We have to walk in a way that we only print peace and serenity on the earth. Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet.
-Thich Naht Hahn-
We can learn to become more mindful of our routine movements when we pause taking them for granted. We can learn to attend to our present experience of movement in doing household chores, in preparing ourselves for the day, in preparing or eating a meal, in our posture and all the muscle activations large and small, involved in just sitting, even sitting still. We can learn to attend to our present experience of movement in the process of doing our work, or in play and recreation. We can learn to pay deeper attention to the movements around us in the natural and the manufactured elements of the world around us.
-Thich Naht Hahn-
We can learn to become more mindful of our routine movements when we pause taking them for granted. We can learn to attend to our present experience of movement in doing household chores, in preparing ourselves for the day, in preparing or eating a meal, in our posture and all the muscle activations large and small, involved in just sitting, even sitting still. We can learn to attend to our present experience of movement in the process of doing our work, or in play and recreation. We can learn to pay deeper attention to the movements around us in the natural and the manufactured elements of the world around us.
We are here to move. We are meant to move our bodies, expand our minds, and enjoy life through the five senses. If we are not moving, we are not engaging. Without movement we don't feel well, mentally or physically.
The obvious and well-documented health benefits of movement and exercise have become common knowledge. Now emerging into the scientific realm is the understanding that mindful movement has a huge and positive impact on our health. As many are familiar, Yoga and Tai Chi are two art forms dedicated to mindful movement. The synchronization of intention, breath, and movement is proving to harmonize the systems in our bodies. How wondrous!
There is no need to kill yourselves in exercise, but there is benefit in challenging the body to maintain good health. In fact, pushing too hard contradicts the health benefits of a wholistic exercise routine. Where that line between challenging and harmful movement lies depends upon the individual, and that line shifts frequently. For this reason, it is imperative to remain mindful throughout a practice of tai chi or yoga. YWM offers live weekly mindful yoga practices with Renee, which is a special way to help incorporate mindful movement into your daily life. Discovering how to wield the energies within us into a beautiful balance that produces harmony in the mind and body is an endeavor that will bring great happiness to your life.
The obvious and well-documented health benefits of movement and exercise have become common knowledge. Now emerging into the scientific realm is the understanding that mindful movement has a huge and positive impact on our health. As many are familiar, Yoga and Tai Chi are two art forms dedicated to mindful movement. The synchronization of intention, breath, and movement is proving to harmonize the systems in our bodies. How wondrous!
There is no need to kill yourselves in exercise, but there is benefit in challenging the body to maintain good health. In fact, pushing too hard contradicts the health benefits of a wholistic exercise routine. Where that line between challenging and harmful movement lies depends upon the individual, and that line shifts frequently. For this reason, it is imperative to remain mindful throughout a practice of tai chi or yoga. YWM offers live weekly mindful yoga practices with Renee, which is a special way to help incorporate mindful movement into your daily life. Discovering how to wield the energies within us into a beautiful balance that produces harmony in the mind and body is an endeavor that will bring great happiness to your life.
Energy moves through us, is us, and when we move we are life expressing itself in the present moment.
-Renee Faber-
-Renee Faber-
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Mindful movement is available in many forms. Not all movement has to be under the umbrella of an art form (yoga, tai chi, dance, martial arts...) Simply standing up straight and tall and taking full deep breaths can be a beautiful mindful movement practice. Even as we lie in bed we can be mindful of the subtle movements in our bodies. If we are ill, or are going through treatments for a disease, we can adjust our mindful movements to what is appropriate. The mind/body connection is a true wonder. We affect our bodies through mind's intention. And, in turn, our bodies affect our minds. We can ignite this power from either end: affect the body through mind, or affect the mind through body's movements. This is yoga at its core meaning.
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Walking meditations can be extremely valuable. To pay attention to the lift of our heels and the rock of our feet as our weight shifts, quickly guides us into a meditative state. The next time you go for a walk, leave your phone at home and allow your mind to be with your body and breath as you move gently in a slow stride. Take time to notice the sounds, not just of your shoes, but how your clothes respond to your movement and how the environment's sounds constantly change. Breathe mindfully and fully at first then allow the breath to be very natural, very calm. Ideally, we can find a natural environment to practice mindful walking. Simply being in nature lowers cortisol (stress hormone) in our bodies. But, if you don't have access to a natural environment, mindful walking can be done anywhere; city, neighborhood, city park. YWM offers mindful walks, guided by Steve and/or Renee. Keep your eye on announcements, posted on the weekly offerings page for members. If you are not a member we will announce mindful walks in the YWM sporadical (available to members and non-members).
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Not a member yet? We invite you join our community.
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