Stretching improves muscle flexibility, relieves tension, improves exercise, and is just overall pretty good for you.  I’m going to assume most people know that, even if we all don’t practice it as much as we should.  Just a simple few moments to stand up from your chair and reach for the sky, then reach for your toes, can improve circulation, and help you feel refreshed.  Imagine, if that helps a little, what regular practice of yoga or pilates could do for you!

If physical flexibility has all these benefits, what can flexibility of mind do for you?

In working with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) we talk about the ability to “flex” to your less commonly used type preference.  This is the idea that we can behave out of a less familiar preference – an area we might be less strong in – for the sake of the situation we are in.  It is also the idea that we cannot excuse poor choices or poor behavior out of “it’s part of my personality”.

Many Eastern traditions suggest being flexible in our expectations of ourselves, others, and situations.  Adhering too firmly to a given expectation can often be the source of our own frustration.

In psychotherapy, being flexible in thought is necessary to be open to new ideas – whether for yourself or your relationship.  Not being open to other ideas often leads to the repetition of the same old behaviors.

Healthy relationship require a considerable degree of flexibility to see the other’s point of view, to check your own perspective, and to consider meaningful and healthy choices in each moment.

These are just a few examples of how flexibility of mind (and body) can be helpful in daily life.  Where do you need to be more flexible?  How will you build that into a daily practice that benefits you and those around you?