As we move into a new calendar year, I often think about the things that I would like to change: old habits replaced by new resolutions, situations, relationships that could use some new patterns.
I think of the new year - as many others - as the start of something new. Letting go of the old and starting fresh. Almost reborn.
But what do we mean by "new"?
How do we classify a situation, an object, or a certain way to move as "new"?
In other words: When is something different enough to gain this title?
A matter of perception
When we are very young, we tend to look at the world with wonder and curiosity.
Everything around us - a source of surprise and astonishment.
Potentially turning our whole world view around.
As we grow older, we learn to not be unsettled by every blade of gras, fresh with dew glittering in the morning sun. We forget about the marvelous shapes clouds can make and the beauty of a bug we just discovered.
We slowly give up our interest in those little things, pretending to know enough already.
Our categories are formed: a bug is a bug, a cloud is a cloud. At a certain point there is no place to wonder (or no need to wonder) anymore.
We have gained certainty about the world around us. That also means, we have gained safety, as we are more informed about the nature of reality and the expected consequences of our actions.
Balancing safety and newness
To "decide" to perceive something as new (wether we choose to do so consciously or unconsciously) therefore is also an act of deciding against what we already know, taking a step sideways and loosening our ties to what we think is going to happen next.
To make this step, we need to feel safe enough, we need to feel okay.
Studies have shown, that people are more curious, when they are pain-free, without fear and generally feeling good.
Curiosity thrives in an environment where safety and comfort lay the groundwork. It is only when we feel secure that we can truly open ourselves to the unfamiliar and embrace the possibility of discovery. This balance between stability and exploration is a delicate dance—one that lies at the heart of how we encounter the new.
But 'new' doesn’t always have to mean monumental change or the creation of entirely fresh categories.
Welcome to the unknown
Sometimes newness reveals itself in the smallest of details.
Moving with awareness, looking with fresh eyes, listening with your whole heart: These practices can help you at getting more granular in your perception.
Newness is all about noticing change!
You can stretch the boarders of old categories or you can discover sub-categories that will open new pathways to completely new perspectives.
With the Feldenkrais method you can learn to notice those small details, opening the gates to new ways to move, feel, think and act!
You can book your private 1:1 lesson or join me in my next group lesson on January 14th! Write me: hi@feldenkrais.wien
Happy new year & all my best wishes!
Caroline
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