On Levels Of Infinity

In the world of ‘Movement Culture’, we learn and research something called ‘micro and macro movements’. Micro are the ‘small-frame’ ones (intricate movements of each separate vertebrae for example) and Macro refers to the ‘big-frame’ ones - an entire torso tilting 45 degrees to one side, forwards or backwards for example.

This pretty basic concept has larger implications, however…

Imagine the function of a microscope for instance; examining the smaller and smaller parts of an object, a bacteria, an atom etc. It seems that things can ALWAYS get smaller, and as technology develops our ability to prove this does also.

Equally, the telescope allows us to magnify and widen our perspective of space more and more; again, seemingly without limits!

One infinity is infinitely small and the other is endlessly big. Somewhere in between, our conscious awareness, physical body, intellectual mind, pen, paper and this blog somehow lies.

Are we smaller than we are large? Or vice versa? It’s impossible to say…

I can’t help thinking that these infinities are relevant enough for, well… anything!

Take the practice of running, for example. The micro-practice might involve developing sensitivity and strength in each tiny part of the entire chain of events; deeper, more controlled breaths, elasticity in the ankles and knees, dexterity in the feet, toes, hips, neck and spine etc etc.

The macro-practice may refer more to the number of kilometres run, metres climbed etc - the actually measurable output of the runner.

Theoretically, as already mentioned, although a human’s physical capacities may be somewhat limited, the ‘deep REST’ and ‘intense RUN’ ends of the spectrum (to give one such example) are infinite in scope. One can ALWAYS rest more deeply, and one can ALWAYS run further, higher, faster etc.

This points to various dangers inherent in all of life’s endeavours, including (and especially!) our physical movement practices too. A lazy, numb, lethargic or perhaps even ‘nihilistic’ body and mindset may result from too much time and energy invested in the ‘rest’ful end of things. Equally, a neurotic, addicted, restless and/or exhausted body-mind is just as likely if the ‘run’ end of our daily lives is too overly embraced.

Other challenges occur if/when our practice is one that relies too heavily on one end of the spectrum Bare-knuckle boxing, big-wave surfing or freediving, for example, might rely on an emotional and energetic investment simply to ‘take part’ even on an ordinary training day; making such athletes especially vulnerable to certain traumas, injuries, burnouts etc etc.

Similarly, certain ‘yin’ styles of yoga, martial arts, golf, cricket, snooker, darts, mindfulness, tantra etc have more overly lethargic or passive consequences; requiring something else more vigorous to balance out and enhance our lives.

One cannot be in ‘Samadhi’ or spiritual bliss all the time - if one’s always comfortable then life will eventually throw you a curveball that your practice hasn’t prepared you for.

This is why I (sub?)consciously continue to choose walking/running as my primary life practice, for it’s easy, cheap and always available; allowing me to continuously explore and further understand the mind-body dynamics that are actually far more important than the running practice itself.

One can spend 5 minutes barefoot in their local park (or street) and learn a tremendous amount about themselves, their bodies and their minds, with little to no risk of injury, burnout or nihilism whatsoever!

What are those habits or activities that always remain even when all else changes? And which of those do you enjoy doing and/or are accessible to you always?

The stoics speak time and time again of these areas of focus: the breathe, nature, reading, writing, meditation, conscious exercise, quality human interaction, proper food etc etc…

…we all know the avenues through which we can powerfully explore our spectrums of infinity.

Perhaps, like myself, we just need a little reminder every now and again.

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