Making learning from your soma - a daily practice

Running was on my agenda today. Hot as hot it could be - is how I can describe the day today here. So I was just walking. When a doggy called Neyo came bounding over and distracted me and my walking partner, I proclaimed I am gonna run and decided to go for it, despite the sun. Dogs remind me of running. Not from them, but with them, or something akin. They somehow bring out the joy in it!

Sharing here are my learnings from how my body taught me some leadership/life lessons today:

1. I discovered that I tend to run better when I go from left to right, but running from right to left felt slightly strange. My logical brain kicked in, reminding me of what I had read about left brain controlling the right side and being more logical and linear, while the right brain controls the left side and is responsible for creativity and intuition. My mind wandered off, caught up in intellectualizing the experience. It made me realize my "habit of intellectualization." As a somatic ontological coach, studying this has helped me recognize the patterns I've internalized.
2. So, I decided to shift my focus back to the somatic experience of running. I immersed myself in how my arms moved, or sometimes didn't move, and how my feet made a thudding sound, slightly more on one side than the other. Another pattern caught my attention—my breath. While most people tend to breathe faster and pant during a run, I noticed my breath pattern might be different from others. I exhaled deeply, feeling each exhale, while my inhales were barely noticeable. I was doing this as a habit. Surprisingly, this slow and deep breathing made the run feel relaxing. It's interesting how my runs may be slow, but I can continue to enjoy them without exhausting myself.
3. As I focused on my feet, I recalled a visit to a doctor eight years ago for foot pain. The doctor mentioned that one of my legs was slightly shorter than the other. I had no idea! Suddenly, feedback from others about me walking with a tilt made sense. I felt a bit odd and critical of my body. But then, the idea of imagination crossed my mind. Healing occurs when we allow our imagination to take the lead. Could I use my imagination to extend my right leg by a millimeter, matching the length of my left foot? Can I visualize it extending to the same length? It's something to imagine and be present with during my next run.

Who knew running could teach us lessons in leadership? Here's what I've learned:

• What to do more: Imagine, think long-term, and take action accordingly.
• What to continue doing: Relax more and tap into my own power. Breath deep. Exhale more.
• What not to overdo: Intellectualization—sometimes, it's better to simply experience and be present. That's how genius meets others' genius!

Our bodies are so wise. Are you learning from it? Do reach out to me if you would like to make sustainable and transformative changes in your life. The key is to include all of ourselves. If you don't, it's either partial change or it will drop away soon.

#LeadershipLessons #SomaticCoaching #FunAndLearning #Transformations #Embodiment