Mindful Movement
Introducing a key concept that I refer to in my classes: today’s body.
Mindful movement encourages movers to think about their needs in the present moment. Different from yesterday’s and different from tomorrow’s body. today’s body refers to the whole human experience in this flesh suit of ours. I believe all of our intricate systems are inextricably woven. today’s body includes the mind, it is all encompassing. Whilst we all have ideas of our bodies abilities, I like to create the space for us to gather information from the present moment specifically. When we pause and gather information from the present moment we unknowingly build trust within ourselves. We are asking ourselves how we would prefer to navigate through particular movements, we are giving ourselves choice and demonstrating autonomy.
“Would you like to be in a full plank or would you prefer to have your knees down?”
I encourage these questions all the way through my classes to ensure you are checking in with your body. We need to be reminded to do this, we need to relearn this. Somewhere along the line, many of us lost autonomy over our own bodies. We learnt that other people knew what was best for our bodies and we learnt to completely disregard our own voice in matters of today’s body.
During one of my classes, today’s body is going to help you decide which layers to take in a certain series of movements. By providing clear layers within a series of movements we can support a number of variations that will allow people to feel successful in their movement. Personally, as an instructor I have been working on this one lately. Not only when I plan my class but also when I am demonstrating. For a simple example, if there is an option to be on the knees or toes whilst in a plank, I will choose to demonstrate on my knees so that my Mover’s know that this is a justified position. If you think of all the images we are shown of instructors doing crazy movements or holding positions that are not accessible for the vast majority, what message does that send? Additionally, due to the prevalence of bootcamps that push people way past functional, we have learnt that dropping your knees is ‘weak’ and we should ‘push through it’, but should we? There are many subconscious ‘shoulds’ that come with movement and exercise. There are a lot of feelings of inadequacy often unknowingly reinforced by instructors. Personally, I would much prefer my Mover’s to be in a plank on their knees and actually feel connected to their bodies - wild I know.
This further highlights my role as an instructor - I had to learn when I was ‘flexing’. I had to ask myself ‘Am I only showing and doing the challenging stuff to validate myself as an instructor?’ I sat with that one and had to fight to remain open to it. Once I got over my feelings of assholery, I adapted. I shifted my perspective - this wasn’t about me. This is about my Mover’s and their experience. How does the session make them feel? How can I foster autonomy in classes? How can I create a space that encourages people to go against the current fitness rhetoric of ‘no pain, no gain’? Through my years of Psychology + Counselling studies, I have learnt the power of self-reflection. I have spent almost a decade studying and learning how to create the safest space for my future clients as a Psychologist. Whilst I continue to study, my Mover’s get to reap the benefits of having an instructor that understands their human experience in a way that isn’t taught during a 3-6month fitness certification. I feel so damn grateful for my education, which I know is a privilege not given to everyone. This is why I am dedicated to keeping my Mover’s community as affordable as possible and giving back to marginalised communities. The concept of today’s body also extends to the world in which today’s body lives in.
There are many governing structures that determine how today’s body navigates the world. Our highly individualistic and capitalistic society does not provide equal opportunity for all bodies. Depending on what privileges you were born into, you will experience the world accordingly. A white, cisgendered, thin body is afforded many privileges that BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ or disabled bodies will not be. I think it would have been remiss if this was not acknowledged within a post about today’s body because our bodies do not exist as independent structures. today’s body is influenced by the overarching structures of the society it is in.
These are just some of the ways that we can use the concept of today’s body to rebuild our relationship with ourselves. However, we must not forget that once we have formed that relationship with ourselves and we really start to take up the space that is meant for us, it is then time to reconnect with those around us. To give it back to community. To share our stories with others, to support others and to build others up so we can all live big because there is room for all of our success. This is a point that often gets missed in the striving personal development world - why the hell are we doing all of this ‘work’?...
Personally, I self reflect so that I can:
give it back to community,
share my stories with others, to support others and to build others up so we can all live BIG,
build a room BIG enough for all of our success
Because as the great J. Cole once said “What good is first class if my n***** can’t sit?”
Hugs to you my dear.
