Hello dear friends,

You know the subject that has kept me busy for a while now: The Body-Mind connection. It's a vast field. On one hand, I challenge my brain with academic papers (yes, sometimes the circuits feel like they're overheating!) and on the other, I dive into practical depths by talking to experts.

The most magical secret I've learned on this journey relates to that famous term, 'neuroplasticity': The human brain is incredibly capable of rewriting, of programming itself anew. That rigid mind structure we thought was fate? It wasn't!

In this piece, I won't burden you with terms like 'neurotransmitters'. I'll simply share what Elif, the overthinker and genuine seeker, does to bridge the gap between her analytical mind and her intuitive body. Maybe this honest search can light the way for others looking for meaning.

The Name of the Game: Harmony, Not Force

Physical movement is non-negotiable in my daily routine. Yoga and dance serve as my main bridge. But I no longer do anything out of sheer 'duty'.

Instead of fixed choreography, I chase those moments where my body moves freely. Of course, I practice technical dance too, but I use it to understand my body's limits, not just to compare.

My greatest find has been the slow, gentle stretching that targets the fascia. I do it often, but in small, sustainable doses. It's not just movement; it's an inner question to my body: "My dear home, what do you need today?"

Choosing to listen to my body's whisper over the mind's authoritarian voice has set me free. Since I started trusting my body's reply, the pressure to "go exercise" has vanished. Staying true to the answer has kept me on the right path. Now, my body is stronger, more aesthetic, and completely free from chronic pain.

I am perhaps living the love story of reconnecting with my body. No matter where I travel in the world, I easily feel grounded and adaptable, with a sense of safety and being home. Because I already have a constant, unwavering home: My Body.

Breathwork: A Pause for the Analytical Mind

Breathwork is no longer just a routine; it's a natural flow that my body craves. My analytical mind respectfully bows before this flow, quiets down, and rests. For a mind like mine (one that overthinks, produces hundreds of ideas, and loves problem-solving), this is an invaluable protective shield.

Meditation became the sanctuary I run to when my brain feels fried. I used to force myself to be consistent. Now, the meditative state flows into every moment. When walking, when waiting... every moment is a flow. I experience everything not as a task, but as a game, guided by my intuitive signals.

The Decision Maker: No Longer Just Logic, But the Whole Self

As a professional and a leader, I once managed decisions solely with 'logic'. Learning to listen to my inner voice required struggle, naturally.

The 'me' is now the whole package: my mind, my emotions, my sensations, and my body. A whole being. (This is similar to the holistic acceptance in Gestalt.) Progress isn't about forcing it; it's about consistent compassion. Applauding even the smallest step keeps me on track.

My body proved its honesty beautifully: It now feels like a tireless, pain-free machine, moving with the energy of a free child. As my body changed and became free, my frequency shifted too. Everything I used to deem impossible now flows with ease.

The Mind's Resistance and the Great Awakening

My biggest hurdle was the high resistance created by my mind. Creating new synaptic pathways is tough; the hardest thing to manage is oneself.

People used to call me 'impatient', but I always defined myself as simply fast. My mind wants to move on to the next thing as soon as it learns something. But I have to admit, my biggest negative trait was the inability to surrender to the flow, that obsessive urge to control everything. Thankfully, I am now completely free of this control impulse.

Changing old habits and subconscious codes requires a battle of awareness. We do so many things through our lizard brain because it offers safety. When I catch myself slipping into old codes, I ask: "Does this behavior still serve me in my adult life?"

The big awakening? It came after a year-long retreat-like isolation. I cut off contact and spent my days in meditation and deep learning. It wasn't hard; it was deeply peaceful. Challenging emotions came, and I allowed them to pass. I cried and let the tears flow. As everything moved and flowed, I simply remained a silent observer. As I watched without interference, my mind's knots dissolved, and my body felt lighter. This felt like a clear sign to continue.

Now I move with much greater freedom and high awareness. Challenging periods are short-lived, and each one creates a new path in my brain. I can almost see the old, unhelpful paths being overgrown by green grass and colorful flowers.

Daily Transformation: Focusing on My Own Clarity

The biggest impact of this work is seen in the most ordinary moments of life: I am calmer, less reactive.

In my society, personal boundaries are often blurry. Learning to set my boundaries was very hard, I admit. But setting them with the gentlest possible language works. When I respect my own limits, and others', life feels much freer and more peaceful.

I used to demand clarity from everything and everyone; I had no tolerance for ambiguity. Now, I focus only on my own clarity. I know that the stability I've built with my body allows me to manage the waves of external uncertainty much more easily.

And ultimately, this challenging and beautiful journey has shown me one thing: The closer you get to your body, the closer you get to yourself. Being anchored in your own center clear, stable, and fluid... This feeling is worth every effort.

I hope my honest experience serves as a small lantern for those seeking their own light, and invites you to discover the unique wisdom of your own body.

With love…

Elif Gokce