Body of Knowledge

Problem solving means THINKING. Brainstorming, generating rational alternatives, and cost/benefit analysis. Cerebral cortex divorced from corpus. Yet the body is more than a carrying case for the big computer between our ears. It is an overlooked valuable and nearly effortless, even indispensable partner in finding solutions. No matter how reasoned and reasonable an answer may seem, it is ultimately evaluated by the body. Here are some examples from my coaching and facilitation:

A leader has logical reasons for several disparate options. After a quiet time of embodying each option, he reported that one felt right but he was inhibited. He explored in his body what felt right and what was immobilizing him. He noticed a tug of an old story and relationship. It was not the choice itself but the anticipated blowback that kept him stuck. The challenge was not a pro/con comparison of equal choices but a discovery of how to handle, even head off, the expected objections. Again, in the body he tried on options and noticed when an action felt doable.

Another leader faced excess stress inside and outside of work. She toggled between staying true to her open heart or protecting herself from harm. I asked her to pose as the poles she described. From a caved chest, tucked head with clenched fists in front she moved abruptly to outstretched arms, head up, face open as if to hug the world. I asked her to move slowly between the extremes. She found her midway point and the flexibility to move towards either end as needed. We explored the posture behaviorally in different scenarios. She took the posture into meetings as a reminder of her intention.

A group is planning. Words swirl about whether, how, and to what degree to be reactive or proactive. They are mired, so I move them to the physical. In pairs, I ask them to tag their partner’s vulnerable parts (stomach, chest, head,) without being tagged themselves. After a few moments that include laughter, we debrief. They notice: Blocking only did not score points. An opponent’s attempt to overwhelm didn’t work IF the partner stayed focused on their goals not just the whirl of attack. Engagement means vulnerability. They returned to planning committed to “block and build”.

Descartes led us part way I think therefore I am and  also I am, therefore I think. The mind is the integration of verbal cognition and body awareness. Over-reliance on the rational leaves leaders and groups working with hands, legs, and so much more literally tied.

• When have you noticed the body BEFORE the rational mind? E.g. clenched fists, shallow breathing signaling an otherwise unacknowledged state.
• Ever have a gut feeling? How do you tap into the wisdom of your own body?
• When working with a group, what physical cues tell you where they are?

For more, see my article, Learning Through the Body.