Movement Made Meaningful

Creative guidance

We move our bodies to live; learn how to live for moving our bodies.

Roll. Trudge. Fling. Repeat. You are capable of more. 

Humanity feeds off routine; we believe we excel upon monotonous structures. We deprive ourselves of respect by deciding that we cannot cope- staying in a zone of security, reducing our body to its minimal function and blocking our development. We decide our body is not strong enough to move in ways that diverge from our routine. 

As children, we celebrated our body. Appreciation was limitless, so we nourished our mind, body and soul with gratitude by providing the basic foundations for energy and freedom. Empowering ourselves by jumping around in puddles, rolling between sofas and swinging from play equipment. So simple, yet so liberating. 

I cannot remember when this concept became so alien to me; the day I abandoned my needs.  

This blog provides the foundations which allows movement to feel natural, whilst focusing on improving your relationship with yourself. 

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Take yourself out of survival mode.

Human culture has developed via intelligence and creativity, but we have adapted well.  

Our primitive instincts mean our body focuses on energy input and energy output as a part of our human survival. During times of immense stress, the brain releases hormones which reserve energy. Survival mode is a result to an unregulated nervous system, so if you find yourself, unfocused or lethargic, practice somatic coping mechanisms such as: 

• Deep breathing 

• Progressive muscle relaxation 

• Yoga 

• Sensory activities 

• Nature-based activity  

These practices keep your hormones and nervous system balanced; thus, energy will become readily available for exercise.  

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Meet your needs.

To ensure that movement is for enjoyment, we must be emotionally secure- the key is meeting our personal needs.  

Being able to identify, communicate and respond to our needs means we feel more playful, loved and calm. On the other hand, we become sad, lonely and tired when ignored. 

This is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

Self actualization (in blue) is when a person reaches their maximum motivation and thus full potential. However, this cannot be achieved without meeting basic human needs.

Now, identify your missing needs by asking these questions…

• Do you prioritize time for sensual self-care, such as having a warm bath? 

• Are you valuing social interaction? 

• Have you set yourself any short- and long-term goals? 

• Do you nourish your body with enough food? 

• Do you allow your body to rest, and sleep for at least 7 hours daily? 

• Do you have a safe place, such as a bedroom? 

Fill in the gaps, and your mind and body will earn a trusting relationship. 

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Self-esteem

Now that you have the foundations to physiological security, you need to focus on you, your goals and your intentions. Moving your body is a basic form of self respect, and displays as a sign that you love and appreciate yourself. Sadly, many of us neglect our mind, body and soul as we do not feel deserving.

I began by identifying my intentions as this meant I could align myself with my values and goals. Journal each morning with 3 prompts...

How will you treat yourself and others today?

How do you want to feel at the end of today?

What are you excited for today?

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Creative ways to love moving.

MUSIC –  

A pot of pasta in one hand as you twirl over to the sink; wiping your eyes to a heartbreak anthem; tapping your foot to the waiting rooms radio. 

The emotional response music triggers will provide the freedom to express raw emotion with our body. Play music when performing mundane tasks to build a subtle relationship with your mind and body. 

CHANNEL YOUR INNER CREATIVITY –  

By removing athletic pressure to perform to optimum standards, you begin to realise that movement has a deeper artistic and beautiful background. Experiment with writing, painting or colouring and transfer this art into your body with stretches and transitions. 

Discover the art of moving and play with the pallet of variation; each movement looks different with ranging power, strength, stretch and speed. 

MEMORY –  

My younger self was active; my younger self was happy.  

Look through old photos, identifying how you moved your body. Reproduce these feelings by incorporating interests into your routine. Perhaps you liked to run through the fields by your childhood home- visit these fields, practice running stretches, watch running videos and discover movement you enjoy. 

LISTEN –  

Try this high protein diet and here is the most effective gym split. 45 minutes of cardio after work is easy with these supplements- use my code.  

Trends produce profit. Instead, by trusting your body, honoring its needs and listening to the cues it sends you, movement feels natural and allows you to appreciate what your body does for you. Do not get sucked into the claustrophobic expectations the media sets fand listen to your body. 

START SMALL –  

Exercise does not need to be intense or difficult. Mild movement still benefits your heart, hormones and mental health and it is important that you feel comfortable to maintain this healthy habit. As your confidence increases, you will feel a desire to push yourself outside of your comfort zone- trust the process.  

Start in your home, start for five minutes. Be mindful and log how you are feeling both physically and emotionally. When your notes show that you are feeling well, gradually incorporate new regimes such as walking a different route. 

Grace McLoughlin