Total freedom in physical activity via body schema: being for itself and being in the world

Authors : Maria KOSMA

Pages : 247-258

Doi:10.31459/turkjkin.1316448

View : 113 | Download : 172

Publication Date : 2023-09-30

Article Type : Review Paper

Abstract :Although it is well-established that the highest forms of health and well-being are experienced by those who embody the greatest levels of autonomy, the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted autonomy and freedom in decision making, such as leading healthy lifestyles like physical activity, either because of disease-related issues insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(e.g., battling sickness and/or long covid or fear of catching covid 19); and/or governmentally imposed covid-19 mandates, such as lockdowns, social isolation, excessive screen use, face masks, and vaccines that proved to cause extensive harm and devastation in the health of the public. The paper draws on the philosophical underpinnings of embodied physical consciousness and body schema based on Merleau-Ponty’s insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1945/2014); existential freedom about decision making for living the good life. Specifically, based on Merleau-Ponty’s seminal work, Phenomenology of Perception insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1945/2014);, the purpose of this concept-based paper is to attempt to emphasize the importance of a strong, embodied body schema insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(motor habit); to freedom in decision making regarding the value of and participation in physical activity. The manuscript is divided into six sections, showcasing that such insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(total); freedom can be achieved by finding a balance between the body as being for itself insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(with consciousness and autonomy); and the body as being in the world – influenced by external forces like disease insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(e.g., Covid 19);, disability, socio-economic status, and socio-political systems insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(e.g., covid-19 mandates);. Given the threats to total freedom insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(because of our being in the world);, implications for the field of Kinesiology and movement education are discussed, emphasizing ways to build a healthy physical culture, by for example implementing well-studied, ethical, and humanistic policies/recommendations regarding life challenges insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(e.g., disease, disability, poverty);. In this way, a strong body schema can be formed for health and well-being.
Keywords : Being for itself and being in the world, body schema, Merleau Ponty, physical culture, total freedom in physical activity