“As I often tell my students, the two most important phrases in therapy, as in yoga, are “Notice that” and “What happens next?” Once you start approaching your body with curiosity rather than with fear, everything shifts.” - Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk

Body in Motion, Brain in Devotion: The Symbiotic Relationship

The Body Keeps the Score is a seminal book written by psychiatrist, author, and researcher Bessel Van Der Kolk. If you are in the movement world and have any interest in how the body and mind intertwine, particularly in regards to emotional health, this is front and center on your bookshelf. 

One of my many favorite quotes by Bessel (and yes, I feel like we are on a first name basis!) is this:

“As I often tell my students, the two most important phrases in therapy, as in yoga, are “Notice that” and “What happens next?” Once you start approaching your body with curiosity rather than with fear, everything shifts.”

Past are the days of pursuing a right/wrong, good/bad of a pose. Science tells us that yoga is as safe as any other low-load activity. (Read about the research here)

Now, do you want to mindlessly blow through 100 chatturangas with forward rounded shoulders, no, but that is another post for another day.

In general, our body weight practice of yoga is such a magnificent way to explore, be curious (as Bessel mentions) and move with confidence! 

God designed our bodies to move and when we do it mindfully, regularly, and in all the ways (like yoga offers) we flow more smoothly through life!

Because of all the factors that make us unique, making movement a personal experience infused with curiosity is key for not only our bodies, but our minds too.

Going back to Bessel’s quote, here is a fuller version…oh, by the way, he found in his research that yoga was very often more impactful than medication when it came to seeing improvement in his patients. 

“In yoga you focus your attention on your breathing and on your sensations moment to moment. You begin to notice the connection between your emotions and your body – perhaps how anxiety about doing a pose actually throws you off balance. You begin to experiment with changing the way you feel. Will taking a deep breath relieve that tension in your shoulders? Will focusing on our exhalations produce a sense of calm? Simply noticing what you feel fosters emotional regulation, and it helps you to stop trying to ignore what is going on inside you. As I often tell my students, the two most important phrases in therapy, as in yoga, are “Notice that” and “What happens next?” Once you start approaching your body with curiosity rather than with fear, everything shifts.”

Try it Yourself:

At With-God Wellness, our classes focus on curiosity, exploration, and personalization.

The more we approach our bodies with this grace-filled attention, your mind and heart will become more open, receptive, and clear. 

Moving your body, moves your mind.

And when you move your mind toward God, you live relationally attuned to God and that leads to living motivated by love instead of fear. 

2 Timothy 1:7 TPT

"For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control" (Aramaic: revelation-light).

Head over to With-God Wellness and try out our meditation that goes along with the above verse and focuses on rewiring your pain experience.

LISTEN HERE

Be empowered through Christ today and Stay Curious!

Jen Allbritton
E-RYT 500
B.S. in Kinesiology
Co-Founder of With-God Wellness