I KNOW! Just the word exercise makes me go blah… It conjures up images of hard work and sweaty gyms and uninteresting treadmills. Not my thing, which makes it blah indeed for me!
But here’s the thing… If exercise beats anti-depressant drugs in reducing depression (which has been found in multiple, replicated studies now) then imagine what HAPPY MOVEMENT can do for you?
Increased Vitality!
Enjoyable movement could mean the joyful look on my dogs faces as I take them for a walk, dancing to the beat of some really good old fashioned rock and roll – learning to dance properly was SUCH fun! Walking out with my horse and using it to develop a better relationship is excellent happy movement, or riding out in the bush, or gentle hiking into an interesting place.
It could be team sports, a walking club, a field naturalists association counting frogs, a yoga studio, pushing an old lady in a wheelchair out for some fresh air, bopping on the lounge, gardening, chopping wood, whatever…
…but it must be enjoyable movement.
Slow down, smell the roses, feel your feet flex and bend as you walk, notice your outward breath and the way that the lower part of your ribs flex inwards as you breath out, soften your eyes with a gentle smile, roll your shoulders, feel your back soften and your posture change and strengthen effortlessly.
And above all? Enjoy…
Photo: I took this photo on a beach in Perth. Do you imagine that the owner of those dogs has any trouble getting herself out into the fresh air and experiencing enjoyable movement? If you’re already out and about, just add the enjoyment and body awareness above, to whatever it is that you do. 🙂
