Some tension and pain is caused by a mismanaged relationship of the head, neck and back. As we learn how that relationship can improve, we also learn that an indirect means of changing the relationship is most effective.
When we begin to observe ourselves, we may become aware of beliefs and assumptions we hold about how we should carry ourselves as we go about our daily lives, engaged in common activities such as sitting, standing, walking, moving in and out of a chair, reaching, lifting, bending, or carrying. We may become more aware of the bodily tensions that accompany emotional reactions.
The muscles that move our bones are under voluntary control, but we are not always consciously directing the activity of the muscles. Our behavior is managed through a combination of our conscious and unconscious thoughts. We can learn to consciously send messages to ourselves to stop the over-work that is associated with tension, stiffness, reduced range of motion, pain, and also emotional reaction. Indirectly, our use will improve.
As we deepen our skills, we are better able to change our habits. Learning and unlearning take time. We ask for patience with ourselves as we embark on learning new concepts and thinking processes. We can also experiment with asking for release, even before we are aware of the doing—and observe what happens.