Struggling in Massage School at 40

I used Cognomovement to learn anatomy faster by helping my brain create place cells—specific neural maps that made retaining information easier and more efficient.

What does that even mean?

Well, once upon a time, there was a girl going through massage school at 40. This girl (me!) had studied anatomy in some detail—several times before, actually—but this time was different.

For the first time in my life (and I’m not bragging here), I was severely struggling to get it. I even bought special coloring books, flashcards, Etsy charts, apps—anything I thought might give me a boost.

I wasn’t failing the class per se, but I was definitely not enjoying it. In fact, I was dreading it.
There was a nearly nauseating feeling in my gut every time it was time to head into Anatomy class.

This class wasn’t hands-on—it was writing down origins, insertions, nerve innervations, and actions.
Ugh. I hated it.

My brain kept trying to make a great escape: What am I making for dinner? Can I get more sleep tonight?—basically anything more interesting than this.

The Story That Sparked a Shift

The next morning, as I was rushing to get out of the house early for class, I remembered a story shared by Liz Larsen, co-founder of Cognomovement and author of Is Suffering Optional, during our first Cognomovement training.

She told us about a boy, around 9 or 10 years old, who had only overheard his mom practicing Cognomovement. Inspired, he decided to try it for himself—using the ball and a phrase he wanted to make real.

His words?
“I can swim fast.”

He moved the ball from low to high while repeating this simple sentence. Within just two weeks, he had completely surpassed the swim group he was in. His coaches were stunned.

Now, this wasn’t magic—it was neuroplasticity in action. He used the natural malleability of his brain to plant a new belief. That belief triggered a cascade in the nervous system that helped him become what he declared.

Mapping in: “I Love Muscles”

So I figured, what do I have to lose?

I got out the Cognomovement ball and began moving it from low to high. Breathing. Observing the colors and shapes. Tuning in.

The phrase I chose was: “I love muscles.”

I said it out loud. My body heard it. And something fascinating happened.

Right around the diaphragm area, I felt a flicker of curiosity.
Instead of laughing off the idea (“I love muscles?” Really?), a part of my nervous system leaned in and asked, “Do I?”

The Results Were Immediate

The next day, I grabbed my enormous backpack—books, flashcards, laptop—and headed to Anatomy class.

Something was different.

I didn’t feel dread.

In fact, there was a subtle sense of excitement, maybe even anticipation.

In class, my brain was focused. I noticed I was taking notes differently. My mind was offering up creative new ways to understand and organize the material.

And then finals week came.

Our teacher split us into teams of two for a Jeopardy-style review game.

My brain? On fire.
Not only was I calling out correct anatomical terms, but when another team challenged us, I casually listed the structures from superior to inferior—just because I could.

Our teacher turned to me and said:
“That’s the highest score I’ve seen in eight years of teaching this class.”

So yeah… that’s my story of “I love muscles.”

What Place Cells Have to Do With It

Here’s the important part about “mapping in” and why it works.

When we engage in Cognomovement and set an intention—especially one tied to curiosity, enjoyment, or love—we’re activating place cells in the brain.

Place cells are specialized neurons in the hippocampus that help form spatial and contextual memory. They map where we are, track our position in an environment, and assign emotional and mental significance to that space.

When you do Cognomovement with a focus on a specific subject—like anatomy—your brain starts to associate that subject with safety, attention, and positive emotional energy.

It “tags” it as important.
As something worth your focus.
As something you might even enjoy.

From Somatic Shift to Learning Breakthrough

Instead of forcing yourself through with logic or willpower, you’re creating a somatic map—a full-body signal that says:

“This matters. This is interesting. This is safe. Let’s love this now.”

And guess what happens?
The dread fades.
The mind opens.
Curiosity kicks in.

And learning becomes easier, faster, and fun.

Try It: Map in Something New

If there’s something in your life right now that feels frustrating, boring, or downright hard—ask yourself:

Can I map in something different?

Maybe it’s eating better.
Maybe it’s cleaning out a space.
Maybe it’s launching a big life change.

Whatever it is, try saying a phrase that reflects how you want to feel. Move the ball. Breathe. Let your body listen.

💡 You might just end up loving something you never thought you could.

💡Need help getting started?
Join us for the next Cognomovement class or explore my 30-Day Challenge designed to teach you exactly how to use these tools in your own life.

Ready to book a one-on-one? This is your link.

Let’s rewire what’s possible—one phrase at a time.