Embodiment 02: Self-Authority: Rigidity & Flaccidity, Diffusion & Concentration
Embodying Self-Authority: The Complex Interplay of Rigidity, Flaccidity, Diffusion and Concentration. Shaping Our Physical and Mental States, Influencing Our Sense of Agency and Empowerment
Embodiment Series from
Embodiment 01: Emphasizing Direct Experience Over Abstract Concepts
Embodiment 02: Self-Authority: Rigidity & Flaccidity, Diffusion & Concentration
Embodiment 03: Relational, Group Dynamics from an Embodied Framework
Embodiment: Defined
In the first article in this series, I defined embodiment and outlined the qualities associated with the experience.
Embodiment is the dynamic, personal experience of living and being alive; discerned by engaging the subjective texture of unfolding experience, that is unique to each person in each moment.
“dynamic” refers to spontaneous, complex, co-evolving interactions
“personal” refers to these experiences being wholly subjective
“living and being alive” refers to experience from living a biological life
“discerned” refers to a quality of attention that builds subjective granularity
“engaging” refers to a quality of action that “participates” with experience
“subjective texture” refers to changes in attention and awareness
“unfolding experience” refers to the incrementalism of passing time
“unique to person” refers to the vast diversity of human subjectivity
“unique to moment” refers to the variation in affect precipitated by context
In this next article, I will explain the concept of “embodied self-authority” in practical terms relating physical and mental experience.
Self-Authority: An Expression of Personal Embodiment in Context
Self-authority refers to the ability of an individual to exert personal influence over their own life, choices, and actions. It encompasses the capacity to make decisions that align with one's values, beliefs, and desires, and to take responsibility for the consequences of those decisions.
Self-authority includes the capacity to differentiate from (or join with) contextual influences like peer pressure, group norms, societal expectation, etc. This is a capacity to embody oneself, and influence the architecture of response.
Self-authority is a conscious “participation” with one's embodied experience. It is the ability to yield, influence, engage, slow down, or speed up one’s enactive, unconscious responses.
Cultivating self-authority means developing a deep attunement to, and trust in, one's body sensations, emotions, and thoughts. This isn’t simple interoception, or awareness of the sensations. This capacity involves recognizing and responding to these internal signals, influencing one’s own “self pattern” … fostering a robust sense of agency and self-efficacy.
Embodied self-authority is fundamental to gaining self-influence and achieving psychological resilience.
Embodied self-authority is one’s personal framework for sensing, discerning, choosing and acting in the context of one’s situation and environment. Specifically to:
Sense and Acknowledge: Develop a keen awareness of one’s body sensations, emotions, and thoughts, engaging in real time with the present moment.
Experience and Discern: Clearly identify and understand one's values and needs, considering how they align with or differ from the expectations and norms of groups and society.
Integrate Internal and External Inputs: Differentiate context, personal belief systems, impulses from external influences and norms to guide integrated decision-making processes.
Balance Personal and Contextual Dynamics: Act in alignment with personal priorities and situational constraints to act and respond effectively.
Understanding Context
Context is a critical lens through which to examine self-authority and its constraints. Various circumstances can shape or restrict self-authority, and understanding these influences is essential for a nuanced perspective. Key instances where context impacts self-authority include:
Abusive Relationships: Manipulation and control by abusers erode self-authority through fear and coercion.
Authoritarian Regimes: Unchecked authority suppresses self-expression and personal freedoms.
Economic Inequality: Capitalism can compromise personal values and decision-making due to financial pressures.
Censorship: Restricted information limits personal knowledge and awareness, hindering informed decision-making.
Colonialism: Historical and ongoing power disparities erode indigenous autonomy and perpetuate inequality.
High-Pressure Groups: Some groups manipulate beliefs and can isolate individuals from external influences, diminishing self-authority.
Group / Cultural Norms: Social expectations in the workplace or community can override personal preferences and decisions.
Discrimination and Prejudice: Systemic biases restrict opportunities and limit the voices of marginalized groups.
Rigid Educational Systems: These can discourage independent thinking and stifle self-authority.
Traditional Gender Roles: These norms limit self-expression and personal decision-making.
Medical Situations: Serious illnesses can diminish individuals' sense of self-authority due to reliance on medical professionals.
Slavery and Systemic Oppression: These deny individuals' agency and autonomy.
Peer Pressure: Social conformity suppresses authentic expression and individuality.
Trauma: Past experiences can impact self-esteem, confidence, and the ability to make autonomous choices.
Recognizing these contextual influences allows for a deeper understanding of how self-authority can be supported or undermined in various situations.
The Rigidity / Flaccidity Continuum in Embodiment
Rigidity and flaccidity represent a continuum of physical tension, with various manifestations in the body’s tissues. Understanding how these qualities affect muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, nerves, and other tissues provides valuable insights into cultivating embodied self-authority. This polarity is particularly useful for discerning physical, embodied experience. But it is just one of (likely) hundreds of descriptive continua that help a person identify and experience the state of various tissues and layers in their body.
Rigidity: Tension and Restriction
Rigidity represents a state of physical tension where the body's tissues, such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons, become tight and restricted. This state is characterized by a sense of constriction and immobility, much like a tightly wound spring. Internal and external experiences are filtered through a lens of stiffness and/or resistance. This mode of being can lead to a tense posture, shallow breathing, and a fixed gaze. The body's tightness reflects a heightened state of alertness and control.
Flaccidity: Relaxation and Laxity
Flaccidity, on the other hand, represents a state of physical lack of tonus where the body's tissues lack tension and firmness. This state is characterized by a sense of weightness, exhaustion or collapse, much like a limp vegetable. Physically, flaccidity might feel like a slouched posture, slow and shallow breathing, and a wandering gaze. The body's laxity resembles a state of reduced alertness and engagement, often resulting in a lack of motivation and energy.
Manifestations of Rigidity & Flaccidity in Muscles
Rigidity in muscles often presents as tightness, soreness, or stiffness, commonly found in the neck, shoulders, back, and legs. This can be due to overuse, stress, poor posture, or physical activity. When muscles are rigid, they restrict movement and can lead to discomfort and pain, which may further exacerbate stress and tension in a vicious cycle. On the other end, muscles can also become overly flaccid, losing their ability to contract and support the body effectively. Prolonged inactivity, neurological conditions, or severe muscle fatigue can result in muscle weakness and numbness due to reduced blood flow and nerve stimulation.
Manifestations of Rigidity & Flaccidity in Ligaments and Tendons
Ligament tension results from sudden movements, injuries, or overextension, leading to discomfort or instability in joints such as the knees and ankles. When ligaments become overly rigid, they restrict joint movement and can lead to pain and decreased range of motion. Conversely, if ligaments become too lax and overstretched, they fail to stabilize the joints, leading to joint instability and a higher risk of dislocations. This excessive looseness impairs sensory feedback necessary for proprioception, resulting in a sensation of numbness or reduced joint awareness.
Tendons, which connect muscles to bones, can experience tension due to repetitive motions or inflammation, known as tendinitis. This results in pain and limited movement in areas like the elbows and wrists. On the flaccidity end of the spectrum, tendons can become overstretched or degenerate due to lack of balanced tension, leading to tendinosis. This condition weakens the tendon tissue, causing numbness and compromised function.
Manifestations of Rigidity & Flaccidity in Fascia and Nerves
Fascia, a network of connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs, can tighten from poor posture, repetitive stress, or injury, causing a sensation of tightness or knots. However, fascia can also lose its integrity and become overly lax, failing to provide adequate support. This often results in numbness or a lack of proprioceptive feedback from the surrounding tissues, highlighting the need for a balanced state of fascial tension.
Nerves can become compressed or irritated due to tension in surrounding tissues, leading to pain, tingling, or numbness, as seen in conditions like sciatica or carpal tunnel syndrome. Nerves can also be overstretched, leading to peripheral neuropathy. This results in numbness and loss of function due to prolonged pressure or excessive stretching, demonstrating the critical balance required for optimal nerve function.
Manifestations of Rigidity & Flaccidity in Cartilage and Blood Vessels
Cartilage tension can be associated with osteoarthritis, causing joint pain and stiffness due to wear and tear. Excessive cartilage rigidity can lead to pain and limited joint movement. Conversely, cartilage degeneration due to lack of balanced pressure and movement results in joint instability and numbness as the structures become severely compromised.
Blood vessels can experience tension from constriction or pressure, leading to reduced blood flow and throbbing pain, such as in headaches or claudication. On the flaccidity side, overly loose blood vessels can cause poor circulation and a lack of proper blood supply to tissues, resulting in numbness. Maintaining balanced vascular tension is crucial for ensuring adequate circulation and preventing both extremes.
Manifestations of Rigidity & Flaccidity in Skin and Internal Organs
Skin tension can result from underlying muscle tension, scarring, or stretching, causing discomfort or tightness. When skin becomes overly loose or overstretched due to factors like significant weight loss, aging, or prolonged inactivity, it can lead to numbness as the skin loses its ability to provide adequate sensory feedback.
Internal organs can also experience tension or flaccidity, affecting their function. For example, the gastrointestinal system can become sluggish and less responsive, leading to issues such as constipation and a general feeling of numbness or discomfort in the abdominal area. Similarly, a lack of proper bladder tension can result in urinary incontinence or reduced ability to sense bladder fullness, demonstrating the need for balanced organ tension for optimal function.
The Diffusion / Concentration Continuum in Embodiment
The next two qualities that also exist on a continuum are the states of attention, of conscious focus: named here as “diffusion” and its polarity “concentration.” Again, this particular polarity is chosen for description because embodiment directly follows qualities of attention and action.
Diffusion: Softness and Spaciousness
Diffusion represents a state akin to reverie or daydreaming, where attention and focus are generalized across multiple stimuli or objects. This state is characterized by a soft, expansive awareness, much like a wide-angle lens whose aperture captures a vast field. Internal and external experiences are not directly focused upon; instead, there is a relaxed, spacious quality to attention and very little “effort.” This mode of being enables tangential thoughts and experiences to emerge, with the body softening and relaxing.
Concentration: Focus and Effort
In contrast, concentration involves a focused state where attention and energy are directed towards a purposeful stimulus or task. This state requires effort, which can be embodied in physical manifestations such as a furrowed brow, stiff posture, minimal extraneous movement. The body holds tight, and there is a concerted effort to maintain attention on the task, resulting in a linear progression of thoughts and a desire for accomplishment and success.
Experiencing These States in the Body
Diffusion often manifests in the body as a relaxed posture, slower breathing, and a broad, unfocused gaze. The physical state of diffusion supports a more open and expansive cognitive process, allowing for the absorption of various stimuli without the constraint of concentrated effort. The body softens, resembling the relaxation one feels when drifting into sleep. Sensory perception is broad and spacious, providing a backdrop for creative and free-flowing thoughts.
Conversely, concentration is accompanied by physical signs of effort and focus, such as tightening musculature, deeper and more controlled breathing, and a narrowed, focused gaze. The body responds to the need for sustained attention with a more tense posture, indicative of readiness and alertness. This state is essential for detailed work and achieving specific goals.
Influencing Perception and Experience
The states of diffusion and concentration significantly influence our perception and experience of the environment. During diffusion, our sensory perception is broadened, making us more receptive to new information and novel ideas. This can enhance creativity and the ability to connect disparate concepts. In this state, the attitude is more about going with the flow and allowing experiences to emerge naturally.
Conversely, concentration narrows our sensory perception, enabling us to filter out distractions and focus intensely on the task at hand. This focused perception is crucial for deep work and achieving certain flow states, where one is fully immersed in an activity with heightened productivity and enjoyment.
Diffusion and Dissociation
Diffusion shares similarities with dissociation, a psychological state where a person's awareness and attention become fragmented. Both states involve a spread or scattering of focus, but dissociation often includes a detachment from immediate surroundings or experiences, sometimes as a response to stress or trauma. While diffusion can be intentional and pleasurable, fostering creativity and broad thinking, dissociation typically involves a separation from the felt sense of embodied experience to help the organism avoid overwhelm or distress. Mild forms of dissociation are akin to the term “diffusion” in this writing.
Embodiment and Thought Patterns
Embodiment profoundly influences thought patterns, some would say (including me) that embodiment drives thought patterns. The way we hold our bodies gives shape to our mental and emotional states, affecting how we perceive and respond to the world.
When individuals cultivate embodied self-authority, they become more attuned to how their physical state enacts their mental processes. This attunement helps in recognizing and reorganizing patterns of tension or relaxation. By consciously altering their morphology, often in very subtle ways, individuals can shift their mental state and thought patterns.
Recognizing and Influencing States
Recognizing and influencing body states is a crucial aspect of embodied self-authority. This process begins with developing a keen awareness of one's physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts, allowing individuals to identify when their different tissues are in a state of physical rigidity or flaccidity; or when their attention and focus has qualities of concentration and/or diffusion. This awareness acts as a foundation for making informed choices about how to engage with and influence these states to support personal well-being and effectiveness.
For example, an individual might notice that they feel tense and rigid during a stressful work meeting. By recognizing this state, they can consciously engage in somatic practice to influence their body state. This intentional engagement with their body state can shift their emotional and mental experience, fostering a sense of agency and clarity. Such practices are not merely reactive but proactive, equipping individuals with the tools to navigate various life situations with greater self-authority and resilience.
Embodied self-authority thus becomes a dynamic interplay of recognizing and influencing states to support one's goals and values. By tuning into their body experience, individuals can make conscious choices about how to respond to their internal and external environments. This practice enhances their ability to maintain a balanced and adaptive state, promoting overall psychological resilience and a more empowered way of being in the world.
Summary and Conclusion
Understanding and applying the concepts of self-authority, rigidity & flexibility, and diffusion & concentration is crucial for achieving a more integrated and dynamic embodiment. These constructs offer a robust framework for enhancing one's embodied experience, supporting resilience, creativity, and well-being. By recognizing the interplay between these elements, individuals can better navigate their internal landscapes, fostering a deeper connection to their body sensations, emotions, and thoughts.
Self-authority is essential for personal empowerment and psychological resilience. It involves the ability to exert influence over one's own life and actions, making decisions that align with personal values and taking responsibility for those choices. Cultivating self-authority means developing a keen attunement to body sensations and emotions, recognizing internal signals, and responding to them in a way that reinforces a robust sense of agency. This practice goes beyond mere interoception, as it requires a deep engagement with one's embodied experience, fostering a capacity to influence and navigate life's challenges with confidence and adaptability.
Rigidity and flaccidity represent points on a continuum of physical tension. Understanding how these states manifest in various body tissues provides valuable insights into maintaining balance and overall function. Rigidity, characterized by tension and restriction, can lead to discomfort and limited movement, often exacerbated by stress and poor posture. Flaccidity, on the other hand, is marked by a lack of tension and firmness, resulting in weakness and a lack of support. Recognizing these states and working to balance them through mindful movement and body awareness can enhance physical health and emotional well-being.
Diffusion and concentration describe states of attention and focus. Diffusion, akin to a relaxed, expansive awareness, allows for a broad, creative engagement with the environment. It supports the absorption of various stimuli without the constraint of focused effort, fostering creativity and free-flowing thoughts. Concentration, in contrast, involves a directed focus on a specific task or stimulus, requiring effort and resulting in a more linear progression of thoughts. This state is essential for detailed work and achieving specific goals. Balancing these states can optimize cognitive and emotional functioning, leading to improved performance and well-being.
By recognizing and consciously influencing these states, individuals can access a vast landscape of choice and opportunity. Observing somatic and mental markers of focus, tension, and energy distribution provides insight into one's current state. Tuning into these states without reactive aversion allows for a more flexible and intentional engagement with experiences. This nuanced understanding ensures that we can navigate our internal landscapes effectively, leveraging the benefits of both diffusion and concentration to enrich our lives and achieve our goals.
Next in the Series
The next article in our embodiment series, "Embodiment 03: Relational, Group Dynamics from an Embodied Framework," will explore groups and relational interaction impact personal embodiment.
Reading List and References
Keleman, S. (1989) Emotional anatomy: The structure of experience. Berkeley, California: Center Press.
Keleman, S. (1987) Embodying experience: Forming a personal life. Berkeley, California: Center Press.
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