Here are some thoughts and questions that could make a big impact on the quality of your long and happy life. I sincerely hope they will help to set you up for a beautiful, joyful and productive new year. And please feel free to share these with your friends, family, students, and other loved ones, enjoy!
The body is your home for your entire life. From birth to death, your body is your constant companion. And yet, sometimes we don’t feel comfortable or at home in our own skin. How about right now? How are you feeling? Tired, stiff, achy, weak from an illness or injury, disconnected, numb, or just vaguely “not so good.” No matter what’s going on, it’s always possible to pause and check-in. Just for a brief moment, in the middle of any activity. Reconnecting with your body and awakening your sensory feelings can in small ways add up to big life-altering experiences.
The goal of reconnecting with your body is twofold:
One reason is to sense your body’s comfort or discomfort and adjust accordingly. Do I need a glass of water? Go to the bathroom? Step away from your computer? Really basic physical things are regularly ignored. When you pause and check-in, you can stop ignoring them:))
The second reason to pause and check-in is to awaken your awareness to the present moment. Rather than worrying about the future or fussing about the past it’s possible to experience what’s important to you right now. As Joseph Campbell said, ‘The meaning of life is to experience it, not think about it!!’
My invitation for you is to PAUSE…listen to your body and enjoy whatever you feel.
Body Movement
Your body is designed to move and to enjoy moving. Body movement is not just when you are in a yoga or exercise class a few times a week. Your body is in constant motion all day, every day – from the smallest eye blink to a big burst of energy – you are in constant motion even when you’re asleep. All the studies show exercise has lots of health benefits, right? Yet, yoga, the gym, crossfit… may not be for you.
What movement feels good to you? Do you like to dance? Do you enjoy walking in nature? Meandering through a museum? Chasing your kids around the yard? Biking, hiking, running, skipping? There are no movement/exercise programs that are right for everyone – find ones that you enjoy and…enjoy them, often! Believe me, when you enjoy it, you’ll find yourself doing it more often. Start small and repeat often. Like anything, the more you do it the easier it becomes. And when you bring joy into the equation, you’ll be unstoppable!
Let’s talk about pleasure!
Contrary to some archaic religious beliefs, pleasure is a really good thing. When you enjoy an experience, your stress levels (cortisol) drop. Your mood and energy goes up (dopamine). Your digestion functions better. Your feet, jaw, shoulders and hands relax (no more fight or flight). Your whole body feels good and is clinically healthier.
Pleasure is all about stimulating the senses. And your body’s job is to sense the world, within and all around.
• To see beautiful sunsets.
• To smell wonderful fragrances
• To hear inspiring music.
• To taste delicious tastes.
• To be touched, held and caressed.
We thrive with pleasure. Seek it out daily, like medicine, take your daily dose.
Change is inevitable. Now, how do you wish to collaborate with the inevitable? How do you wish to cooperate with your body’s changes in 2020 and beyond? No matter what’s going on, it’s never too late to reconnect with your body. Make small changes. Be kind. Be gentle. Begin today.
Want to join me, physically every month? Check out my wake up your body and quiet your fears MINI-RETREAT movement group. Check it out here.
With Big Love and Gratitude,
– Melissa
info@melissamatsonmoves.com