Creating Heart Space - Why Bother?

This term we have developed greater understanding of the physical space in the thorax in relationship to the lungs, pleura and diaphragm. Through a combination of body awareness and gentle movement we have developed a familiarity of this area alongside the emotional and spiritual relevance of this space, connecting the Western and Eastern perspectives.

In the final week of the programme, we will be turning your attention to the mediastinum, which is the central part of the thorax that contains the pericardium and heart. By developing bodily awareness of this area, you will be deepening your understanding of the connections between the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the heart space.

Moving forward, the summer term will build on this foundation by further exploring the eastern perspective of the heart space and continuing to enhance your bodily awareness and movement practices.

Mediastinum Awareness - Starting with the anatomy. #samwebster

The pericardium is a double-walled sac that surrounds and protects the heart. It is located in the mediastinum, which is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity that contains the heart, great vessels, and other structures.

The pericardium is anchored within the mediastinum by several structures:

1. Sternum: The fibrous pericardium, which is the tough outer layer of the pericardium, attaches to the sternum (breastbone) through the sternopericardial ligaments. These ligaments help anchor the heart in place and prevent excessive movement.
   

2. Diaphragm: The fibrous pericardium also attaches to the diaphragm, which is the primary muscle of respiration that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities. The attachment is made through the diaphragmatic pericardiac ligament, which helps stabilize the heart during breathing and movement of the diaphragm.
   

3. Great vessels: The pericardium is closely associated with the great vessels of the heart, including the aorta, pulmonary artery, and superior and inferior vena cava. The fibrous pericardium attaches to these vessels and helps anchor them in place.
   

4. Mediastinal structures: The pericardium is also anchored to other structures within the mediastinum, including the trachea, esophagus, bronchi. The pericardium is also connected to the spine through the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nerves, which arise from the thoracic spine, innervate the heart and other structures in the chest. These nerves travel through the sympathetic chain, which runs alongside the vertebral column, and communicate with the heart through the cardiac plexus.These attachments help stabilize the pericardium and prevent excessive movement.
   

Overall, the attachments of the pericardium within the mediastinum are important for maintaining the position and stability of the heart and other structures within the thoracic cavity. The pericardium helps protect the heart from injury and supports its function by anchoring it in place and allowing for proper movement and expansion.

Why bother developing bodily awareness?

The idea that "what we are aware of, we are in control of, what we are not aware of is in control of us" suggests that our level of awareness plays a crucial role in shaping our thoughts, behaviours, and experiences. Here are a few ways this concept can be understood:

1. Self-awareness: When we are aware of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, we are better able to control them. For example, if we notice that we are feeling anxious or stressed, we can take steps to manage those feelings through relaxation, brethwork or mindful movements. If we are not aware of our emotional state, we may be more likely to react impulsively or make decisions that are not in our best interest.
   

2. Unconscious influences: Much of our behaviour is driven by unconscious processes that we may not be aware of. For example, we may have deeply ingrained habits or biases that influence our actions without us realizing it. When we become more aware of these unconscious influences, we can start to challenge them and make conscious choices that align with our values and goals.
   

3. External influences: Our level of awareness can also affect how we interact with the world around us. When we are mindful and present, we are more likely to notice and appreciate the beauty and complexity of our environment. When we are distracted or preoccupied, we may miss out on these experiences. Mobile phones!!

There is a growing body of research that suggests that cultivating bodily awareness can have a range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Here are some examples:

1. Stress reduction: Research has found that practicing mindfulness-based techniques that cultivate bodily awareness, such as body scan meditations and mindful movement practices like yoga, can help to reduce stress and anxiety. For example, a 2013 study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that mindfulness-based interventions were effective in reducing workplace stress.
   

2. Pain management: Several studies have found that cultivating bodily awareness can help to reduce chronic pain. For example, a 2015 study published in the Journal of Pain Research found that mindfulness-based interventions were effective in reducing pain intensity and disability in patients with chronic low back pain.
   

3. Improved body image: Research has also shown that cultivating bodily awareness can lead to improvements in body image and self-esteem. For example, a 2018 study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that women who participated in a body awareness programme reported improvements in body appreciation and reductions in body shame.
   

4. Better emotional regulation: Developing bodily awareness can also help individuals to regulate their emotions more effectively. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that mindfulness training improved emotional regulation in individuals with major depressive disorder.
   

5. Enhanced physical performance: Finally, research has shown that cultivating bodily awareness can improve physical performance in athletes and other individuals. For example, a 2017 study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences found that athletes who practiced mindfulness meditation improved their running performance and reported lower levels of perceived exertion.