Sometimes a seated meditation practice doesn’t cut it. For those who get antsy, or who have a busy mind it can come as a relief to know that meditation doesn’t only take place in lotus position on a tufted cushion with the hands ever so gently resting in the lap. Sure, this seated style will achieve a quiet mind, but it’s not the only way!
DOWNLOAD 5 MOVEMENT MEDITATION PRACTICES TO CLEAR YOUR HEAD!
When my mind is so damn active, you know, when the thoughts cry out with urgency one right after the other, a gentle breath isn’t strong enough to clear them out.
Which is why I propose movement meditation.
By connecting the mind and body in movement we can achieve the same results as seated meditation. I’ve tried it myself. It works!
When the thoughts are coming in fast and furious, we may need to engage the body in a bigger way that goes beyond sitting and breathing. Sometimes it takes a foot stomping, heart pounding movement to clear space. By bringing mindful movement into the picture, it adds another dimension for connection — something else to hook up with the breath.
So what does movement meditation look like?
In my apartment, it’s me on a yoga mat allowing my body to follow the breath into expression. Sometimes it’s in yoga (vinyasa = movement + breath), other times it’s more of an improvisational-I-have-no-idea-where-this-is-going type of groove. It’s when the breath guides my mind into the body.
Movement meditation can also be practiced while walking, running, cleaning, playing sports, making art, cooking — and on the dance floor! Basically any kind of action that feels right to you.
It’s a way to move through life fully immersed in the present –the body is calm (while still moving!) and the mind becomes clear.
What’s your experience with movement meditation?
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Way to go, Elysha, Looks like you were really into it.
Agree that meditation should not be bounded by form. Go with the flow to achieve that mind-body connection. Calmness and clarity will follow.
Exactly! And I think many runners get hooked (to running) because of the meditative aspect that can arrive.
I love this idea! I think this is how I have always exercised, just never looked at it that way specifically.
Something about meditation seems so elusive, but I bet there are many – like yourself- who are doing it regularly. It just may not look like what we were expecting.
Running is like meditation therapy for me. Often in the middle of a run when there’s sweat pouring down my face and back and I’m exhausted as nothing else, I break out in a big smile because I feel most like myself in that moment. Like one writer said, we’re not plants – we were made to move.
I love this! And what a great way to explain meditation — it makes you feel most like yourself. I agree…we are meant to move!!