The new intelligent
In the 1980's, The American Developmental Psychologist Howard Gardener described 9 types of intelligence (Types of Intelligence, https://howardgardner.com/multiple-intelligences/, last accessed 1 April 2019). However, post 2000 we have had focus on new intelligence's, the most recent being Emotional Intelligence to describe the degree to which we are able to manage and control our emotions given different challenges and settings.
We have also since been introduced to the concept of muscle memory so it was a refreshing read when I came across an article in Woman's Home (2019 February. You...But Better!. Woman's Home. p14-15) discussing a new book by Clair Dale and Patricia Peyton called:
PHYSICAL INTELLIGENCE
According to authors of Physical Intelligence (Simon & Schuster), Claire Dale and Patricia Peyton: 'Physical intelligence is about actively managing the balance of the body chemicals through breath, posture and thought.' I am best attracted to the concepts in the article and subsequently the book that relates to the psychological effects certain movements and postures might have on the being. Most of us are well versed in certain elements of body language and it effect on the psyche. For example, the warrior stance (standing straight up with your head up and arms perched on your hips, chest out - also the Superman pose as he was often depicted in this pose during the many Superman movies over the years) which promotes a feeling of confidence.
In Physical Intelligence, the authors provide guides and tips on how to implement these techniques in work and home on a daily basis. These concepts are divided into 4 categories namely:
Strength: Ever felt you needed more courage or backbone weather in a work situation with your boss or at home with a stroppy teen. Try and apply the warrior pose above. The point according to Claire is 'to literally take up more space to feel fully empowered' by sitting or standing and lengthening the spine. This posture increase testosterone production and thus assertiveness and confidence.
Resilience: This category is all about staying positive in order to help you bounce back from disappointments by literally bouncing. Yes, that is one of the techniques to help increase serotonin, Oxycontin and dopamine in our system. Ever heard of jumping for joy? That is exactly what is recommended here. When you need to get more positivity going, jump up and down or bounce, keeping your feet on the floor.
Flexibility: Here we look at being able to adapt creatively when things in our experience changes. Whenever we face change, our first reaction might be to brace ourselves for impact. So to help with flexibility, we can work on relaxing our muscles in several ways like tensing the muscles and then letting them go. Really feeling the release.
However, I loved the creativity part of this category. Claire says, 'If you want to be thinking divergently,with lots of ideas, a messy space can stimulate ore creative thinking', however '...if you need to make a decision and narrow down your thoughts, then a clean and uncluttered environment will help'.
Endurance: This part is all about willpower in achieving long term goals. Part of staying motivated is setting achievable short term goals that link to your long term goal. By continuously having a short term goal to tick off as complete or achieved, you spike your reward center i.e. dopamine which gives you the feel good boost you need to get to the long term goal.
I have only covered a few aspects here and I am sure the book holds a treasure trove of great ideas and tricks to use in our everyday lives. This book definitely has peaked my interest and on my purchase wish list.
