Movement for individual & collective wellbeing
The positive ripple effect of physical & mental stability & mobility
It can feel frivolous to write about movement and wellness when so much of the world seems caught in an ongoing tornado. But then I remember how movement cultivates mindfulness, and the world could use a lot more of that right now.
Whatever form of movement we choose can help build both physical and mental stability and mobility—two qualities we all need more than ever, especially when we’re exposed to at least 3 deeply troubling headlines before breakfast.
As a yoga teacher and mindfulness coach, I often think about the impact of mindful movement and intentional lifestyle choices. Even though I’ve personally experienced their transformative power, I can’t force these practices or suggestions on students, clients, friends, family, or any of you lovely readers (ILY).
What anyone can do, though, is take conscious action and lead by example.
We all influence each other in some way, which makes me wonder what the world and life could be like if we all intentionally influenced for the benefit of one another.
Many of us are already trying to do that—but without a balance of physical and mental stability / mobility, our perceptions and reactions can be easily swayed, or spiral in ways that counter the deeper intention.
This also comes from the food we eat, the way in which we cultivate a steady mind, and how we relate to ourselves and others—it’s not just about exercise and movement. Mind-body wellness is a team effort.
Being more mindful in our re/actions doesn’t mean that we’ll never mess up, face conflict, or feel discomfort. But it does help us navigate physical and mental uncertainty, stress, and basically everything else life will undoubtedly throw at us.
If we’re collectively aiming toward general mind-body equanimity—and holding ourselves accountable for our actions along the way—the results could potentially enhance rather than erode quality of life, both personally and globally.
Strength & Flexibility for good
I like to imagine a world where physiological stability and mobility help us understand—individually and collectively—how to use our strength and flexibility for good.
This doesn’t guarantee all Peace all the time, but it could at least bring more clarity.
Here’s how I see it:
Mental Stability can create more:
Clarity vs Confusion.
Focus vs Distraction.
Awareness vs Ignorance.
Equanimity vs Overwhelm.
Presence vs Dissociation.
Discernment vs Reactivity.
Physical stability offers us the strength and resilience needed to take care of ourselves, each other, and the planet.
Mental Mobility can create more:
Openness vs Rigidity.
Compassion vs Judgement.
Adaptability vs Stagnation.
Curiosity vs Assumption.
Emotional Agility vs Reactivity.
Connection vs Separation.
Physical mobility helps us build the agility and flexibility needed to mindfully shift through life’s inevitable transitions.
So…
How do we do this? (Practice.)
Is it even possible? (Oui.)
Is it too late? (Non.)
A practice to support you
If you’re feeling overwhelmed for whatever reason, here’s a private link to a soothing and grounding 27-minute restorative yoga flow:
Practice imperfectly
There’s no secret, universal formula to movement or mindfulness—or anything for that matter—except to just practice. Do the thing. Come as you are. Try and try again.
But if you’re thinking, “Seriously though, what do I actually do?” here are some gentle guidelines when starting, rebooting, or cultivating a more consistent movement practice for the sake of mind-body stability / mobility:
Make time to move your body whenever you can. A few minutes of simple movement can be beneficial, even if it’s while waiting for the bus or for water to boil—even sitting. I offer free yoga resources on YouTube if it feels supportive.
Release judgement and hyper-criticism. Cut yourself slack if things don’t work out the way you hoped or planned. Remain mentally flexible and make shifts or modifications if / when needed.
Connect to your body during your practice and throughout the day. Instead of checking out, check in. Ditch headphones and cut the noise sometimes. Music can of course be fun and medicinal, but silence can really be golden.
Connect with your breath during your practice and throughout the day. Notice how it changes based on the movement you’re doing. Let it soften if you’re in stillness or feeling tense. The breath can ground or sustain you; lift you up or calm you down—in yoga, the breath (prana) is known as “life force” for a reason.
Notice how you feel before, during, and after. Just because we don’t feel 100% awesome 100% of the time doesn’t mean it’s not benefitting both body and mind, but maybe physical actions like walking up stairs or lifting something is less strenuous after a few movement sessions.
Notice how you behave after a movement practice. Get curious about how you’re acting and reacting, or if anything about your mindset and attitude have shifted. Maybe you’re less likely to flip if you’re in traffic or disagree with someone.
Thank yourself for trying; thank your body for everything. Don’t discount your efforts, however big or small. Give thanks for the miracles your body performs every single day, whether you’re moving or in stillness.
Consider the bodies and minds of others. If you have an injury or difficulty, it’s likely that someone else is working with a similar or trickier challenge. If you want to be strong and mobile enough to play with your kids or pets; to garden or hike or bike, know that someone else desires these simple pleasures for themselves, too. Compassion grows when we remember our shared humanity.
We’re not all that different, in the end.
Onward we go to refine & apply our skills
Like my dear friend Sarah shared and reminded me recently: Yoga is Skill in Action.
The first three Yoga Sutras, or philosophical teachings, teach us that yoga—a practice of presence—helps to quiet the “fluctuations of the mind.” This will ultimately reconnect us to our truest self; to “become established” in our “true nature.
This doesn’t mean you have to practice yoga in order to achieve and act with clarity—you can practice yoga simply by paying full attention to your whole experience. You’re practicing a form of yoga simply by becoming aware of your body, breath, thoughts, sensations, or surroundings during any moment or movement practice.
That steady yet fluid awareness can be taken with us wherever we go—it’s not privately reserved for the yoga mat, meditation cushion, or workout space.
We can access that awareness throughout the rest of our lives, and we can continue to refine it through practices like mindful movement.
P.S. Movement practices teach us that we can do hard things, too, which is essential for all things related to being human :)
Reach out if you need support—I offer mindfulness coaching and private yoga for those seeking more stability, mobility, and clarity.
What does physical and mental stability and mobility mean to you?
How might it support you personally, professionally, or in a specific situation?
Take good care of yourselves and each other,
S
Love these invitations for showing up to our practice imperfectly ♥️