Movement Medicine: Embracing the Healing Power of Expression
today I want to dive into a topic that's near and dear to my heart: the profound connection between movement and emotional well-being.
From dancing out pre-teen angst to the tunes of Maroon 5's "Songs About Jane" in my room, to recognizing the therapeutic potential of movement, I've always understood the power of expressing emotion through our bodies.
In a world bombarded with messages about changing our bodies to fit certain ideals, we're on a mission to redefine movement. It's not just about physical transformation; it's about reclaiming our bodies, moving with purpose, and expressing ourselves to the fullest.
Processing Emotion through Movement
Walking as Emotional Medicine: Let's start with the basics – walking. It's a miracle medicine for processing emotions, especially those linked to depression and anxiety. Correct walking engages bilateral cross-crawl, where opposite arm-to-leg movements activate specific brain functions. This movement helps transfer emotionally-charged thoughts from the amygdala to other parts of the brain cortex.
Other activities that incorporate bilateral cross-crawl include hiking, running, crawling, swimming, cross-country skiing, rollerblading, or skating. By engaging in these movements, we facilitate the transfer of fear responses from the amygdala, contributing to healthier emotional processing.
Unpacking Unprocessed Emotions: Our bodies hold a myriad of unprocessed emotions, from fear and anger to joy and wonder. Societal norms often discourage us from expressing these feelings openly. Emotions are meant to be transient, guiding us toward our truths and divine paths.
As we live increasingly sedentary lives, we also grapple with heightened levels of fear, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and disconnection. The undeniable link between our bodies, movement, and emotional processing cannot be overlooked. It's time to honor and celebrate this relationship.
Movement is Medicine: Your Birthright
Our bodies are designed to move, and movement is our birthright. As we engage in physical activity, we foster holistic well-being – physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It's not just about the aesthetics; it's about nurturing our soul's physical vessel.
So, let's make a collective commitment to move with intention, to embrace the therapeutic power of expression, and to celebrate the incredible synergy between our bodies and emotions. Join me on this journey of redefining movement as medicine and honoring the profound connection between body and soul.
Need a guide on your path to movement? Click here to book a call and begin the journey together.
With love and movement,
Coach Hannah