Finding Peace in the Everyday Life: Finding Peace in Movement

“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” — The Bhagavad Gita.

The Body’s Wisdom

We tend to dissociate our mind from the body as some sort of spirit that would float over the physical package. We even refer to thoughts and feelings as if they were separate beings that don’t take into consideration their being related to a physical self. In reality, though, the mind and body are deeply inside, connected by this incessant inner exchange.

Our bodies react when we are disturbed, anxious, or overwhelmed. Our muscles grow tight, our breathing becomes shallow, and our hearts beat faster. We clench our jaws, furrow our brows, and carry the weight of our anxieties right into our shoulders. On the other hand, a relaxed body often houses a mind that is calmer. A deep breath, a gentle stretch, or a quiet moment of movement will often calm the turbulence of our insides.

The Power of Mindful Movement

Yoga, tai chi, and walking are mindful movement practices that effectively nurture physical and mental health. They invite us to connect with our bodies in a conscious and aware way as we let go of tension and come into awareness, accessing an inner peacefulness that is a state of being and an extended tranquil state. These exercises are not about the execution of a perfect pose or mastery over any particular technique. They are about not only hearing but also honouring the wisdom of our bodies and trying to find harmony between our minds and our body.

Yoga: Connecting Breath and Movement

Originating in ancient India, yoga is a discipline that coordinates physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation into one smooth act of unfolding life energy within the body and mind.

These postures are designed to stretch and strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, enhance balance, and release tension. Each posture is held for a certain amount of time to allow the body to settle into the pose and release tightness. In yoga, much emphasis is placed on taking a gentle approach, being mindful, and listening to our bodies as we make modifications in the poses to honour individual limitations and abilities.

Pranayama, the breath, is an integral part of the practice of yoga in which body and mind are united through conscious breathing. Deep, rhythmic inhalations and exhalations calm the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety and promoting peaceful feelings of serenity.

Yoga is a beautiful dance of motion and stillness, a harmony of breathing and posture that can bring balance and harmony to our physical and mental selves.

Tai Chi: The Evocative Dance of Movement and Stillness

Tai chi is a Chinese martial art that is typified by slow, flowing movements which are beautifully balanced between movement and stillness. The movements are circular and graceful, as if water, or a river if one will, were to be imitated.

Tai chi is not about the strength or speed of the actions but about creating harmony and balance inside. Its goal was also to enhance flexibility, balance, and coordination while relaxing and developing mindfulness. These slow, soft movements can help release tension, improve circulation, and enhance body awareness.

Tai chi is an exercise for every age group and fitness level, which, by using softness as a counterbalance to hardness, helps connect with the body and find peace.

Walking: An Uncomplicated yet Powerful Practice

Walking is one of the most available and effective forms of mindful movement. It does not need any special equipment or training and can be performed anywhere, anytime.

It means walking with intention and observing the sensations that occur in every movement of your body. Observe the rhythm of steps, the feel of feet on the ground, moving arms, and the flow of air through the lungs. Also, be more aware of your surroundings, observing the world with curiosity and appreciation.

Walking can be a very powerful meditation, silencing your mind, connecting with your body, and finding a sense of calm amidst the chaos of everyday living.

The Benefits of Mindful Movement

Regular practice of mindful movement will be able to:

· Reduce stress and anxiety: The soft stretching and rhythmic breathing associated with yoga and tai chi calm the nervous system, releasing tension and encouraging relaxation. Even short walks help clear your mind and alleviate stress while you release built-up energy and find a balance in life.

· Improve sleep: Some mindful movement practices, such as yoga and tai chi, may help in falling asleep more soundly by reducing stress and anxiety; hence, it calms the nervous system. Walking also regulates one’s sleep through the induction of relaxation and a decrease in racing thoughts.

· Improve flexibility and balance: Yoga and tai chi work great on flexibility, balance, and coordination. This will help prevent injuries and also improve mobility. Walking itself, especially on an uneven terrain, is a good balance and coordination enhancer.

· Improve body awareness: Paying attention to the body whilst moving can increase sensations and needs awareness of the body. This may bring forth the realisation that there is tension somewhere that may be improved through posture correction and offer a deeper connection with the physical body.

· Provide a sense of well-being: Through mindful movement, one is able to feel more connected to oneself and nature; one can feel more grounded and centred. It will give rise to thoughts of gratitude for one’s body and increase appreciation for the simplest movement of the human body.

The Invitation

In this chapter, we have learned of the potency of mindful movement practices that help engender a sense of peace and well-being.