The Seven Levels of Tension

Exhausted or catatonic. The Jellyfish. There is no tension in the body at all. Begin in a complete state of relaxation. If you have to move or speak, it is a real effort. See what happens when you try to speak.

Laid back – the “Californian”. Many people live at this level of tension. Everything you say is cool, relaxed, probably lacking in credibility. 

Neutral or the “Economic” It is what it is. There is nothing more, nothing less. The right amount. No past or future. You are totally present and aware. It is the state of tension before something happens. Think of a cat sitting comfortably on a wall, ready to leap up if a bird comes near. You move with no story behind your movement.

Alert or Curious  You have an eye in the back of the head. Dynamic, aware, awake, alive.  Your energy is palpable.

Suspense or the Reactive . Is there a bomb in the room? The crisis is about to happen. All the tension in the body is concentrated between the eyes. An inbreath. There’s a delay to your reaction. The body reacts. 

Passionate There is a bomb in the room. The tension has exploded out of the body. Anger, fear, hilarity, despair. It’s difficult to control. You walk into a room and there is a lion sitting there. 

Tragic or stasis  The bomb is about to go off! Body can’t move. Petrified. The body is a ball of solid tension.