By Michael Lisak

What is the connection between the body, feelings and the atmosphere around us?

After understanding the importance of paying attention to the body as well as where to focus that attention to, we can investigate further and try to understand the connection between the body and emotions we experience. On the topic of emotions there are many elaborations, we know they are with us at all times, they are not always controllable – as a matter of fact, and they control us. But where are they? How, in fact, do our emotions control us? How can we make use of them?

By Michael Lisak

There is a question: where in the body should we focus on?
In the previous post I wrote about the reasons for diverting attention to the body, let me sum these up:

• The body is our basic working tool.
• A behavioral habit is almost always manifested in the body.
• The body can become a "prison" and this condition manifests itself as physical symptoms.
• The body enables our most direct encounter with life.
• The body is an eternal student.

During some of the processes I have gone through with patients, I have seen that most are capable of understanding the importance of paying attention to the body. But one question arises: What part of my body should I pay attention to? My whole body? This would have been nice; however this is not an "all or nothing" situation. Everyone has to pay attention to a different part according to their personal situation.

By Michael Lisak

Questions regarding the body arose in me in the first years of practicing martial arts, some twenty five years ago. These questions were acute but some were answered in the following several years. I was, and still, working and teaching people In my line of work - The Grinberg Method, where my only working tools are the body, the touch, the breath and the movement.

I'm writing in order to present these questions:

• Why and how does one pay attention to the body?
• Where, in the body, should we focus on?
• What is the connection between the body, feelings and the atmosphere around us?
• What are the techniques that sharpen awareness in the body?

I might also be able to address the relationship between attention to the body and the practice of martial art.