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7 Powerful Examples of Embodied Cognition: How the Body Shapes the Mind
“The body is not just a vessel for the brain—it is the stage on which the mind performs.”
— Brooke Sprowl
Introduction: Beyond the Brain
For centuries, human thought was viewed as something confined to the brain—an abstract process detached from the body. But modern cognitive science challenges this view through the theory of embodied cognition. This framework suggests that our thoughts, emotions, and decisions are deeply shaped by our physical experiences.
Embodied cognition shows us that the body is not just a vessel for the brain—it actively shapes perception, memory, and decision-making. From the way gestures help us learn to how posture influences confidence, our bodies and minds form an inseparable loop.
In this article, we’ll explore 7 powerful examples of embodied cognition, highlight the research behind them, and show you how to apply these insights in everyday life.
What is Embodied Cognition?
Embodied cognition is the theory that the mind is not only connected to the body but also influenced by it. Our sensory experiences, movements, and physical environment shape the way we think, reason, and interact.
Rather than being “brain-only,” cognition is a whole-body experience. This explains why athletes visualize movements to perform better, why children learn faster with hands-on activities, and why even holding a warm drink can affect how we judge others.
(link suggestion: Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy on Embodied Cognition)
1. Gestures Enhance Learning and Memory
Have you ever noticed how teachers use their hands when explaining complex ideas? Research shows that gestures help encode information, making it easier to understand and recall.
Gestures act as a bridge between abstract ideas and physical experience, allowing learners to ground concepts in motion. For children, using gestures while learning math or language significantly boosts retention.
Takeaway: Incorporating gestures while studying or teaching can improve comprehension and memory.
2. Posture Influences Confidence
The way we stand or sit affects how we feel. Known as “power posing,” expansive postures (like standing tall with shoulders back) can temporarily boost feelings of confidence and reduce stress.
Although debates continue about its long-term impact, body posture undeniably affects both how others perceive us and how we perceive ourselves.
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Try the Power of Posture
Next time you enter a stressful situation—an interview, presentation, or meeting—stand tall, breathe deeply, and let your body send signals of confidence to your brain.
Small adjustments in posture can reshape your mindset.
3. Physical Warmth Affects Emotional Warmth
Holding a cup of hot coffee doesn’t just warm your hands—it can influence how you perceive people. Studies have shown that physical warmth translates into emotional warmth, making individuals judge others as friendlier or more generous.
This subtle body-mind link demonstrates how sensory experiences shape our social perceptions.
(External link suggestion: Harvard study on warmth and social perception)
Apply Embodied Cognition in Everyday Life
Your body isn’t just following your mind—it’s shaping it. Start using embodied cognition to your advantage today.
4. Walking Boosts Creativity
Movement fuels thought. A landmark study from Stanford found that walking increases creative thinking by up to 60% compared to sitting.
When we walk, our body engages in rhythmic movement that stimulates neural activity and frees the mind for divergent thinking. This explains why many great thinkers—like Steve Jobs—were known for walking meetings.
Takeaway: Incorporate walking into brainstorming sessions or problem-solving tasks to unlock creativity.
5. Facial Expressions Shape Emotions
The connection between body and mind is so strong that smiling can make you feel happier and frowning can intensify negative moods. This phenomenon, known as the facial feedback hypothesis, shows how our physical expressions reinforce emotional states.
This means even when emotions feel out of control, changing physical expression can redirect mental states.
6. Hands-On Learning Improves Understanding
Children who manipulate objects while solving problems show a deeper understanding than those who only read or listen. Hands-on experiences provide embodied cues that anchor abstract knowledge.
For example, using blocks to teach math or acting out historical events creates stronger, more meaningful learning pathways.
(External link suggestion: Learning by doing improves retention)
7. Virtual and Physical Space Shapes Thinking
Our spatial orientation—up, down, left, right—affects how we think metaphorically. “Feeling down” and “looking up” aren’t just language quirks; they reflect embodied mappings of physical space to emotion and thought.
Even digital environments that simulate spatial movements (like dragging files “down” into a trash bin) show how cognition relies on embodied metaphors.
Harness Embodiment for Growth
Adopt practices that engage movement, senses, and space to unlock deeper learning, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
The Science Behind Embodied Cognition
Cognitive scientists, psychologists, and philosophers continue to study embodied cognition as it reshapes our understanding of learning, communication, and human behavior.
Cognitive Science: Shows how movement supports problem-solving.
Psychology: Demonstrates links between posture, emotion, and perception.
Education: Uses embodied strategies to improve teaching and learning.
This shift emphasizes that the mind cannot be separated from the body or environment.
When Embodied Cognition Breaks Down
When physical movement is restricted—through illness, disability, or disconnection from sensory experiences—cognition may also be impacted. For example, lack of physical activity can reduce creativity and impair memory.
This is why therapies that include movement (such as dance therapy or occupational therapy) can be powerful tools for recovery and cognitive growth.
Conclusion: The Body Shapes the Mind
Embodied cognition reminds us that thought is not a purely cerebral activity. From gestures and posture to facial expressions and walking, the body shapes how we learn, feel, and connect with others.
By embracing embodied practices, we can enhance learning, improve creativity, and enrich emotional well-being. The next time you want to think more clearly, feel more deeply, or connect more authentically, remember: your body is part of your mind.
Stay curious, stay compassionate, and know that your journey is uniquely yours.
And in that uniqueness lies your power.
In the meantime, stay true, brave, and kind,
– Brooke
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Brooke Sprowl is an industry-leading expert and author in psychology, spirituality, and self-transformation. Her insights have featured in dozens of media outlets such as Huffington Post, Business Insider, Cosmopolitan Magazine, the Los Angeles Times, Spectrum One News, Mind Body Green, YourTango, and many more. As the founder and CEO of My LA Therapy, she leads a team of 15 dedicated therapists and wellness professionals. Brooke has been a featured speaker at prominent universities and venues such as UCLA School of Public Affairs, USC, Loyola Marymount University, the Mark Taper Auditorium, and Highways Performance Gallery, to name a few. With a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Welfare with a Mental Health Specialization from UCLA, a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from USC, and certifications in peak performance and flow science from the Flow Research Collective, Brooke has helped hundreds of prominent leaders and CEO’s overcome anxiety, relationship difficulties, and trauma and reclaim a sense of purpose, vitality, and spiritual connection. With 15 years of experience in personal development and self-transformation as a therapist and coach, she has pioneered dozens of original concepts and frameworks to guide people in overcoming mental health challenges and awakening spiritually. Brooke is the host of the podcast, Waking Up with Brooke Sprowl. She is passionate about writing, neuroscience, philosophy, integrity, poetry, spirituality, creativity, effective altruism, personal and collective healing, and curating luxury, transformational retreat experiences for high-achievers seeking spiritual connection.
