Movement is important for healthy living because of its impact on our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. It enhances the function of our joints, muscles, heart and more while also being a resource for clearing our minds, relieving stress, calming anxiety and more. Movement is also important to our spiritual wellbeing. When we practice mindfully moving our bodies we are fully engaged, connected to ourselves and God and the present moment.
Two things seem critical here: finding the activity we enjoy and doing it mindfully. Let’s begin with what you like to do already. Do you like to walk, run, cycle, garden, practice yoga, clean, dance, play with your kids or grandkids, swim? If you find it easy to move, awesome! Keep it up! If you find yourself naturally inclined to sit, how can you support more movement in your days? I suggest starting with a pause. Huh? Aren’t we supposed to be moving? Yes! A pause helps us to remember what we really want. At the beginning of your day or whenever you feel sedentary, take a couple of breaths, close your eyes and ask yourself, “What do I really want today (or right now)?” Allow your heart to respond. Chances are you want health, wellbeing, movement, connection. You may hear the small, but sure voice within sound, “I want to go for a walk!” or perhaps a visual image comes to mind of playing with the kids in your life or dancing to a favorite tune. You still have to get up and follow the desire of your heart, but the connection to your desire provides the motivation you are looking for! It takes the guilt and the “should” out of it, leaving us to nurture our body from a place of love and connection.
Enjoying our physical activity mindfully adds connection between body, mind and heart. I’d call that a spiritual connection. We can be present, fully aware of our body sensations, our thoughts and our emotions. In that presence, we can feel a sense of wholeness with ourselves, nature and God. Begin an activity with a few full breaths and notice what it is like to prepare for the activity. How do your feet feel as you slip on your shoes? How do you feel as you sit on the bike seat and wrap your hands around the handle bars? What emotions arise? Do you feel excited or reluctant today? If you remember, check in with yourself during the activity. How do I feel? What am I thinking about? What does it feel like to pay attention to just what is happening now? And then take a few moments when you finish the activity to breath. Notice how you feel differently now than when you began. Has the activity influenced what is happening in your body, mind and heart? To notice where we feel happiness, satisfaction, clarity and the energy rising adds to the joy of moving our bodies. If you forget to check in as you are active, you can always look back at the activity later, taking some time to imagine doing it and remembering what you felt.
Not all movement has to be big. You may find yourself limited by age, illness, disability or mood. At these times small movements in our bodies may encourage the health we are pursuing. When limitation is present or when you feel bored, disengaged, or anxious, see if moving your body can become a form of prayer for peace, patience or courage. Subtle movements of lifting and opening the chest can make us feel open and brave. Opening our arms wide or raising them up as we inhale a breath and bringing them back in as we exhale can support a feeling of possibility and moves stagnant air from our lungs. And perhaps moves some stagnant thoughts or emotions, too! Gently turning the head side to side may encourage us to see something we missed or get a good look at the whole scene. Circling the ankles or wrists or tapping the fingers to music may be the dance you are looking for today. Paying attention to small movements can offer us a gateway to ease and joy.
Be curious and be willing to be surprised! May you discover joy in moving your body today!
~Kim Mulder, Spiritual Director and Yoga Teacher