This is your brain on weightlifting
Lifting weights and the universal consciousness
“What am I? Am I the bulb that carries the light, or am I the light of which the bulb is the vehicle?”
-Joseph Campbell, The Power of Myth
We don’t spend much time being fully present in our bodies. The outside world pulls at us in so many ways, taking our attention, warping our view of our physical selves, dividing our physical experience from our mental/emotional one.
To be in our physical body, without shame, judgment, or external gaze is a rare thing. To fully immerse ourselves in the sensory experience of being in our bodies can be difficult, even painful. But it is a beautiful part of being human.
Our bodies are not us, but they are a vehicle for our consciousness.
The body is a primary way we interact with the world and the sensory information culled by our interaction with our environment forms a large part of how we view the world.
Pursuits like yoga, meditation, dance—even heavy lifting—can offer beautiful moments where we can be fully engaged in our bodies, if they are self-directed and untainted by external policing and judgment. This isn’t always easy, I know, but there can be joy in those moments.
But how can we create these moments?
Often I begin my physical training by simply being present in my body, asking “what do I need?” I listen to the story my body tells me and following the lines that run through it. I try to move without expectation, judgement, or shame.
Sure, my exploration is guided by almost 2 decades of professional experience, but that’s not necessary to begin a dialogue with your body: the language develops as you spend time playing, experimenting, and being present in your body.
You are the one who knows your body best.
Listen for the words, your body has them.
Next time you’re working out, hiking, running, swimming, or just moving through the world, try asking yourself:
How does this feel? In my body and mind?
Am I being present in this moment or letting my mind rush forward or back in time?
Does what I’m doing hurt? If so, is there a way I can adjust to be more comfortable? Or should I stop this action entirely to preserve my physical, mental, and emotional well-being?
Is this action fulfilling for me? Does it make me happy or lead me closer to a goal that makes me feel truly fulfilled?
How can I do this movement differently? How can I play, explore, and enjoy this movement?
Through questions like these we might deepen our physical experience, draw more from our exercise routine and daily movement, and increase the connection between our body and mind. Allow yourself a chance to dive deeper in to your physical practice and see what you can learn.