11 November

Close up of springs in an anglepoise lamp. More generally called balanced-arm lamps. I’ve posted about these before, and how the human body operates via a similar principle, though using a different mechanism. These lamp arms will move to any position, and just stay there, without being clamped. Like they’re floating or suspended in space, balanced in every position by the distribution of weights and springs. They were invented by a vehicle suspension designer, George Carwardine. In a similar way, your body is suspended in space, in every position, by the distribution of the tissues and bones. No need to hold it in position, to strain muscles or relax them. You’re just suspended, effortlessly, no need to use effort with any bit trying to lift any other bit. Of course this isn’t how most people actually experience their bodies. They feel strains and tensions and stiffness and effort all the time. Because we’re brought up to believe our bodies are bits and pieces that we have to control, one piece at a time, particularly to hold us up against gravity. We feel weight and think that’s gravity, and then strain ourselves to fight that weight with other parts of our bodies. The weight feeling is not gravity, it’s your suspension system out of balance. When you’re using your body properly, you should feel weightless, all day. Because you are, while your body does of course have weight, nothing feels its OWN weight. There is never any need for effort.