Do you often feel anxious, unable to sit still, or bombarded by constant thoughts? Perhaps you endure long and draining internal dialogues. Were you aware that specific areas of the body, when consciously reconnected, can help us emerge from this ongoing chaos, find solutions, and calm an overactive mind? Let's embark on a journey.
Racing Thoughts
The intensity of the mind can heighten for various reasons. The modern world is filled with external stimuli and disturbances, such as never-ending social media notifications and a constant flow of information, contributing to mental restlessness. Intensive mental work and complex visual tasks can also influence it. Past experiences, such as traumatic events, may lead to an inner dialogue related to fear, anxiety, or lack of self-confidence. Internal dialogues also play a role in relationships, where unresolved conflicts from the past create a continuous narrative affecting current interactions. Additionally, if we engage in actions contrary to our values or struggle between societal expectations and authentic self-expression, our minds may find no peace for several years.
This intensity of the mind is accompanied by an active sympathetic nervous system. The heart beats faster, breathing becomes shallow and rapid, we remain alert, it's difficult to feel. In this state, it may seem like we start living "in our heads."
Creative Potential
Notably, our attention often turns to the head during intense moments. The central nervous system and a complex network of endocrine glands in the head support us in challenging situations. According to somatic psychology experts Linda Hartley and Susan Aposhyan, the glands in the head sustain our insights and intellect. Linda Hartley, in her book "Wisdom of the Body Moving," notes that carotid bodies located in the branches of the carotid arteries help harmonize energy flow and keep us grounded during intense mental work. The pituitary gland not only supports eyesight but also stimulates intellect and imagination. It helps us see our life clearly, understand ourselves, and maintain emotional balance. The mamillary bodies' energy awakens us to higher levels of attention and perception, associated with deep insights. The pineal gland not only produces the sleep hormone melatonin but also allows access to collective wisdom. Utilizing our vast network of neural connections and supported by the endocrine system, we can make innovative decisions and overcome crises.
Why is it that in crisis situations, we start living "in our heads" but cannot access the resources within?
Our tendency to live "in our heads" without accessing the resources within is linked to the lack of a conscious connection with it. A conscious connection with the head area can open doors to deeper understanding, wisdom, and creativity. This means not only establishing a connection with our thoughts and beliefs but also tuning into internal sensations, experiencing the movement of thoughts, seeing emerging images.
How to Reconnect
Deep Breath into the Skull Cavity:Â Inhale deeply into the cranial cavity, allowing it to fill with fresh air. Feel your head as one of your limbs. What sensations, sounds, and smells reside here?
Palming Exercise:Â Rub your hands together until warm, then cover your closed eyes with them. Let them experience warmth, observe the darkness, and images that arise in your inner vision.
Try Gentle Head Movements or Self-Massage:Â Reduce physical tension in the head and neck by experimenting with gentle head movements or self-massage.
Cultivate Curiosity about Your Thoughts:Â Remember that you don't have to believe all your thoughts.
By exploring these practices, you can foster a conscious connection with your head, promoting a sense of calm, clarity, and creative potential.
Want to learn more?
Reach out to Ingrida Danyte at ingridadanyte@gmail.com, a dedicated Somatic Movement Therapist, and start embracing your path to healing today.