We Move

What does movement mean?

move·ment

NOUN

1. an act of moving:

"a slight movement of the body" · 

2. a change or development:

"the movement towards greater sexual equality" · 

3. a group of people working together to advance their shared political, social, or artistic ideas:

"the women’s movement"

Recently I have been hiding from movement of all kinds feeling stuck, a little frozen you might say, both physically and mentally. 

I feel like I have fallen out of love with exercise, which for me has always been my go-to for years now. 

When I feel like this, I know the best thing to do is move both in the sense of physical movement, a walk, a run, a gym class and also make a mental move,a decision, a plan, and a to-do list!

Movement in the wider sense is always a key feature when I work with clients both on a one-to-one and also in our workshops. As feeling and being stuck can be exhausting and the more exhausted we begin to feel the less likely we are to see the way to move forward toward what we want and need. 

So, what do we do when we feel this way?

1. Move back first 

Zoom out of the situation first to see what you really want to move closer to. Take a moment to consider where you are right now, what got you here and what your gut tells you you need.

For me right now my priority is physical movement. As I know if I can give regular space to physical movement, not only does this help me feel better physically, but mentally it gives me a break, space to think and chemically get my happy hormones moving in the right direction. 

2. Move-in 

Next move in, but now with a little more focus, let’s be specific!

It is important to get as specific as possible. It’s time to ask yourself some clarifying questions (I will be sharing some of these powerful questions on my social media in the next week). 

For example, ask yourself, 

‘What is really getting in the way?’ 

Me, I am prioritising other things and people, and I am letting excuses get in the way.

“How can you prioritise what you need/want?”

Remind myself any movement is beneficial and let go of the idea that only a 45min Spin session counts or is worth it. I can walk the dog, park the car a little further and walk, and do 10mins of stretching. 

Routine and set time aside each day. Use “movement snacking” 5mins here, 10 mins there, building up to moving more. 

‘What else?’ What else is stopping you?

I am a little bored with my gym routine and need to explore some new classes, workout routines or walks. But other than that, it’s just me, I need to ACT.

My clients sometimes say "I have no motivation, I need the motivation to act and I’m too exhausted either mentally or physically to feel motivated."

I get it, but motivation is our lazy friend she only really rocks up once the party has started. It’s action who does all the planning, sets the tone, puts on the playlist, and helps you to feel welcome. Action will create motivation and movement toward what you really want and need. 

3. One move at a time – creates a movement 

It is easy to get overwhelmed when we are thinking ten moves down the line. It can even stop us from getting started altogether. It is great to have a goal, plan, or big picture, but it is important to break that big picture down into small – even tiny – moves. 

What can you do, just today, to move forward?

Take your move and break it down into a 1-year plan, then break that down into the next 6mths, and then into the month. Then create a weekly plan, and then a finally daily to-do list. This way, you can focus on the smaller moves while knowing that you are moving in the right direction.

Come join me over the next few weeks as we look at movement and all its definitions.