KNOWLEDGE ISN'T ENOUGH. YOU HAVE TO EMBODY IT.
If I have that third drink, I'm going to regret it tomorrow...
Just because you know something is true, doesn't mean you'll do it.
In fact, there's a good chance you'll do the opposite, especially when drinks are involved.
Let's call this the knowing-doing gap.
I see this in my work all the time. Hell, I see it in myself all the time.
Part of knowing yourself is knowing when your willpower is strongest. Or weakest.
I’ve learned to attack my biggest to-dos in the morning. If things are left until the afternoon, they often get pushed to the next day.
Let's face it - bridging that gap often comes down to willing yourself to do things.
You know you’ll feel better both physically and mentally if you get off the couch and go to the gym.
Without a big dose of willpower, chances are you’re staying put.
Knowing something is good for you and not doing it is human…This is why awareness alone isn't enough.
Real lasting change comes when awareness is embodied; when you integrate the knowledge into practice.
BRIDGING THE GAP
I've learned that on days when I meditate I feel calmer, more grounded and more intentional with my actions.
Those are three big benefits.
On days when I skip mediation, I can feel scattered, unfocused and ungrounded.
Three unwelcomed feelings.
So why don't I meditate every day?
How can I embody this knowledge and bridge this knowing-doing gap?
I'm pretty sure it starts with experience. In fact I don't think you can truly understand something unless you've had direct experience of it.
Let’s take childbirth –
You can't really understand this experience unless you've gone through it yourself. You might have read all the books and know all the theory; however, unless you've carried a foetus for nine months.
As a man, I'm incapable of childbirth. I'm not even capable of delivering one. Of course, there are doctors who are experts in delivering babies—with knowledge that helps them make informed, empathic decisions. But they can't be experts in carrying one.
I've come to terms with the fact that I will never be an expert in childbirth. Or, baby delivery, for that matter. Therefore, I can never achieve embodied clarity when it comes to childbirth.
Enjoying this perspective?
PATTERN BREAKING
You don't necessarily stop a pattern the first time you see it. Sometimes you need to live through the pattern several more times before you can break it.
The repetitions are part of how the pattern becomes fully understood, according to meditation teacher Cory Muscara.
"...there's a big difference between going through a pattern on autopilot and going through a pattern with embodied awareness."
This is exactly what’s happening to me and my meditation practice – I’m building awareness that leads to knowledge that I will embody.
From personal experience and extensive work experience, I know the key to building new habits is consistent practice.
Bad news: There is no way around the work.
Good news: Consistent practice builds new neural pathways which lead to new habits. (Neuroscience lingo)
But first you’ve got to be aware of what it is.
You can’t change what you can’t see.
Most leaders and teams miss what’s really going on. I help them see what others miss—and act with intention when it matters most.
Breaking patterns that no longer serve them is a welcome byproduct.
THE PRACTICE
Drawing on over 25 years’ first-hand experience working with groups and individuals, Embodied Clarity is the synthesis or what I’ve learned on my journey.
In a nutshell, Embodied Clarity is a guided practice to help you get clear on what matters most—and bring it to life.
Before you can bring to life what matters most, three things need to happen –
Become aware of what is happening within and around you (Awaken)
Connect with your values, your purpose, and your whole self—not just the good parts (Align)
Bring clarity to life (Act)
Embodied Clarity follows a simple formula:
Awaken →Align → Act
Embodied Clarity is the destination. The practice is the path.
To learn how Embodied Clarity could work for you or your team, let’s talk.