All of us live our lives on a spectrum between chaos and rigidity. Some of us tend to live more in a state of chaos and constant change, while others tend to live with more rigidity and stagnation. If our life is overly chaotic, we may live in a constant state of fear, anxiety, hyperactivity, and reactivity. On the other hand, if we are too far on the rigid end of the spectrum, we may become inflexible, resistant to helpful changes, and even close-minded. We might have certain contexts within our lives that are towards one extreme or the other- chaos in our work life, rigidity in our home life, or vice versa. Perhaps we subconsciously bring structure and rigidity into one aspect of our lives, such as our fitness routine, in order to balance the chaos and unpredictability within other aspects of our life.
Daniel Siegel, M.D., described this spectrum in his book Whole-Brain Child. Because living on either end of the spectrum can be problematic, it is important to find integration, or a harmonious place somewhere in between rigidity and chaos. This finding of balance can be described by considering floating down a river in a canoe. On one side of the river, there is no flow, only still stagnant water. This side represents rigidity- it is safe and predictable, but unfulfilling and devoid of energy. On the other side is white rapids, rocks, and dangerous currents. This side represents chaos, overwhelm, constant change and even danger. In this extreme, we can lose our footing and get lost without any sense of control. A good place to be is the center of the river. This area is a system that has flow and energy, while still allowing us to maintain a sense of control. This allows us to explore, experience new things, learn and grow. How can we find this in our lives?
It is important for anyone to practice self-study, which in yogic philosophy is known as “svadhyaya” (sva meaning “own” or “self”, adhyaya meaning “lesson” or “study”). Can you feel when you are moving more towards a state of chaos, or stagnating into rigidity and mindless repetition? Our emotional state can be an excellent barometer of where we are at. In the middle of the two extremes we find a state of flow, in which we experience the most joy, discovery, and creativity. We should all seek to build a resilient self in which we are strong and stable, but also adaptable, flexible, and open to positive change.
Our self-care and movement practices are excellent strategies to direct ourselves towards this state of balance. The low hanging fruit is… are we taking care of ourselves? Are we sufficient in sleep, nutrition, hydration, movement, relaxation, and social connection? What are we doing a little too much of, and what are we doing not enough of? Within the context of our movement practice, we can find even greater finesse.
Consider the following:
During many functional movements, we have to find a balance between mobility and stability, which can be likened to chaos and rigidity, respectively. Our hips are essential for providing mobility (ability to move in all directions) and also stability (ability to maintain or control joint position). If our hip has too much mobility and not enough stability, our movement would be out of control (chaos). If we have too much stability and not enough mobility, our movement would be stiff and inefficient (rigidity). The middle of the river is an excellent place to be, which allows us to move with both fluidity and strength.
Consider the examples of unilateral movements in our previous blog. The single leg stand to reverse lunge is an example of how the weight-bearing leg must stabilize, but also allow for controlled movement to occur. A similar phenomenon happens every time we walk, go up stairs, and even kick a ball. Our weight-bearing leg must provide stability so we do not fall or strain our tissues, while also allowing our pelvis to move relative to our thigh bone, so we can move and participate in life. Consider this “movement snack”. Can you feel how the weight-bearing leg is controlling the movement with a balance between mobility and stability? When the stabilizing leg is well organized for mobility, that is referred to as skilled movement, and is a necessary component for moving with efficiency and ease.
At the Wellness Station, we will help you become more in tune with your natural rhythms, and provide opportunities to help you find your balance between chaos and rigidity.
Written by Jacob Tyson, DPT - Physical Therapist, Yoga Instructor and The Wellness Station Team