Pliability, stretchability, movability. Being able to move and adjust yourself is relevant in every aspect of life.
No, flexibility is not just relevant for gymnasts.
Flexibility is most commonly associated with the physique. We conjure up images of supple yogis contorting themselves in the sunset. Often in positions that seem unnatainable. Flexibility is the range of movement your muscles can reach. Thus, muscles are lengthened (stretched) to increase range of movement. Theoretically, the more flexibility you have, the more movement; the more you can rely on your body to complete certain tasks. Without a wide range of movement, could a ballerina leap? Could a tennis player swing? Could a fighter kick?
This definition is important to keep in mind as it informs other important areas of flexibility.
Mental flexibility, if we follow the above, is the range of motion within your mind. It is the capacity to consider varying viewpoints. It is the ability and willingness to stretch yourself beyond the habitual or beyond your current understanding.
Mental flexibility is the foundation for intellectual growth. Personality psychologists refer to it as "openness to experience" and trait theorists have examined how this may be associated to entrepreneurship, academic success, and innovation.
But what about the emotional sphere? can we be emotionally flexible and what does that look like?
Emotional Flexibility is not moving from one emotion to another quickly, it is not encompassing the spectrum of emotions all at once, neither of those sound healthy. If we apply the original definition, emotional flexibility would be the capacity to experience a wide range of emotions. Have you ever met a person who every time you see them is either grumpy or angry, or even the converse, always overly cheerful and crooning? Chances are you don't walk away thinking, well that person has it all together. While you don't need to share all your emotions with all the people all the time, it is your capacity to experience a wide range of emotions, understand them and understand their impact on you that is important (see my post about EQ).
The important thing to remember about flexibility is this: IT IS NOT EASY
flexibility doesn't come overnight or easily. To be truly flexible you have to constantly stretch yourself. You need to take an active role in obtaining your flexibility target. Be a conscious and active participant and be willing to do the work to get the results whether you seek physical flexibility, mental flexibility or emotional flexibility (ideally all of the above).
And hey, if you ever need any help or guidance... give me a call
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