Movement, Flow & Fitness
Movement, Flow & Fitness
Mindful Movement
By Donna Lee Humble
If you dread exercise, resistance can show up in many forms
too sick, too tired, and too busy.
And knowing that it's good for you does nothing to motivate you.
To top it off, inclement weather requires more than
a little nudge to get you moving.
Or possibly you are on the other end of the spectrum -
you delight in exercise to the extent that your wardrobe is
built around running shoes and yoga leggings.
Under exercising as we all know is not healthy, while over exercising may stress your joints and bones to the point of injury.
So where is the balance?
Leading alternative health experts agree that oxygenating the body,
fueling for energy with whole foods and pure water.
emotional stress release, and cellular detoxification
are essential for disease prevention.
All aspects of my Higher Self Care Holistic Wellness Program.
There are many ways to oxygenate your body.
Open the windows, keep plants in your home, eat greens, and
practice deep breathing.
However, the best way, by far, to oxygenate your body
is to incorporate movement on a daily basis.
Maximize the Benefits
Studies show that by moving with conscious attention you get more
out of your workout as well.
In his book, Savor, Thich Nhat Hanh states;
“Being active is one of life's miracles, from playing with our children, to climbing a mountain peak.
It helps us focus our minds and get in touch
with our senses and it is one of the best and easiest ways to practice mindfulness in our daily lives. The systematic and deliberate nature of exercise, whether it's walking, lifting weights or doing yoga,
grounds us in the moment and connects us with our thoughts,
what we're seeing, hearing, and feeling.
"Physical activity can become an anchor in our day”
Eating unconsciously has been proven to decrease metabolism and the ability to assimilate nutrients, so when we fall into that same pattern with exercise while being preoccupied—such as
T.V., texting or reading—we may not glean optimal results.
The aware mind plays such a role that it's been scientifically proven that if you imagine exercise you get nearly the same benefit.
While consciously exercising the muscle is
refined 22% more than if you were mindlessly exercising.
Thank your fitness instructor and yoga teacher for verbally walking you through every movement.
Other cultures walk, carry water, chop wood out of necessity, and remain stronger and healthier longer. Learning this fact helped me to embrace yard work, forego the cart
when shopping, happily taking the stairs, and even carrying out mundane household chores.
I made a game out of it and "exercised“ my way through
spring cleaning last year.
My husband was thrilled that I happily began mowing the lawn as well.
I even began using a standing desk.
I am quite certain that my brain performs better too.
A Wake-Up Call
When I embraced exercise in my 20's, I was on the other end of the spectrum. My life was filled with drama and insanity.
Along with poor eating habits, I coped with life by over exercising.
I was also addicted to the runners high, as well as rock climbing, softball, tennis, and teaching multiple aerobics classes.
My whole world consisted of working out.
It hit me one day that I was using exercise to literally
run away from my problems.
Nearly a decade l after, I was forced to take a long hard look at how this imbalance was affecting my health, my relationships, and my sanity.
I had to reset.
At that point, I simply stopped all
exercise because it inevitably led to overdoing.
After a time, I allowed myself to hike instead of run, to do 15 minutes of abdominal work instead of an hour, and let go of
teaching fitness classes altogether.
Through the Higher Self Care coaching program I was able heal the exercise compulsion that was driving me and to thankfully,
begin my journey toward self loving practices.
I am happy to say that exercise now brings me peace and joy without the risk of injury. I can enjoy movement mindfully and check inside
for how much and what type of movement suits me in a given day.
Today I am happy to revel in a yoga class or simply go hiking in nature breathe the fresh air and absorb the sunshine.
Taking little steps may try your patience as well as a tendency to lose sight of your goal. The amygdala is a section of the brain that is responsible for detecting fear and preparing for emergency events.
The amygdala activates w hen you make big changes, it throws you
into fight or flight and you invariably end up giving up on your big resolve. However, when you take small steps consistently,
you ’re on your way to real lasting doable life changes.
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So why does exercise feel good?
Of course, the hard part is getting started for most of us.
After you get past the initial resistance to movement,
why does this high occur?
As your heart pressure increases, the brain thinks you are either
fighting the enemy or fleeing from it.
To protect yourself and your brain from stress, you release a protein called BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor).
This BDNF has a protective and also reparative element to your
memory neurons and acts as a reset switch.
That’s why we often feel so at ease and things become
clearer after exercising, which eventually is accompanied
by a happy, almost high feeling.
To get past the initial resistance to move the body, I make it fun right off the bat by putting on some music and dancing.
Then I'm fired up to do more.
My favorite “do any where, anytime” exercise is rebounding on a mini trampoline.
Remember the forbidden joy of bouncing on the bed when you were a child? It just feels fun after a few minutes.
These rebounders are inexpensive and easy to store.
The Queen Exercise
Rebounding literally increases the gravitational pull on the body.
At the top of the bounce the body becomes weightless for a split second.
At the bottom of the bounce the body receives as much as 2 G’s force.
This increased pull causes the cells to tone and strengthen themselves.
Bones become denser all muscles, organs, and tissues become stronger.
Lastly, it's FUN!
Whether exercise is dreaded or delighted, there is no question once you get your body moving your mood will elevate.
❖ Oxygenate by starting with small steps for sustainable practices.
❖ You are unique; design your routine around what you love and enjoy most.
❖ Breathe mindfully into your muscles to get more out of your workout.
❖ Remember to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
Yes, you can acquire tools and practices that undo the old way of thinking and form healthier perspectives.
Take the next step to more clarity and direction to overcome negative thinking for good.
Claim your complimentary session today!
Donna Lee Humble
Donna Lee Humble
Donna Lee Humble is a Holistic Health Practitioner who focuses on the body-mind, emotions and spiritual approach to life. She specializes in bioenergetic testing and emotional release techniques to address the body as a whole and help achieve optimal health.
