sentiment.
Alfons: ChatGPT, please explain the phrase “a lost cause”
ChatGPT: The phrase “a lost cause” typically refers to a situation or endeavor that is considered hopeless or futile, where success or a positive outcome is highly unlikely or impossible to achieve. It suggests that any effort, resources, or time invested in pursuing that cause would be wasted or ineffective. [..] It implies that the objective or goal is beyond reach due to insurmountable obstacles, lack of support, or inherent flaws in the situation.
As far as I can see they won’t stop running in their hamster wheels any time soon. And actually, I do depend on them and their success. Therefore- I’m happy to support, alleviate discomfort and help as good as I can. Meanwhile, while business is slow (which the philosopher in me appreciates), I will finish typing this blog post, sort my vocabulary spreadsheet, read a bit of Hermann Hesse, playfully prod ChatGPT with questions about humanism, and then… since it’s a fine day with gentle sunshine and a light breeze of surprisingly clean air… I’ll walk over to the pond to gaze over the prisoner fish standing in their stale water.
Alfons: ChatGPT, please give me some quotes by Diogenes, the ancient Greek philosopher
ChatGPT: Certainly! Here are a few notable quotes attributed to Diogenes:
- “I am looking for an honest man.” This statement by Diogenes is often interpreted as a critique of the prevailing dishonesty and hypocrisy he observed in society.
- When asked why he was taking a drink of water with his hands instead of using a cup, Diogenes replied, “I save the cup for the thirstier man.” [..]
- “Happiness is a good flow of life.” Diogenes emphasized the importance of finding contentment and happiness in the present moment. [..]
