Space and Movement

Chapter 10 covers the spatial system and the motor system, both on the inner ring. The spatial system involves the different ways in which we use 3D space. The motor system is responsible for the biological ‘motor programs’ that control physical movements of all kinds. Some of these are inherited and involuntary, and some are created and modified in response to experience. The spatial system, apart from representing the body's current relationships with the environment, is also used in combination with other inner ring systems to describe abstract relationships of many different kinds. Many of the resulting metaphors created in the conceptual system are visual ones, as in the description of hierarchical relations employing the meanings of prepositions like above and below , or using the idea of containment as in ‘ within / beyond my capabilities’. Motor representations can be extensively developed and modified when a particular skill is acquired. If the goal is deliberately conceived to learn skills for a particular type of activity, representations are developed that are responsible for controlling the necessary movements. Much of this development will proceed without any direct awareness, but consciously conceived strategies may help to create the optimal conditions for the skill to develop.