Welcome Radiant Being!
Recently, there has been a lot of talk about consciousness, awareness and spirituality, and there is a wave of deepening understanding around what it means to live more consciously. But what exactly does 'Conscious Movement' mean?
In this part of the journey, we are going to explore the term in relationship to the ancient practices of Yoga & Qi Gong. While there are many ways to move the body consciously, what sets these Eastern practices apart from other forms of movement is the intention that is behind them. They are not simply forms of physical exercise, but a richly nourishing way of addressing not only the physical body, but the subtle energies that may not be visible to the eye, but are an intrinsic part of the human experience nonetheless.
So, let's zoom in and consider conscious movement a little closer now...
Firstly, we must understand that there is a difference between movement as purely exercise, and 'conscious movement'. When we move the body with awareness, we are inviting a gentle and holistic approach to not just the physical body, but the entire human biofield. This includes the breath, mind, emotional, energetic and spiritual bodies as well. This holistic approach to health & wellness brings profound benefits when it comes to finding overall balance.
Conscious movement reminds us of our wholeness. It is a journey back to full body connectivity and allows us to unwind patterns that might otherwise be overlooked.
In this way we are listening to the deeper wisdom of the heart (as well as the gut), which involves tapping into our intuitive side, so as to move with confidence and awareness, rather than simply ticking off a fitness goal. When we remain consciously engaged and present while we move our body, we are able to respond to the subtle cues it's sending us, to not only deepen our receptivity and capacity to learn, but to also keep the practice safe and nourishing.
Have you ever gone to the gym and put on your headphones or watched TV at the same time, for example, as though your body is somehow separate from your mind and both can run off and play on their own? Or perhaps you have taken a walk along the beach while talking on the phone? This is one approach to health, to multi-task so as to fit more into your daily schedule, but unfortunately it is often counterproductive, and is likely to be creating more tension and stress by unwinding your sense of inner connectedness. To move through your day with mindful presence and ease is truly satisfying and speaks to the deeper yearnings of your being on a complete, holistic level.
Why move consciously?
Your full presence and a commitment to simplifying and slowing down is the key to unlocking the deeper wisdom that lies beyond words, thoughts and actions. To respectfully listen to the wisdom of your body, and to follow its innate guidance, rather than making the body a slave, is the key to unlocking the mystery of imbalance and disease. If you are somewhere other than in the unfolding present moment, you will often miss many of these subtle insights that will arise from a place of calm, focused mindfulness.
Energy flows where your awareness goes.
Your approach to your self-care and overall health deserves the respect of your full attention, and in this way you will understand that there is great value in working smarter, not harder. You will be focusing your energy in a more efficient and potent way, that will enhance balance (supporting homeostasis), replenishment and deep nourishment of your cells. Conscious movement is the cultivation of effortless power, of inner confidence, stability and ease. By moving and going about your day more mindfully you will become more familiar, compassionate and accepting of your body, mind, spirit and circumstances just as they are, rather than forcing an outcome that is derived from a place of judgement and expectation. To slow down and listen deeply is a simple yet profound skill that will guide you through your daily life from moment to moment.
When you pay attention to the present moment, the future will take care of itself.
With this approach, life itself becomes the meditation and the practice. There is something so empowering about taking charge of your health & wellbeing by opening the doors to inner awareness, and not just relying on external 'fixes'. Think of it as not only a workout, but a work-in
The Metaphysical connection
Did you know that every thought you have lands somewhere in the body as sensation?
If those thoughts are negative you may be physically feeling areas of tension, imbalance, pain or inflexibility, which may lead to dis-ease on some level. While you might not be aware of it, the effects of your thoughts at any given time will be landing in your cells on some level, so aim to keep things calm and accepting of what is, rather than labelling experiences as good or bad. Approaching thoughts with curiosity rather than judgement is a key aspect of mindful movement. The upside is that it is often easier to release mind-made stress and tension via the body when we move gently and with love, rather than trying to work things out in the mind, through an exhausting cycle of repetitive words, thoughts and beliefs. Think of it as more of a slow dance with your emotions, than a wrestling match with your mind.
Learning to wisely discern when to shift from the domain of the mind to the domain of the breath or body can be the key to unlocking and releasing tension more easily. In other words, when to get out of your head and into your body. Aim to release those thoughts, stories, emotions and beliefs that are tying you in knots by simply moving your body, and see what happens!
Conscious movement allows the graceful flow and release of all that is no longer serving you, and creates space for flexibility, nourishment, growth and new learning. The best part is, it’s free! There is no training or prerequisites, and it doesn’t have to look a certain way either. If it feels good, it is good for you! And if you can breathe you can move consciously.
When the body is at ease the mind will also flow along with ease.
Have you noticed how your body tenses up when you are stressed or angry? How does your body respond to a calmness of the mind? Both are intrinsically linked, with the breath being the bridge that unites all. It is impossible to be physically relaxed and have tense thoughts simultaneously. Try it!
The graceful union of body, mind, breath and spirit enhances focus and begins to address the habitual busyness of the ‘monkey mind’. When we have a calm, focused mind we feel peaceful and content, and begin to see the world through a different lens. One that clearly shines the light on our inner truth and purpose. From this place we are empowered to tap into the wisdom of the Self, rather than continually reaching outwards for guidance and help.
This is what makes practices such as Yoga, Qigong and Tai Chi different from simply exercising. They involve a holistic and spiritual approach to movement, and a beautiful union of the mind, body and breath, as well as honouring the connection to the universal consciousness. Recognition of the ‘Other’.
How are Yoga & Qi Gong related?
Both yoga and Qi Gong are broad terms that encompass a wide range of techniques and practices aimed at cultivating and harnessing the flow of vital life force energy. The term yoga means “to yoke” or “unite” your body, mind and spirit, as well as uniting with the universal consciousness, while Qi Gong translates to “energy work.”
Qi Gong is similar to Yoga in many ways, and is often referred to as Chinese Yoga.
Both these Eastern practices involve the cultivation of energy in the body through movement, breath work, and meditation.
The fundamental belief underlying both Yoga and Qi Gong is the existence of a vital life force energy that permeates all beings and processes in the world.
In yoga, this energy is referred to as Prana, while in Qi Gong, it is called Qi (chi). The goal of both practices is to cultivate and promote the flow of this energy within the body & mind. Couple that with focused awareness, and you have a potent recipe for creating change and healing.
Yoga and Qi Gong have evolved considerably as they have been introduced to various cultures and modernised. While there are various different approaches and styles within the traditions, both speak the language of holistic healing that involves much more than the physical body structure. The effects of regular practices such as these are experienced on many levels, and are accumulated over time. Much like water trickling through sand, the imbalances and toxins are gradually filtered out and purified. When water is still, it can become stagnant and contaminated, but when flowing it remains pure, cleansed and life giving.
If the body is kept fluid through gentle and intentional movement, toxins and disease are also cleansed and filtered from the organs, muscles, bones, connective tissue, blood and fluids. When the mind is also in peaceful alignment, the overall effects are amplified. The beautiful part is that it's a two-way flow, meaning that the fluidity and flexibility of the body enhances fluidity and flexibility of the mind, and vice versa.
So next time you find yourself disconnecting from your movement or exercise practice, see if you can approach it with a little more conscious awareness, and observe the beautiful alchemy of presence. All it takes is for you to pay attention with intention, and allow the wisdom of your body to shine through, guiding you back to a place of balance, bliss and abundant health that is your birthright.
Just like lifting weights will gradually build your physical muscles, a conscious commitment and regular practice of mindful movement will build the muscle of awareness and resilience, creating long-lasting benefits and feelings of self-empowerment and respect for your miraculous body.
Remember you are a spiritual being having a human experience, and your body really is your temple. May you explore different practices that guide you towards embracing a realistic, gentle, balanced approach to your health, so you may enjoy the abundance you are seeking in your everyday life.
If you'd like to learn more about conscious movement, Yoga, Qi Gong, Mindfulness and Meditation, we run regular classes each week in the Noosa Hinterland. We also offer private or group sessions. Please get in touch with us to learn more.
Until next time, keep smiling and moving joyfully and gracefully through your days...
Kind blessings,
Danielle & Tony xx 🫴🕊💞✨️
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