Do you ever feel like meditation isn’t your thing? Like sitting cross-legged on the floor trying to quiet your mind is about as much fun as taking out the trash?
I know what you’re thinking! Is there even an alternative to this? Well, I’m here to tell you, there is!
Meditation is classically done seated in stillness. As hard as that can be to learn, you teach yourself to do it and you reap immense benefits from it. However, if this practice is causing you to stress and you roll your eyes every time anyone mentions meditation, well my friend, I’m here to tell you …
There is another way.
Try a Moving Meditation
Get ready to move!
By that, I mean get up, turn on some music, and just start moving your body. If it helps turn off the lights and just move .. without judgment. Then get weird, dance, breath deep, and just completely embody the emotions that come up (just like a traditional meditation). You are giving your body the opportunity to communicate with you. Listen. Sometimes the truth hurts and almost always, it’s liberating. Your cards are on the table for you and only you. Feel, move, breathe, and be empowered to let go.
If you have children at home, wait until they’re asleep or get up early and put in your headphones honoring your time alone. Spouse in the way? Go in the garage or lock yourself in the bathroom. (And again, headphones.)
You can make this work anywhere.
For me, there is a magical release that takes place when I’m practicing a moving meditation. If you haven’t found it during a traditional meditation, seek it out in movement. There is no right or wrong to a moving meditation other than trying to stay focused on you. Connect deeply with the breath as you move the body. If movement is your go-to, initiate with the breath, and be empowered that you have found a new way to experience the benefits of mediation. You are allowed to dance, to do some yoga postures, to make it all up as you go along.
Don’t Let Fear Sabotage Your Practice
With that, I encourage you to disconnect from the fear that will try to hijack your space and steal your liberating moment.
Am I doing this right?
This is weird.
I’m stopping.
What am I even doing?
The list goes on. BUT you know very well that the reasons you attempted this in the first place are probably equally as long. Give yourself grace in the “learning to let go” process. You are human and this is a journey. On THIS journey my friend, you are leading. Is it scary? Yes. Is it rewarding? Yes. So why the heck not?
The Benefits of Movement
Moving meditation is a somatic intervention. Somatic intervention is a technique that helps discharge the body of tension and interrupt feelings of fear, lack, stress, anxiety, etc. through the act of movement. Add that to all of the benefits of traditional meditation and you’ve got one amazing mindfulness practice on your hands.
For me, diving into moving meditation felt like I had my power back. It felt like I was in the front seat. My truth, my power.
Ready to try a new way to meditate?
It’s time to get moving.
Jessica Hendry is a Wellness Leader, Barre Instructor, 500 RYT, and the Founder of Honey Bee Sweat Virtual Barre & Wellness Studio. She specializes in empowering people while honoring their career, lifestyle, and mental health. Sign up for her free ebook and monthly tips at https://www.honeybeesweat.com.
