The Power of Experimentation

A few weeks ago I was introduced to the concept of pandiculation by my fascial release teacher and ever since I have actively changed how I move and exercise my body on a daily basis.

A cat pandiculating

Chances are you've already pandiculated today. Most of us do this first thing in the morning and and various times throughout the day.

Try yawning now. Other than the change in the intake of air, what other changes does your body make? Do your shoulders roll up or back? Does your back arch? Maybe you raise your arms up and extend them above your head? Maybe you flex your neck?

That is an example of pandiculation.

Now imagine how animals move in the wild. Maybe you can see these actions in your pets. Sometimes my cat will wake up and do that classic cat stretch. He yawns like no ones watching, rolls about on his back for fun and will often vigorously shake himself spontaneously for no obvious reason. These are all very natural movements in all animals.

Unfortunately humans in our society have been conditioned to minimise these actions. I remember when I used to work in an office, if I did a prolonged stretch, involving my arms, legs, arching back and usually an accompanying noise, I was asked what was wrong. As if clearly something had to be wrong with my body in order for me to move in this 'unusual' way. I just did it because it felt good and innately I knew that sitting at a desk for long periods of time with very little movement wasn't right for my body (or any body).

People often want to know what type of exercises or stretches they should do to improve certain areas of tension or pain within their body. This is reasonable and there are many examples of very good exercises that can help to improve and painful lower back or tight ham strings. But it's always worth remembering that no on part of the body works in isolation.

Pandiculation can help to improve the essential connection between the body and the mind. So many people feel a real disconnect to their bodies, to the extent that they aren't aware of large areas of their own body unless there is a sudden surge of pain from that area. Consider your own body right now. Are you aware of your spine, your feet or shoulders? Until you read that sentence and deliberately drew your attention to these areas was your spine curved, your shoulders raised to your ears?

When we move in this slow, smooth, aware manner we start to realise what our bodies can (and can't) do. If you've had a long term injury you may well continue to nurse this area unnecessarily long after the body has physically healed. This can lead to a new array of tension in your tissues which can in turn lead to new injuries. Experiment whilst moving. Can you comfortably bring your arm out to an angle that you may have avoided until now? Stay within your own limits, this shouldn't cause any discomfort. You're just relearning what your limits are today.

Dancing is a great way to introduce more fluid movement to your life! Start with some gentle music if you have chronic pain or are worried about injury but get some music on and move about.

The goal isn't to look great here, it's not even to work up a sweat (although that's great too). The aim is to see how it feels to move in a way that is different to your every day actions. As you increase the amount of movement in your day you start to notice a myriad of small changes in your life. On a physical level your circulation will be boosted. This means your lymphatic circulation will improve too and this can improve your natural immunity. You may start to feel freer in your body. As you swing your arms from side to side see what effect this has on your hips and legs. It's unlikely they will be stock still as your arms swing. The body is one moving part and the more actions you can do to demonstrate this to your mind, the better!

With soft, flowing movement the body can be sensed more clearly and control of the body increases. This can help with improving balance, something that is so essential for all of us!

Maybe the most important part about pandiculation is that is feels good! Unlike forcing yourself to stretch for 10 minutes every morning or going for a 5k jog, or to a spinning class that your hearts not in, pandiculation can be done in virtually every situation. You can twirl your ankles and flex your feet whilst on a zoom call for work. You can roll your shoulders and turn your head past one shoulder then the other whilst at the queue in the supermarket. You can always dance whilst doing the washing up! This is the type of movement that you were born to do, it should be fun, spontaneous, easy and freeing. There doesn't have to be a meaning to it, it won't instantly fix your dodgy shoulder or heel your sore knee but it will help you to feel more at home in your body.

One last important point - as you move do make sure you bring your attention to the movement and your body as a whole. You're not mindlessly flinging yourself about or boring yourself by trying to complete 10 sets of a particular movement. You are experimenting with yourself.

You may find out things that you didn't know about yourself. You may surprise yourself. Try touching your toes, even if this has always been an impossible feat. Perhaps you can reach past your knees if you truly bring your attention to you lower back, or relax your shoulders.

Really pay attention to how it feels as you circle your arms. Do both arms have the same range? Where do you feel this in your body? Is the motion fluid or 'clicky'?

If your balance is reasonable try dancing a little as you go up and down stairs. Or walk about on your toes for a while. And then your heels - where do you feel that?

You may feel a shift in your energies as you continue to bring this type of movement into your day. It makes me feel a child-like type of happiness as a lot of the movement are inherently childlike in nature.

It may also give you some hope that you can feel different in your body. Each day will be different. Some better, some worse. That's ok, our bodies are on a journey and there will naturally be ups and downs. Notice these and be gentle with yourself.

If in doubt, just ask yourself "what would a cat do?"