I once read this great statement: Life is too short...or too long....to live it poorly. Each day we do the best we can to make the most of it, in our own ways and capacities, juggling the many things that make up our life.
To be more efficient we get better IPhones to be reachable via telephone and email wherever we are, we get more sophisticated computer programs and learn speed-reading. The wellness industry is booming and you can detox, do vitality check-ups and learn how to mediate in one weekend, of course eyebrow waxing and two Yoga classes included.
So, life is busy, full of activities, but at times it still feels strangely empty - because there is some Maņana Competence missing!
While being in Switzerland I read an excellent little book called, you guessed it right, "The Maņana Competence" by Gunter Frank and Maja Storch.
The key to Maņana Competence is activating the parasympathetic nervous system. I know this sounds a bit medical and it is, but in a very practical sense. From a medical view point the parasympathetic nervous system allows regeneration, healing, sensuality and joyfulness. It's directly linked to inner peace and relaxation.
The sympathetic nervous system makes us reactive (yes we need that at times) and parasympathetic nervous system helps us rejuvenate, it also makes us much nicer, healthier and better looking and feeling people.
How does it feel to have Maņana Competence:
- Being alive feels wonderful.
- This very moment is satisfying.
- You can take things the way they are.
- You love to stroll without destination.
- It feels good to just be.
- Your senses are awake.
- You are present.
There are many ways to learn Maņana Competence, one beautiful way is through movement.
You are reading this newsletter, so you are a mover already and half way there. Talking from experience there are many levels of awareness and for most of us it takes conscious awareness to embrace the moment, therefore experiencing it on every sensory level.
Make your next scheduled Pilates classes your guide to Maņana Competence. This is your time, don't make it another task on your to-do-list, instead create space and experience it with all your senses (you can't do the shopping or banking at that time anyway). If you feel too busy don't skip the class, know that practicing your Maņana Competence a few times a week will make you more productive and creative than trying to pack a few more things into your schedule.
To me Maņana Competence is the way to success and as an added benefit, you will take your movement practice to another level; a relaxed body gets so much stronger so much more easily.
My twin sister Monika and I keep practicing!
Don't mind the funny faces; it was a big office day and we had to express it somehow.....and no, we didn't plan on sending these pictures to anyone.....obviously......
