Much of my philosophy when it comes to movement and behavior hinges on the process of self-regulation. I have addressed various aspects of self-regulation, or the loss thereof, on this website but I’ve never truly defined it. Read on for a few thoughts on the subject, including how I define it, as well as a link to an article I recently authored that introduces the connection between self-regulation and movement.
Whilst subject to change, as everything I write is, here is a working definition:
Self-regulation is the ability to inhibit one’s automatic, compulsive response reinforced by the immediate environment.
In other words, it’s our ability to inhibit a conditioned habit that enables people to have options, a choice, in how they move and behave. So many people struggle to maintain a proactive rather than reactive neurological state, and are literally stuck moving and behaving compulsively in an environment that is running the show. And when our behavioral options are narrow so, too, is our function and performance.
To further this concept, I recently wrote an article for my friend Kate Galliett, creator of the fantastic Fit for Real Life. I think it’s a solid introductory article to the connection between self-regulation and movement with a few ways we can improve it.
Check it out here: How To Unlock Rigid, Stiff Movement With Self-Regulation.
Lots more to come on this topic.
-Seth
Seth,
Truly amazing article on FitForRealLife. Lately I’ve been exploring the work of Feldenkrais (and the efficacy of his methods) as well as more modern thinkers like Norman Doidge. I pray we are moving in the right direction as a whole when it comes to training – and out of the bio model alone. My own experience as well as with my clients (and obviously man others across the world) proves that it works. Its amazing. We have so much untapped potential, but it involves going inside. And when we move somewhere new, explore a new range – we also unlock other ways of thinking, other ways of being that don’t have a direct, obvious connection to that process. I’ve figured out solutions to problems in other areas of my life, simply by moving differently and freely.
Thanks again for simplifying these ideas – it not only helps me better understand, but allows me to carry on the message to others.
Hey Tyler,
Thank you for the kind words. I think we are moving away from the purely biomechanical mode of training, albeit more slowly than I’d like. And you’re right, this process of transference and altering our perceptions thru moving differently is so powerful and so underused. For instance, why are the mentally ill not having someone teaching them how to move differently? Ultimately, external change requires internal exploration.
Thanks for reading!
-Seth
Nice clear writing! I use Feldenkrais to teach self regulation for anxiety and chronic pain. I strongly agree that mental health care is missing an important component. Anxiety is recreated and reinforced in movement. By interrupting that cycle, we can help people establish a new sense of self, one that they can feel clearly in their bodies.