Why Fix Your Body and Not Your Mind? Reconnecting the Two for Growth

Author: Gillian Maddigan

December 2024

When I was first asked this question, it deeply intrigued me. For some time, I had been asking myself: “How did we become so disconnected from the unity of mind and body?”

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by people. Initially, I observed to adapt and understand. Later, this curiosity became a passion and eventually a profession. Watching people make choices has always excited me—both mentally and physically.

These choices are often driven by redundant past experiences or fears. Yet some individuals seem to live almost fearlessly, untethered by their past, eagerly seizing opportunities as they fly by, as if catching a speeding train—glee in their eyes and wind in their hair. Others, however, see no change, plodding along the same path their entire lives.

This latter group is shrinking as the world grows more interconnected. Most people, I’ve realized, migrate between these states over time. For some, the migration is conscious, deliberately aligned with their mind and body’s needs. For others, it’s an unconscious adaptation. Balance, I’ve found, is not about juggling everything perfectly but about staying attuned to oneself and in flow.

The Great Disconnect

Around twenty years ago, I began noticing a societal shift: People seemed to take less responsibility for their lives and instead blame external factors. Society started losing sight of itself. We became a generation of “you fix me” rather than “show me how to create change for myself.”

This shift became particularly evident with the rise of cosmetic procedures. Phrases like “My doctor said…” began referring not to health practitioners but to plastic surgeons. This mindset—relying on external interventions rather than personal ownership—often left people dissatisfied.

Without creative input or ownership, the results felt hollow, leading to a cycle of chasing the emotional high of external change. People sought the fleeting thrill of novelty: seeing themselves differently and experiencing others’ reactions. But that initial feeling can never be recaptured—you can only feel something for the first time once.

The Obsession with External Transformation

Over the last decade, the personal training industry, diet shakes, meal plans, and body modification—including piercings and tattoos—have surged, often tied to the pursuit of self-discovery. However, the focus tends to remain on the external—how one looks—rather than the mental processes driving these changes. The deep desire for a connection between body and mind is often overlooked.

The Rise of Mental Stimulation

Meanwhile, the digital age has ushered in a revolution of mental stimulation. Innovations in science, technology, and entertainment have given us unprecedented access to mental acrobatics, visual stimulation, and siloed experiences with minimal real-life interaction.

From immersive gaming to social media, people are more connected than ever. Dynamic first-person games and 3-4D movie experiences began integrating physical and mental activity, while smartphones allowed immediate interaction and connection, breaking down barriers of time and space. Yet, these advancements can’t fully nourish us.

Massive change often has downsides. The blurring of boundaries—mental, physical, social, and spiritual—has exposed us to diverse perspectives but also left us vulnerable to overstepping personal limits.

A Call for Integration

Our expanding worlds connect us to the past, present, and future. How we evolve through this time depends on our ability to integrate these connections into a balanced expression of self. When the body is neglected, the mind drives us to exhaustion and dis-ease. Conversely, when the body dominates, forward-thinking and innovation falter as the body thrives in the present moment. Balance between mind and body is essential for resilience and growth.

The human mind-body relationship is like a garden. Old thoughts, patterns, and ideas must wither, decay, or be pruned to make room for new healthy space and growth. We must nurture this garden, weeding out what no longer serves us and cultivating new experiences. While extreme events may challenge our resilience, strong foundations and flexibility enable survival and flourishing.

Practical Steps for Reconnection

To bridge the divide between mind and body, we can take intentional steps toward integration:

• Engage in Breathwork: Connect with the diaphragm, ribcage, and breath as discussed in psychosomatic practices. Breath is a gateway to harmonizing mind and body.

• Practice Mindful Movement: Activities like yoga, Tai Chi, or mindful walking ground us in the present moment and deepen awareness of the body’s sensations.

• Journaling and Reflection: Explore your motivations for physical or mental changes. Are they aligned with your true self, or are they influenced by external expectations?

• Set Clear Boundaries: In the digital age, establish limits on screen time and prioritize real-world connections to maintain balance.

The Journey Forward

To thrive, we must reconnect the mind and body, integrating internal awareness with external expression. This balance fosters not just personal growth but strengthens our collective tribes, enabling us to navigate a rapidly changing world together. Whether change comes slowly or at the speed of light, we move forward, stronger and more connected.

Happy adventures,
Gillian Maddigan co-creator of the PEAT Training Platform