Embodied Life Coaching

Given the stress of modern life including the added stress of the pandemic, people have been left in need of tools to step out of their overwhelmed mind, their uptight or painful body, or even to assess their life and revisit which direction to shift into in order to thrive instead of just cope.

Embodied awareness is foundational to help people accurately assess their life and reclaim a state of expansion at a time when most people live in a state of contraction associated with stress mode. Integrating the Alexander Technique process of “Observation-Inhibition-Direction” to daily life leads to be less reactive and to respond in a more flexible and effective way instead.

OBSERVATION is a tool that brings us in the present moment as we notice our mind and body activity without judgment. Is my mind focused on the now or remembering the past and anticipating the future? Am I aware of how I sit, stand, and walk? Am I breathing deeply? Do I tend to judge myself? Or am I compassionate both with myself and others?
In my daily life, do I take time to chill in a healthy way before the end of the day? Do I spend quality time with my family and friends? Do I sleep enough? There are so many questions we can ask ourselves to develop an awareness of where we stand and why. In this process, we discover which habits contribute to how we feel!

INHIBITION comes after observing our habitual patterns of thoughts, feelings, movements, and behavior. It is taking time to pause and make decisions that will bring better outcomes. Inhibition is about discovering the underlying habits that are fueling our challenges and choosing to clear such habits, one step at a time. It is choosing to not eat that extra cookie or not smoke that first cigarette. It is choosing to put on sneakers to go for a walk or a run to break the habit of sitting all day long. It is choosing to step out of our mind to pay attention to our body and environment.

DIRECTION is what emerges organically when we let go of engrained habits that do not serve us. It does not need to be learned, it does itself when we step out of our own way. However, being aware of and reinforcing healthy movements, constructive thinking, or positive behaviors does help us change our habitual patterns more efficiently. It helps us blossom more fully as we become freer of the habits that used to be in the way. Progressively, a shift happens. We crave healthy food, and we enjoy lighter movement. We feel better in our skin, we feel and exude dynamic health, and we trust we can thrive towards any goal we may have.

This “Observation-Inhibition-Direction” cycle is not a linear process. It is an ongoing cycle working within the upward spiral of constructive change. Most of us have lost accuracy of perception and we assume what feels habitual is natural. It requires to repeatedly commit to our decision until progressively, the habitual way and the natural way become one again. Slouching becomes foreign or uncomfortable while sitting upright effortlessly feels more natural and easy. Not smoking that cigarette or taking that extra cookie feels not only bearable but we may no longer want it. Exercising is no longer a chore but something to look forward to. Thinking constructively and behaving in a positive way becomes the norm. It is not always easy but the more we experience these changes, the easier it becomes.

What used to be overwhelming, stressful, or painful no longer takes us down the rabbit hole of misery. We feel empowered to deal with whatever comes at us because we know how to get back to center fairly quickly. All is not perfect and devoid of challenges, yet we have simple and efficient tools to support us anytime, anywhere! We reclaim our integrated self to gain increased ease of movement, improved posture, enhanced self-image and deeper self-confidence which promotes ease of being, peace and joy.

What is better than getting satisfying results with efficient tools that allow us to sustain those results?

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For more information on working with Cécile, upcoming events or if you have questions, respond to this blog or go to: https://cecileraynor.com/ where you can also sign up for a free consult if interested in exploring this work for increased wellbeing.