Bodyfulness Practices & Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Processing

Today's episode is a continuation of the bodyfulness theme, picking up from two episodes ago when I introduced this Deeper Dive topic. Bodyfulness is also called "embodied mindfulness," "somatic awareness," or "mindfulness in the body." In this talk, I get a little more specific on some practices and inquiries we can use to explore and develop embodied mindfulness.

I talk about how I had an early experience in my yoga practice (in Savasana) that gave me a taste of deep, vibrant presence. And then, at another time, how I felt distant and separate from the present moment, even though I was in a beautiful place having a lovely experience. 

We'll also cover the concept of Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down processing, and how these theories of perception might help us explain what is going on when we're feeling embodied or disembodied. Bottom-up processing is rooted in our sensory experience in the present moment, while Top-down processing relies more on concepts, memories, and cognitive frameworks to interpret our experience. We'll look at how our yoga and meditation practices utilize both types of processing, and consider when each might be useful.

Finally, I'll offer some suggestions for approaching re-embodiment, or enhancing your bodyfulness, in both yoga and meditation practice. This speaks to the question of using mirrors in yoga practice, how we incorporate alignment rules in asana, and how touch might be part of learning to "listen" to your sensations.

Hopefully, you'll come away with inspiration and some concrete ways to engage with this lifelong practice of bodyfulness.

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As mentioned at the beginning of the episode, to receive the guided meditation and Deeper Dive worksheet on this month’s theme of Bodyfulness, you can sign up for the MTM email newsletter here.

P.S. If you missed the newsletter because you're listening to this later, you can still get the worksheet. All you need to do is email me at mail@movedtomeditate.com and ask. :) 

To connect further with me (Addie), check out my main website movedtomeditate.yoga.

You can find on-demand yoga classes and guided meditations in the Moved To Meditate Class Library that align with all that we discuss on the podcast. Let’s practice together!

And, I’m on Instagram at @addie_movedtomeditate (for mindfulness, movement, yoga, and pictures of PNW nature and my adorable kitten, Mustache).