In this post, I will explore the topic of Healthy Living in a way I would not normally consider with regards to the body. I have looked at the ways I could potentially experience a different aspect of this topic, and expressed my findings through a "collage of phrases" within the image of a willow tree.
Please see my reflection below for an explanation of how I have embodied this topic, and how this understanding impacts my topic, "Healthy Living".
Thank you to Kim, Howard, Cat, Paul, Jaqui, Ruth, Smith, Jen and Simon for their support and words of wisdom that helped me understand this topic a bit more. I will do my best to listen and take on board your experiences in my future!
Please see my reflection below for an explanation of how I have embodied this topic, and how this understanding impacts my topic, "Healthy Living".
Thank you to Kim, Howard, Cat, Paul, Jaqui, Ruth, Smith, Jen and Simon for their support and words of wisdom that helped me understand this topic a bit more. I will do my best to listen and take on board your experiences in my future!
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Here is a different view of the piece, and a list of the text I used within the piece of work.
- To play the next game, or rest the next game, that is the question. - When the morning stretch becomes a creak, and crack, stress and strain. - Mental stability becomes the focus - Hesitance to accept - Lifelong Learning - Injury - Take it easy, switch it up - 4 weeks becomes 4 years later - Keep Fighting for success - Decompress - Stubborn - How much pain is enough? - Stretch, and then stretch some more - Moving freely, feeling less alive - Flexible and strong - Adjustment - Helplessness - Change - High pain tolerance can be your worst nightmare - Disempowerment - Plan B |
- Determination - Over trained and under recovered - Mental stability means more than my weak body - Discomfort - Roadblock - Uncomfortable - Loosen those hips - Age dependent - Our mind is weaker than our body - Intent on recovery - Repetition until it feels right - Rest, ice, compress and elevate… repeat - Medication that makes you feel better but has side effects - Try to be more Zen when patience is needed; learn to relax a little - In tune with your body |
Reflection
Embodied thinking is the ability to consider the emotional and physiological experience of a person. This includes different senses, and often requires empathy in order to imagine, perceive, and possible understand bodily feelings in a way we have not considered before.
This piece is of work was inspired by interviewing nine people, from various backgrounds. I asked them various questions regarding their perspective as someone who has experienced problems/injury out of their control. I aimed to gain an insight into how they (and their bodies) have faced the frustration of being "healthy" but stopped because of an outside factor. These people were selected because I see them as role models that exemplify Healthy Living in different ways. Each person has a different lifestyle and I aimed to understand how they have processed, understood and struggled in a way that I have never thought, or felt. Through their interviews, I created a "collage of phrases" that underpins their experiences. This was done using pen, chalk and watercolor. The photos of these influential people are below the main image. The words and statements create an image of a willow tree. I chose this representation within embodied thinking because the willow tree is strong, yet flexible. It represents the way these nine people also need to show these qualities in order to “get through” and be successful despite the stumbling blocks along the way.
This process has made me consider the topic of healthy living from a literal point of view. With regret, uncontrollable issues that affect us are normally negative and might be considered inevitable for many of us in the future. What I understand is that we are not in control all the time, and even when we live “by the book” with regards to being healthy, life can throw us a curve ball. These people have dealt with different issues, however all have learnt considerable lessons along the way. Some are still contemplating these experiences, others found my questions hard as they had not considered it so figuratively before. A handful explained how they might never learn! Being healthy is one thing, feeling healthy is another, and being in control at all times is impossible. Understanding what to do in some cases has been important to these people, and I found it interesting to hear their experiences. I hope in the future I am willing to be strong, yet flexible like a willow tree; I anticipate not 100% of the time, and that's ok!
Image Source:
Created by J. Keyte
Photos taken by J. Keyte with permission of individuals
Created by J. Keyte
Photos taken by J. Keyte with permission of individuals