Exploring Misconceptions of the Paula Method
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Students in my recent group sessions have reminded me of some concerns and typical misunderstandings I come across when people are new to the Paula Method.
I’d like to discuss these issues and share my thoughts with you.
Here are some of the most common ones:
1. People want me to demonstrate the exercises that I teach and ask for more specific instructions.
2. People want me to tell them what the exercises do.
3. People work hard and push through discomfort.
4. People perform the exercises as quickly as they can and expect to move on to the next exercise as soon as possible.
5. People focus on the action and dismiss the relaxation.
When people learn new things, they rely on previous knowledge and experience. I think that many of the issues I mention above stem from cognitive dissonance that is related to the ideas we have about exercises.
Let’s address the first misconception on our list. When people learn new exercises, they want to be given clear instructions on the “correct” way to perform the exercise and the number of repetitions needed to achieve the best results. The exercises of the Paula Method are meant to awaken the body to spontaneous healing work and allow us to connect to its individual needs. The less we explain, the more spontaneous and authentic the interpretation and the response will be.
The goal of the exercises is to initiate a chain reaction in the body. The body always knows where it needs to work (to rebalance), and we don’t want to interrupt it. In methods that emphasize correct performance of exercises, the exercises are the center of the work and the main assumption is that if we train the body correctly it will achieve the desired results, i.e., function better.
The Paula Method doesn’t look for ways to control the body or train it. We understand that the body always does its best to keep us balanced and healthy. Our goal is to connect with the body’s natural healing process and assist without interrupting. The interpretation of the exercise and the unique way in which an individual performs an exercise, gives us information about the current physical state of that person and what would be the most helpful way for them to achieve their health goals. We can’t really notice these signs if our mind is set on proper performance. It is important to understand that no one will judge how well you perform the exercises. On the contrary, the way you perform them will help us understand your body’s tendencies and needs.
Most people were brought up to believe that someone else knows us and knows our needs better than ourselves. Even if that was true (and I personally don’t believe it is), a Paula Method session is an opportunity to let go of this assumption. The best approach is to be curious and connect with your body by keeping an open mind. The body reveals so much during the practice, and since people sometimes miss this information, I’m there to notice it with them and find out what’s needed to continue the work. That’s why open communication is so important during the practice (even in a group class).
Another common misconception (number two on the list) is that they should know in advance what each exercise is good for or in what way the exercise will help them. This is an exercise-centered misconception. If the exercise is meant to “train” the body, then people want to know what they’re training. Since we’re not training the body, and were not trying to control it, the focus is different. The exercises are opportunities for them to notice their own body’s reactions and responses. I’m also there with them to notice these reactions, and sometimes I might comment and let them know things I’m noticing, if I think it will help to raise their awareness. However, if I tell them that I chose this exercise to do this or that, they’ll be focused on achieving it instead of connecting with themselves and noticing the reactions. My goal as a Paula teacher is that they will understand their bodies. This understanding will lead to new awareness and relationships with their bodies that are based on collaboration rather than control.
The most common misconception is probably number three: that people keep working hard even if what they’re doing causes discomfort or pain. We all know the mantra “no pain no gain.” But is it true? What is our goal? If our goal is better health, then pain isn’t taking us to the desired “gain.” Pushing through pain will bring you nowhere because the exercises are not meant to “train” your body. Think about it for a moment. You’re trying to heal your body. Your body is sending you a clear message of pain. It tells you: I don’t like it. This is not good for me. Yet, you’re pushing through that pain. What are you doing? You’re ignoring your body. You’re telling it that your agenda is better. You’re sabotaging your own healing process. If you stopped for a moment to notice the pain, you’d find that your body has your best interest at heart. It’s protecting you. Stop that strong and strenuous work. Try to do it differently. Being gentle with your body will bring you to your desired results so much faster.
The fourth misconception says so much about how certain people see the lessons and our interactions. When people practice a certain exercise as quickly as they possibly can and then ask to learn a new exercise, I know that they are stuck in “quick fix” mode. They are under the impression that the exercises will do the work for them, and that the more exercises they squeeze out of me in one session the quicker they’ll “graduate”. They couldn’t be more wrong. The best use of their time with me is to work slowly and try to notice the body’s reactions and sensations. I’m doing the same thing: watching their body to understand its tendencies and needs so I can better assist them. If a student wishes to speed up their work, they should focus on working slowly while sensing their body’s reactions and communicating these reactions to me as much as possible. It takes time to develop a better sense of what the body needs, but once this goal is achieved, the work becomes deeper and more effective. We share the same goal of achieving quick results. I ask my students to trust me to bring them there and teach them what they need to succeed. Learning more exercises isn’t the way, however. I’m not keeping my knowledge to myself; I’m trying to direct people to where the real answers are. They’re not in the exercises, but in the body.
The final misconception from our list is prioritizing work over rest. Many Paula Method exercises have two components: action and relaxation. For example, we might contract and RELAX or draw away and RELAX, and so forth. Relaxation is an equally important part of the exercise and cannot be avoided or skipped. Many new students try to do the relaxation as briefly as they can in order to go back to the “more important” action. Consequently, they’ll contract the muscle as hard as they can and then barely relax only to contract as hard as they can again. It builds up a lot of tension in the muscle without sufficient relaxations. It’s an attempt to control the body, which results in disconnecting from it. Slowing down allows you to pay attention to the body and discover that a lot is happening during relaxation. Sometimes it reveals an undeniable truth: your body is exhausted and needs rest. It cannot heal on the run. When you’re working too hard, where is your attention? It’s not on you. Let’s use our time together to connect with your body. Let’s try to understand what it’s telling you. Your cells need oxygen to function well. If your muscles only contract and never relax, they’re getting weaker, not stronger (and with time, you risk damaging them).
What I hope you will come to understand is that many things we are taught to believe about how to treat our bodies are simply wrong. In a society based on control instead of connection, we are brought up to believe that if things go wrong, we must get a grip. We should eat better, sleep better, and exercise more. There are so many agendas out there on how to better control ourselves and train our bodies. There are also plenty of experts that will do it for you. They’ll prescribe a drug, operate on an organ, press on a pressure point, create a diet for you, and so on and so forth. I’m here to tell you, let’s try something else. Let’s choose trust over control.
Healing the body naturally requires trust: trusting that your body can do it, trusting yourself to not give up, and trusting an unfamiliar practitioner to help you get there. If you’re reading this post, I know that deep down you believe in your body’s ability to heal. I’m here to constantly support you on your mission. I’ll always remind you to trust your body fully, and I’ll keep encouraging you to find time for yourself and do the work without self-judgment or doubt. Somewhere along the way you’ll find that you’re feeling better and that you know what your body needs. This ability to trust and assist your body, no matter what you’re dealing with, is a gift for life. When you get to that point, you’ll become your own expert. Many others have done it before. You can do it, too.