Unlocking Your Mind, Body, & Full Potential!
By: Dr. Michael S. Edwards, PT, DPT
4 min read
Have you ever thought about why you are the way you are? Why you move the way you do?
The way we think and feel usually is based upon our past experiences and memories. If we think and feel a certain way then we begin to form an attitude. Attitudes are a short-term way of being. If we have those attitudes for a longer period of time, we start to form beliefs. Beliefs are longer, more conscious ways of being. They are how we perceive the world around us which impacts how we live and the relationships we form. However, over time our conscious beliefs soon become subconscious beliefs until challenged by a differing belief or opinion which then brings about awareness.
The way we move is very similar in that it’s based upon our body’s past experiences and memories as well. From these past experiences our body has developed certain movement patterns which then become our new way of living. We typically move subconsciously meaning that we don’t think about it, we just do it! In addition to our past experiences and memories, we also move based upon our physical limitations and almost everybody has some form of physical limitation or compensation that they are either aware of or not. The majority of people are not aware of how they move and furthermore why they move the way they do. Remember, it’s the subconscious that’s in control until challenged by pain and/ or our inability to perform a certain movement or task. Now the subconscious has turned conscious and we become more aware.
Pretty deep, huh? Our thoughts, mind, and body are more powerful than we give it credit.
So, are we using them to the best of our ability?
What if I asked you “Are you living your best life?” I’m not the biggest fan of that saying because personally it’s a bit cliché and seems to be the caption to every mega-filtered photo on social media and it usually seems to be associated with a superficial and altered since of reality (a blog for another day).
What if we rephrased the question to instead ask, “Are you living to your fullest potential?”
A step further? “Are you living to your fullest potential physically, mentally, and spiritually?” (Check out my mission, vision, and core values to learn more about this and why Shore Golf Performance & Physical Therapy was created by clicking here).
Take some time to focus on what makes you, well, YOU. Why do you think, feel and act the way you do? Why do you move the way you do? The latter question I definitely can help you out with! The former, maybe not as much. However, I will support you on your journey to unlocking your mind, body, and living to your fullest potential.
I think it’s fair to say, we live in a reactive rather than proactive world, especially when it comes to healthcare. This is one of the many reasons why Shore Golf Performance & Physical Therapy exists!
Furthermore, we live in an instant gratification world where we want answers and solutions to our problems and we want them now (this makes me think about the girl in the “I want it now” scene in Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory).
“What’s the quick fix?”
Well, when it comes to our body there often isn’t a quick fix. The quick fix may simply be changing our perspective and mentality in that we should be more proactive and be thinking in the long-term, but there is no quick fix if you truly want to invest in your body.
We only get one vehicle on the road of life so it’s crucial we care for and service it as best we can. The “I want it now” could be:
- Pain relief
- A better quality of life
- Picking up your dog, kids, or grandkids off the floor
- Playing golf with your buddies
I can definitely help with all of these, including getting you out of any acute pain you may be in, but it’s more than that. There’s a deeper meaning. Yes, we want to get out of pain, but what’s the deeper why?
Your pain and/ or functional limitation is preventing you from doing the priceless things that matter the most, such as:
- Playing with your kids and/ or grandkids and seeing the smile on their face.
- Playing golf with your buddies and being able to interact and engage socially.
- Being able to travel and adventure with your spouse.
It’s more than physical therapy. It’s YOU choosing to live to your fullest potential and one aspect of that is knowing how to better yourself physically so that you can do all of those things and more!
What to do? Well, allow me to be your guide!
It’s so important to know your baseline and what your physical limitations are NOW, so that they don’t let you know about them down the road! If you’re dealing with any aches or pains (the conscious), then obviously give me a call. Furthermore, if you’re not dealing with any pain or struggling with any movements (the subconscious) then please BE PROACTIVE and see a medical movement professional to evaluate and assess where YOUR limitations and abnormal movement patterns are to prevent any issues down the road.
Education, perspective and awareness are everything. Unlock your mind, change your mindset, go against the norm, be proactive, and you sure will be more on your way to unlocking your full potential.
If this is you, then I would love to hop on a call with you!
You can either call me at 401-864-0112 or send me an email at michael@shoregolfperformance.com!
Until next time, take care and God Bless!