Once considered “alternative”, embodiment practices are now becoming more and more mainstream. In the Massachusetts Institute of Technology course called Neuroscience for Business, the power of the brain-body connection is a front-and-centre concept.

“In recent decades, increasing evidence has emerged that proves thinking is far from a purely above-the-neck process; a new science of ‘embodied cognition’ (Wilson & Golonka, 2013) has exploded. The science of embodiment proves the brain is not all humans rely on for problem-solving.”

- Dr. Tara Swart, MIT Faculty Director

The course further shared that interoception (being connected to the physiology of the inside of your body) can prime the brain and body to bring forth traits such as creativity, confidence, healthy risk appetite, and determination.

There is a rapidly growing body of research on how this works at a physiological level, and there are many great books on how we can leverage these discoveries. Learning about how to make the most of the brain-body connection leads to better emotional regulation, heightened performance, and better overall well-being.

On the performance front, learning to think with head-body integration leads to faster and more effective access to intelligent intuition and pattern recognition. This is how a chess master can look at a board and immediately see “White mates in three.” Intelligent intuition is also how a seasoned leader can assess a challenging situation that baffles others and instantly know what to do.

The goal is to first learn how the brain and body work can think together. Then, armed with the academic knowledge, build skills for emotional regulation and better thinking. The skills allow for deliberate combining of logical thought and accumulated wisdom. The practice is to nurture both “offline” practices (core mindfulness ability-building practices, proper rest, etc.) and “online” tools (physiological and cognitive methods that can be deployed in the moment of an emotional event).

In my 1-on-1 coaching work with leaders, we explore this on a personal and practical level to discover what works best for the individual. Working on personal mastery that leverages this type of capability leads to heightened levels of effectiveness, regardless of one’s current level.

Recommended Reading:

• Peak Mind: Find Your Focus, Own Your Attention, by Amishi Jha

• A Liberated Mind, by Steven C. Hayes

• The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel van der Kolk

• Thinking, Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman