[One Thousand Characters a Day] 7 True Conditions of Happiness <5>

Editor's NoteIn psychophysiology, it is believed that by changing negative behavioral habits, one can be liberated from negative emotions. To change negative behavioral habits, one must first understand how the body moves, and for that, one must carefully observe their own body in daily life. However, we tend to obsess only over appearance and body shape, paying little attention to how we actually use our bodies. Professor Chae Jeong-ho emphasizes that understanding the structure of the body and the influence of emotions, and learning how to use the body healthily?that is, without bodily stability, one cannot expect peace of mind. Word count: 981 characters.

What we need to focus on in such cases is the 'body scheme.' Simply put, the body scheme is 'knowing how I use my body and how I move.' Discrimination of the direction of body movement is also part of the body scheme. If the body scheme is not well developed, daily life can become uncomfortable. All movements in daily life are based on the body scheme. To put on clothes, you need to move your arms and legs up and down, and to eat bulgogi on the table, you have to stretch your arm forward and move the hand holding the chopsticks. Even when pushing a door open, it may seem like only the arms exert force, but in fact, the legs also engage. Thus, even seemingly simple movements require a body scheme.

The body scheme is even more important when performing complex activities like exercise. For example, the muscles, joints, skin, and nervous tissues involved in kicking a ball are countless. To kick the ball accurately, these bodily elements must move in an organically connected manner. Understanding the systematic relationships of the body parts involved in movement and being able to control them well is essential for healthy physical activity.

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We are moving every moment and have the ability to perceive internal bodily sensations called 'proprioception.' The internal awareness of one's bodily movements is a uniquely human ability. When feeling depressed, posture inevitably becomes slouched. Making an effort to correct posture brings vitality and energy to the body. Although this is a well-known fact, few actually practice it. It is also the part most overlooked by those who have lost their light in life. Simply correcting posture can significantly improve depression and anxiety, yet people tend to fight only the emotions themselves without considering moving their bodies.

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As emphasized repeatedly, when emotionally withdrawn, posture also becomes withdrawn, and so does the mind. This is because body and mind are one. We must not forget that small movements like opening and expanding the chest can be a small breakthrough to escape from emotions that trouble us, such as depression and anxiety.

- Chae Jeong-ho, 7 Conditions for True Happiness, Influential, 18,800 KRW

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.