Embodiment
Embodiment is an approach in which the experience of the body, movement, senses and physiological state co-create the way of thinking, emotions and actions.
Definition
Embodiment does not mean that the body "thinks for itself" in a simple sense. Rather, it means that cognitive processes are embedded in the body and the environment: posture, breathing, tension, movement, interoceptive signals, and sensory context can influence attention, salience, and emotion regulation. This concept should be used carefully, without giving the body magical properties.
Key ideas
- The body as a context of cognition
- Senses and movement
- The influence of physiological state
Practice and life
When making a difficult decision, check not only the arguments, but also your body: breathing, tension, hunger, fatigue. Write down whether your body condition distorts your judgment.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to reduce thinking only to the body. It is also a mistake to ignore the influence of sleep, tension and arousal on decisions.
> The body is not an accessory to thought; is one of its contexts.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- What does the body bring to my thinking?
- Do I interpret the situation by being tired or tense?
- How will your thought change after moving, breathing, or resting?