‘Informal’ Mindful Movement for Wellbeing
I’m a fan of informal mindful movement as one way to support physical and mental wellbeing – which to me are the same thing.
You don’t need to have any particular skills to explore how moving your body in different ways puts you in touch with all kinds of physical sensations, and with how you feel in ALL the ways. The more regularly you move with a sense of deliberate intention and awareness, even in small ways, the more physical ease and a sense of connection to yourself, or ‘embodiment’, becomes available.
I’m a fan of informal mindful movement as one way to support physical and mental wellbeing
Feeling our feelings and being aware of what is happening for us in the moment, requires us to be in touch with our body’s sensations. That is of course a key factor in mental health. Informal mindful movement is a way of consistently creating these moments of connection to ourselves.
So an interesting enquiry might be, what happens when we infuse our daily life with small, focused moments of movement? These can be super simple, just part of our daily tasks and routines….slowing down and being curious and non-judgmental about any physical sensations we notice.
Mindful movement, of simply moving with intention and awareness, can be as simple as walking on some grass in the morning. Spreading your toes and feeling the cool dew on the soles of your feet.
The physical rhythm of going out for a walk is another wonderful way to connect
The physical rhythm of going out for a walk is another wonderful way to connect. I like to walk for a minute or two opening to all the sounds, then a minute or two of feeling my body – feet grounding, breath moving my trunk, and then a few minutes of feeling a sense of integration and being fully present in the moment.
During isolation, many of us are walking every day, and it’s a good place to explore movement as a mindful practice, of connection, regulation and presence. It can be playful and fun too, dogs and kids may join in!
Here is a video for inspiration. I hope you enjoy it ; )
This article is an excerpt from two longer articles
Justine is a local yoga teacher based in Hassocks. She offers weekly classes, weekend workshops and retreats in Sussex. She blends functional movement with yoga poses for a well balanced, mindful practice to support you to move well and feel well in all areas of your life.
