Movement is something we take for granted because it is a never ending possibility of being human. Every cell is in motion, every experience moves us to something else, even when we sleep; which we think of as a form of stillness has movement. Our mind moves to thoughts, our emotions from the perceptions of our senses or ideas spur us to make changes and experience yourselves which is another form of movement. So the question becomes is your movement working for you or are you working to move?
This is because in general: one excises to accelerate our natural movement and in doing so build up and tear down, release and store those chemical actions which are produced by the efforts. These efforts which cause one pain or pleasure are generally but not always done for an external goal. To be more healthy, to create a look, to achieve a physical or mental high, etc. While these reasoning are neither good or bad and there results can be short term or long term depending upon the level of activities and longevity. But if stress, general coping, and over sensitive or “hyper sensitive” (that is how some people perceive that I am) is your framework (and I do not think this is not normal).
I would highly recommend that we all start to think about movement for well being and to embrace the awareness that is within us. By doing so and opening ourselves to incorporating balancing movements as tools. One will better cope with or move through stress and over perceptions as well as ego identification that creates the feedback loop of the survival mode cycle. To have a better awareness of our environment, our interconnectedness and most importantly to deflect with peacefulness the negative or overwhelming energies we perceive is a worthily goal and one I participant in regularly.
Now many people see Yoga positions as a tool and it is likely that matching the breath within specific guidelines would help with focus, concentration and with assisting the body through intentional breathing to be better tuned. But what if Yoga positions are not really your thing? If you are like me fluidness works and ease of use is essential! Also, if like me those movements/positions should have a directed intent for balance and centering as well as or help to gather or dispel energy then all the better. In this way, there is stillness in the mind, mental activity and focused intention in the flow of the activity.
That is why I use do the following movements in my routines:
Tensegrity – Books available
Qigong for beginners: videos on youtube.com – This a friend showed me and I do parts or individual movements when needed.*
Walking on a treadmill: – I do this at home
Walking outside weather and time permitting
I hope you find these tools helpful and if one does not work for you then, no worries. Walking and stretching before and after are great ways to quiet the mind/body connection. My wholehearted suggestion would be to walk in nature as much as possible without listening to anything or use a prayer or mantra.
So don’t believe everything someone tells you about who you are, how you feel or perceive because they are not you but instead work on how you can enhance your well being by accepting that balance is achievable, awareness is helpful and your responsibility.
Ramona
Disclosure: I am not affiliated with either QiGong or Tensegrity outside of general instruction. I do not see either of these methods as a religion or beleif system and I do not get any money or value from mentioning the names.