It seems like I can’t turn on the news, my computer, make a call or have a conversation lately where Artificial Intelligence doesn’t inevitably come up. This constant stream of AI input got me thinking about a different kind of AI. One that’s already in use that makes living in our bodies even possible-ATTUNED INTELLIGENCE. It could also be aptly named “Automatic Intelligence"—a highly adaptive process your body and brain are engaged in together all of the time to keep you alive, feeling and moving.
Talk about a complex interchange of information.
With the constant barrage of external stimuli it can be very challenging to turn inward and focus on the happenings inside of our bodies. Most of us don’t pay much conscious attention unless forced to by feeling tension or pain somewhere in our body. But what if I told you your own personal AI can be fine-tuned for optimal performance just like a computer?
The incredible system we have in our bodies functions much like the operating system of a computer. The Central Nervous System (think central processing unit and motherboard) receives and interprets incoming sensory input to generate and coordinate appropriate and adaptive motor responses. So essentially our Central Nervous System is the command center of our bodies, managing everything from involuntary reflexes to thoughts and emotions. The memory and storage parts of our personal computer (think RAM) reside in both our body and brain, able to recall relative data when needed. But let's focus our attention for a minute on the input and output functions (think keyboard or monitor). The central processing unit needs these functions to assist it in operating on a basic level. It can’t do its job properly without these. So where am I headed with this?
INPUT MATTERS AS IT DETERMINES OUTPUT.
Much like the searches you type into your computer, what we feed our nervous system guides its responses. Engaging in mindful actions and daily practices (think power supply unit) that nourish our body and mind help to balance our nervous system so that we are able to function optimally both internally and externally. If you don’t remember to charge your computer, it won’t turn on. Your body provides you with a little more grace in this area, BUT it won’t be running very well or for very long. So what does it need to thrive? Adequate sleep, a healthy diet, regular exercise and stretching–the same staple things they’ve always been–much like the simple powercord. However, you can upgrade and supercharge your nervous system functioning and stability through adding in conscious breathing techniques, natural Vagus nerve toning exercises and bodywork-based therapies. Think of these as the cooling system component (fan) for your personal computer system. They are able to immediately help your body's ability to reset into a default rest-and-relax state so that it can perform as intended. Just as you don’t want your computer to overheat, you don’t want to overtax your nervous system or your ATTUNED INTELLIGENCE will go haywire.
I have found over the course of many years and having worked with many people, that proper nervous system functioning is the one variable that seems to matter most in how we feel in our bodies and how well they heal and function. When we choose to actively cultivate awareness of our nervous system and learn the tools that aid in nourishing it, it filters into all aspects of our life and health (much like installing anti-malware on your computer). While all of the therapies at AnatomyWorx are designed around supporting the nervous system, Breath Anatomy offers the most in-depth means for prolonged maintenance of nervous system health. Just as your computer goes into its “sleep” mode automatically to retain its energy and peak operating capabilities, you can learn to do the same with your nervous system.
So take a deep inhale then a slow exhale and appreciate the original AI that’s happening inside you–that’s definitely one thing the new AI cannot do.
