Monday morning, I woke up feeling physically off. I couldn’t tell you exactly what was happening – I wasn’t congested or coughing or nauseous or feverish – but I didn’t feel well. I felt disconnected, fuzzy...off.
I didn’t feel like leading class. But canceling would have caused more problems than it solved especially given my lack of symptoms, so I gathered my gear and I went.
As we started moving, I felt stiff and creaky, like my bones were heavy. But after just a few minutes, the movement was like a salve. Motion is lotion, as they say.
Tuesday morning, I woke up feeling emotionally off. I couldn’t tell you exactly what was happening – I wasn’t sad or anxious or agitated – but I didn’t feel well. I felt disconnected, fuzzy...off.
I didn’t feel like leading my online class. But canceling would have caused more problems than it solved especially given my lack of symptoms, so I set up my gear and logged onto Zoom.
As we started moving, I felt stiff and creaky, like my heart was heavy. But after just a few minutes, the movement was like a salve. Motion is lotion, even for the heart and mind.
After nearly 24 years of guiding mindful movement, you’d think I’d have learned this by now. But even after all this time, I need to be reminded: our bodies are designed to move and movement helps us feel what needs feeling and shift what needs shifting.
Even when I’m not in the mood. Even when I’m down. Even when I’m not inspired. Even when I can’t move my whole body. Movement helps. Maybe especially then.
Movement doesn’t have to be a marathon or a CrossFit workout or anything that gets you sweaty. It can be but it doesn’t have to be. Movement can be anything that allows me to feel and bring some curiosity to my experience.
Shake & Bounce. Stretch & Yawn. Move on the floor. 3 Quick Moves to try and see what happens. (Photo: Rebecca George Photography)
If you’re feeling off, disconnected or out of sorts, here are three super simple, super quick moves you can do right now. Nothing fancy or formal. Just breathe and see how you feel after even a few seconds.
Shake and Bounce
Shake out your hands. Bounce in your chair or on your feet. Shake out your shoulders. Bounce your hips. Shake out your feet. Nod your head.
Stretch and Yawn
Without thinking about it too much, stretch your arms and legs like your joints are yawning. Then yawn (fake or real) to open your jaws. Squeeze and release your face.
Move on the Floor
Get on the floor (a rug or carpet can feel good) and roll a little. Lie on your back, your side, your belly. Rock side to side. Let your weight squish all your parts. I’m not talking yoga here (unless you want to do that). Nothing fancy. Just roll around like a cat or a kid.
If you find yourself feeling off, disconnected, lost or confused, let yourself move. Even a little. Even for a few seconds. Maybe you’ll want to keep going and maybe you won’t. Trust your body to shift what needs shifting and to raise up what needs attention.
It’s not a news flash, Lord knows, especially coming from me. But it’s still true and we all need reminders. Motion is lotion for muscles, joints, organs, thoughts, emotions and spirit.