Have you heard of Laban movement analysis?
Until yesterday I had not heard of it. When during a peer meeting a fellow supervisor explained about the elements of human movement (body, space, effort, shape), I listened with full attention and curiosity.
When at some point she said that not all movement is visible to the eye, sometimes you may be hurrying while standing still, the sentence landed strong. I knew exactly what she meant.
It has happened often that I am dressed and ready to go when my husband is still walking around calmly and slowly. His sense of time is different than mine. I sit still on a bench in the hallway, quiet and not saying or doing anything. I have learned not to rush him. I thought that maybe the mindfulness practice has been of help. Now I realise that in reality my calm has been deceptive. Inside the hurry to leave is always strong.
We talked about other examples of hurrying while standing still - like during conversations when you are in a rush to get a solution, when you are ready for action, when your thoughts are speeding to the next thing already.
In the world that is in perpetual hurry, it is a great skill to be able to slow down. Visibly outside and also invisibly inside.
I think our husbands are much alike. And I, too, know the hurried feeling even being still, I’ve just never heard it expressed so truthfully. I feel it most when we are out to dinner and I have been ready to go for twenty minutes and he asks for a glass of tea, and I interject to suggest a to go cup but he wants it in the glass. Drives me nuts. But your post reminds me - he has a different pace and I should probably not tap my foot so loud or visibly drum
ReplyDeleteMy fingers. Thank you for reminding me me to breathe.
This is a new one to me, but it really makes sense. I am thinking of all those students sitting in front of us whose minds are racing even if they are trying to look and listen! I am also thinking of all those times I am sitting (like in church, at the gym) and my mind is somewhere else. We are not allat the same place or the same pace at the same time.
ReplyDeleteYour slice is another example of all that I don't know. Or maybe don't have the word to name what I may know. Thanks for sharing this new method,
ReplyDeleteWow! That is wonderful advice, as this is truly something I experience as well with my need to fulfill an endless bottomless pit of a bullet list. I'm always thinking what do I need to do next. And it bleeds into my sleep time as well. Thank oyu for the remoinder to slow down inside and out.
ReplyDeleteI did not know about this, but after reading your post, it does make sense. I have been actively working to slow down and be present. This is a good reminder!
ReplyDeleteThat is so interesting, Terje. I find I have lived my life hurrying when sitting still - especially in a classroom. My mind is constantly moving even though my body is not. Thanks for bringing this idea to our attention.
ReplyDeleteWhat a surprise to hear Laban’s work mentioned! I studies Effort Shape and Laban-notation in the 1970’s in NYC. I also can relate to this husband question. I think it is Sherri’s my husband- he needs more and more time to get out the door and I am still a speedy person (teachers are good at that, don’t you think?) I need ot practice that patience inside.
ReplyDeleteIn our household it is the opposite. I am like you and Kathy is more like your husband. I also sometimes find myself in the position where I need to be somewhere and the person talking to me keeps rambling on. Arjeha
ReplyDelete“Hurrying while standing still” captures that invisible internal rush so precisely through Laban's lens. Your reflection on conversations and readiness reminds us how rare, and vital, it is to slow both body and mind in a sped-up world.
ReplyDelete"Hurrying while standing still...." Whoa. What a provocative concept. I agree with Sally: "Your slice is another example of all that I don't know."
ReplyDeleteWell, this is me! And this is why I am focusing on slowing down. Thanks for sharing to remind me to refocus. :)
ReplyDeleteYour post made me remember my mom. She used to say, "Hurry up and wait." Growing up, I never knew for sure what she meant. Maybe it was what you wrote: "In the world that is in perpetual hurry, it is a great skill to be able to slow down. Visibly outside and also invisibly inside." Though she worked constantly, when you stood close to my mom, you could feel her calm, motionless spirit even in tough situations. She was the most patient person I've ever known.
ReplyDeleteTerje, I have been one of those who hurry inside my mind and outside my body. I try hard to slow down, even while eating meals, but the body does not seem to comply. Thanks for the reminder to not be in a world of perpetual hurry. Slowing down is a must.
ReplyDeleteThis is so interesting. You think that when your still you can't be hurrying, but you clearly can. I see this in myself during a yoga class. I'm suppose to be "zen" and focus but my mind is hurrying and thinking about things other than the moment. Great slice!
ReplyDeleteTerje, this is an insightful post. I learned something new today. Since I'm usually (always) rushing to do things, I'm now sure how it feels to hurry while standing still. However, I can certainly relate to it in conversation. I wonder if it comes from teaching for so many years? I'm on autopilot with answering questions quickly and moving from one activity to the next with quick transitions. Thank you for pointing out the need to slow down. Putting it in practice is a real struggle.
ReplyDeleteWell, you've dropped another random fact into my head and that's another PIN number I'll soon be forgetting! However, that idea of "Hurrying while standing still" is my mind. I feel like I'm racing all over the place while I stand their and fill up my car with gas. It's definitely sometime to practice, slowing the body AND the mind. Thanks for sharing with us today! :)
ReplyDeleteIt makes me wonder what all the atoms in my body must look like compared to my husband's.
ReplyDelete