One of the guarantees of frustration and unhappiness is a mind that is constantly wandering away from what we are doing. And that is unfortunately a challenge we all face today. You probably already know that movement is just as good for our brain as it is for the rest of the body…or even more. That walking connects the 2 hemispheres of the brain, and releases feel-good hormones like endorphins (pain and stress relief), dopamine (activates the brain’s reward center), serotonin (happy hormone) and more. Like our old friend, Hippocrates once advised us, “If you are in a bad mood go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood go for another walk.” Our bodies produce their own medicine. But…we’ve got to do “the things” that keep us able of a strong walking practice, yes?!
I love movement in general…whether my current state of being prefers to run, walk, swim, dance, lift weights, stretch, play with my Grands, do a HIIT workout, help a friend move heavy/awkward stuff…whatever it is I am reminded that I’m alive and able! AND if I don’t feel like moving I KNOW that if I throw myself out the back door onto the trails and just Breathe and walk…I will feel better in minutes. Every. Time. Always. Because we are wired for movement and without it we decline. Simple fact.
A movement practice shouldn’t be drudgery. We have to befriend ourselves. If you can’t/won’t carve out a block of time for a variety of practices that develop mobility, strength, flexibility then start stacking a minute of something basic onto something you’re already doing!
Such as:
Balancing on one leg while brushing your teeth.
10-20 squats each time you go to sit down in the chair or the couch.
Hip/Shoulder stretches during a commercial/phone call.
Spinal articulation if you’re waiting in line.
Eye exercises at a red light.
Calf raises before going up the stairs.
Calf stretches at the top of the stairs.
Breathing meditation while your coffee/tea brews.
Hip Mobility Exercise:
We can gain huge benefits for focused 10-minute “Movement Snacks” several times a day.
If you’ve been out of school a while you probably still remember calling out “present” during roll call. If you’re a student of Pilates you will notice that the practice itself is a “roll call” of sorts. The Breath not only connects us to our Center but aligns us with the Moment. The Concentration and Focus necessary to execute some of the most complicated of movements is developed in building the foundation necessary for those movements. It is a practice of being Present. So often an hour session feels like it went by in 15 minutes! And we have worked everything from eye muscles to toes!
Pilates is best to known for the development of core stability and joint mobility. But the attention to the moment in order to develop Precision and the Breath necessary for the movements segways into everything else that we do…brings our Wanderings back to ourselves, not away. Isn’t that what a good Wandering is meant to do?!
It is a moving meditation. Yes, it is a very effective method for maintaining a strong and resilient physical body throughout the ages, but do not discount the inner peace the practice brings. Giving each moment our attention, our focus—it’s a practice that will blend into the rest of our days.
Allowing us to experience our lives.
Fully.
If you haven’t yet experienced Pilates on the Mat please message me for an introductory Mat Class—my treat.
Let’s make sure your Wanderings are Mindful adventures...on Purpose!
You’ve got this!
Aging Redefined
Simple Shifts for a Robust Lifestyle
Aging well is an art and a science, uniquely tailored to individual mental, physical, and spiritual health needs. Delve into the transformative insights of this book, guiding you to make shifts that redefine the experience of growing older—robustly and with purpose. Uncover the why, what, and how behind the inevitable physical and emotional challenges, providing practical strategies without the B.S.
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