I've always assumed intelligence is a brain function. Yet, when you pause to really think about it, the body plays an important role. When it comes to the workplace, it’s easy to get caught up in the thinking aspect of intelligence. But, what if we could be better managers simply by paying better attention to our bodies? Embodied intelligence reveals a profound connection between our physical selves and cognitive capabilities.
Dr. Amanda Blake, a renowned educator and executive coach, spoke with me on this topic, offering valuable insights for managers looking to tap into their deeper internal wisdom.
WHAT IS EMBODIED INTELLIGENCE
Embodied intelligence, as Amanda explained, is the concept that our bodies possess their own form of intelligence, which can significantly influence our actions and decisions. This intelligence extends throughout our bodies, all the way to our fingers and toes, affecting how we physically sit, stand, and move. However, despite its constant presence, many of us are unaware of how to harness this intelligence effectively, especially in a workplace context.
Amanda emphasizes that our bodies continuously send us signals about our environment and interactions. If we learn to recognize and interpret them, these signals can help us respond more effectively to various situations.
EMBODIED INTELLIGENCE DEVELOPS OVER TIME
Embodied intelligence is shaped by our environments and experiences throughout our life. From childhood, the brain undergoes significant changes, particularly in areas related to sensation and movement. These early experiences create patterns that influence our responses in adulthood. For example, if a person experienced ridicule as a child, they might feel discomfort or anxiety in situations where others laugh, even if the laughter is harmless.
Amanda explains that our brains are designed to put as much as possible on autopilot, creating habitual responses based on past experiences. These responses can sometimes be beneficial but can also lead to misinterpretations and inappropriate reactions. Therefore, developing awareness of our embodied responses is essential for making more deliberate and effective decisions.
BUILD YOUR BODY AWARENESS
Building greater body awareness is the first step toward leveraging embodied intelligence. One simple method Amanda recommends is to place lentils in your shoes. The slight discomfort and movement of the lentils help keep you connected to the sensations in your feet, promoting a sense of groundedness.
Another technique Amanda offers is to expand your vocabulary for physical sensations. By creating a list of words that describe different physical sensations (e.g. heat, sweating, tension) you can start paying more attention to the sensations you experience throughout the day. This practice helps build embodied self-awareness, allowing you to better understand your physical and emotional states.
EMBODIED SELF-AWARENESS LEADS TO EMBODIED INTELLIGENCE
Developing embodied self-awareness is not just about paying attention to physical sensations; it also has significant implications for emotional and social intelligence. Once you are aware of the signals your body is sending, you can choose what to do with that information instead of reacting on auto-pilot. Research shows that as we enhance our embodied self-awareness, we also improve our abilities in areas such as resilience, adaptability, conflict management, and empathy. These skills are crucial for effective leadership and creating a positive work environment.
Managers who cultivate embodied self-awareness are better equipped to navigate the complexities of their roles. They can respond more effectively to stress, communicate more empathetically, and foster stronger relationships with their team members.
As an example, one of Amanda’s clients, a consultant overwhelmed by her to-do list, discovered that she felt most relaxed and at ease while walking her dogs. By paying attention to her physical sensations during these walks, she learned to bring that sense of relaxation through her physical posture and a verbal mantra into her work environment, ultimately improving her focus and reducing stress.
TAP INTO YOUR INTERNAL WISDOM
Incorporating embodied intelligence into management practices offers a powerful tool for tapping into your internal wisdom. By embracing the connection between body and brain, managers can unlock new levels of potential for themselves and their teams, creating a more harmonious and productive work environment.
Listen to the entire episode HERE to learn more about somatic intelligence.
Keep up with Amanda Blake
Guest Bonus: 2 FREE Copies of Your Body is Your Brain
Amanda is giving away 2 FREE copies of her book, Your Body is Your Brain: Leverage Your Somatic Intelligence to Find Purpose, Build Resilience, Deepen Relationships and Lead More Powerfully.
In this book, you’ll learn to strengthen your social and emotional intelligence by cultivating your innate somatic intelligence. This powerful mind-body science applies in the workplace and beyond.
To enter the drawing, you must be a member of Podcast+ and submit your entry by August 23, 2024.
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