Movement as Medicine: A Raw and Real Perspective

Let's cut to the chase. Life can throw curveballs—depression, trauma, heartbreak, anxiety—you name it. Been there, felt that. But here's something that's been a game-changer for me: movement. Yeah, you heard it right. Not some magic pill or silver bullet, but good old-fashioned moving my body. Movement as medicine to explore the raw, the real, and welcoming in what wants to be seen-embraced.

Movement, in its true essence, is medicine—a potent elixir that nurtures the spirit, soothes the nervous system, and embraces all of our colors.

Finding Balance in Chaos: the medicine of movement

Look, I'm no guru. Just someone who's navigated the messy terrain of mental health. What I've realized is that when my mind's a whirlwind, and my emotions are a rollercoaster, movement gives me something solid to hold onto. It's like hitting the reset button for my soul and nervous system.

Somatic Movements: Gettin' Real with Yourself

Little important side note: somatic movements aren't about contorting yourself into a pretzel or chasing some idealized version of "wellness." Nah, it's about tuning in—really listening—to what your body's telling you. Tight shoulders? Maybe there's some stress you need to shake off. A restless mind? A brisk walk might just do the trick.

Embracing movement as a way of experiencing life itself, I cultivated a sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment that transcended external validations, expectations, and judgments. And that is where the medicine acts: movement literally brings the emotions to surface, so we can integrate our processes.

The Practical Side: Why It Works

Here's the deal. You don't need a fancy gym membership or the latest fitness trend. Sometimes, it's as simple as taking a walk, doing some stretches, or even just shaking it out to your favorite playlist. The point is to move—consistently and authentically.

When you engage your body, you're not just burning calories or building muscle. You're releasing endorphins, those feel-good hormones that can act as a natural antidote to stress and anxiety. Plus, the act of physically moving can help shift your perspective, giving you a fresh lens through which to view your challenges.

Somewhere down the road I’ve learned that the moments where I’m grieving, or experiencing the world as too heavy, a committed movement routine switches my perspective. And not only that, channeling those emotions into conscious movements, elevates the performance level. It’s like transforming a dark cloud into art.

Your Next Move: No Pun Intended

Listen, I'm not saying movement is a cure-all. But it's a tool—a damn good one—that's helped me and countless others navigate the rough waters feeling unsettled. So, if you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just plain fed up, why not give it a shot?

Start small. Take a walk around the block, do some walking meditation, or crank up your favorite tune and dance like nobody's watching. Find what feels right for you, and make it a regular part of your routine.

In the end, this isn't about quick fixes or empty promises. It's about empowering yourself, taking control of your well-being, and embracing a full spectrum approach to healing. So go ahead, shake, stretch, hold and re-discover your body. Recalibrate your soul and see where the journey takes you.

There will be days when doing physical movement feels like a distant friend, and the idea of practicing may seem daunting. Yet, it's precisely in those moments of reluctance that the magic happens. The after feeling, the post-practice glow, is a testament to the transformative power of movement as meditation. The effort invested becomes a wellspring of vitality, radiating through your being long after the final exhale.

Movement is not merely an activity but a way of being—a holistic lifestyle that celebrates compassion, discipline, authenticity, and a deep reverence for the interconnectedness of all beings.

Commit, be consistent, approach with compassion, exercise patience, and surrender to the present moment.  The way you move and express throughout the physical body, becomes a mirror reflecting the beauty of the different versions of yourself, that go beyond space and time to recognize the poetry of your soul.

Emotions are just visitors wanting to be seen and felt. Move, however, and as long as you need; and let the rhythm of your inner guru lead you to a place of inner peace and connection.

Until next time.

Oh, and if you happen to feel called to moving with some guidance, subtle energies, ancient & modern practices, do not hesitate to shoot me an email! Book a session with me or stay tuned for my next digital offering! ...