Mindful Movement
After talking with several clients about movement, it occurred to me that the language of it is imperative. Many of us have negative connotations with the word exercise and I believe it is because so many of us feel that we are failures at it or have not enjoyed the activities associated with “exercise”. Some people have aversions to words like “yoga” and prefer “stretching”. See if word play can help you to enjoy getting movement into your day. Movement is medicine and you are actually nourishing your body and being your own doctor by taking the time to do so.
The way we were taught to think about moving the body in Amma school is referred to as mindful movement. Part of my practice of this includes Qigong and yoga, dance and hiking. There are many activities that you can be mindful in. The key is to stay in the moment of what it is our body needs.
It may be up for a vigorous hike or a swim, or it may need some Tai Chi or yoga. Perhaps your body needs a day off for rest. Not listening to our bodies is often what leads to injuries, or not being able to enjoy the activity.
Repetitive movements at work also cause problems and this includes sitting for too long as well as typing on a computer all day. Our bodies actually create scar tissue from repetitive movements and often times we don’t necessarily have injuries so we don’t realize the blockages that have occurred there. Amma is the perfect modality to address this either way and moves the fascia as well as moves the stagnant energy in the body. It will get qi and blood flowing where you have been stuck because of improper exercise.
Improper exercise can be doing things in a way that is hard on the body, but it can also be overdoing it. While some people can work up to running, if you have just begun working out, it is not the wisest place to start. Look at prior injuries, weight, age and your comfort with an activity before you begin something. If you are feeling worn out afterwards and feel totally depleted, it may not be the right movement for you! Remember, no two bodies are alike and while everyone you know may love Tai-Bo, it may not be for you. The other thing to be aware of is to be sure of the best time of day to work out. If you aren’t a morning person, requiring yourself to go to the gym at 6:30am will probably set you up for failure. If you are someone who has insomnia, a hard cardio at 8pm could keep you up too late.
Other thoughts with movement are in regards to your goals. Remember that some days are better than others, and while we all wish we made it to the gym 3-5 times a week, we are going to miss some days because life happens. Be compassionate with yourself when you don’t always achieve your goals. And remember some days that ten minutes of stretching or twenty minutes of walking is better than nothing. We don’t always need the hour long aerobics class, and we sometimes need to (and have to!) do less. That is okay too.
The last thing to think about in getting yourself moving is to be sure and get support. Find an accountability partner, a movement trainer, talk to your doctor or Amma Therapist, and use goal planning skills. Some of you may be familiar with SMART, but even more fun is to remember to RUMBA! Goals should be R=Realistic (Attainable, but do stretch yourself a bit), U=Understandable (Clear and in language that you like), M=Meaningful & Measurable, B=Believable and A=Agreed (Share it with others to have it stick!)
Much healing and blessings,
Tanya