the power of play

i used to be very ‘precious’ about my yoga practice and teaching. i wanted it to BE and LOOK ‘perfect’….the perfect shape, the perfect verbal cues, the perfect music, a great sequence and amazing answers to any and all questions all delivered with a serious (don’t doubt me vibe) with a matching outfit to boot.

well maybe not the outfit…but i was so intent with getting ‘it’ right that it made me tense. i was on a quest to feel better through yoga but maybe not quite ready to become better at the feeling.

habits take place in the brain and the stories we tell ourselves about our bodies and our own abilities affect the way we MOVE and FEEL every day in our life.

stories like  ‘i am not good enough‘ or ‘ i can’t do that’  or ‘i am not flexible enough to start’ or ‘ ‘i am too tired‘ or  ‘it’s just age-related pain/discomfort‘ or ‘i am too old‘ or ‘i have (old) injuries‘

or,
Or,
OR….

since habits take place in the brain, how might these stories affect the way we are moving and feeling (consciously or not) in our own bodies?

mary bond says ‘your every movement is coordinated by your nervous system. This includes your respiration, digestion and heartbeat, in the way you walk, bend over, the way you wave, smile or frown‘. AND not being aware of how we are really feeling (scared, lonely, isolated, angry, resentful…)  can put the way we are moving and responding to life on autopilot which over time can degrade our posture and health.  NOT to mention our relationship to others AND our connection to our environment.

nothing has changed my perspective on movement and teaching (and dare i say my personality) more then incorporating PLAY into my practice (thank you Spirit Loft). Play is so great for stress relief and mental health and making mistakes and being creative and connecting with others

and,
And,
AND…

we grown-ups need it more than ever!

let me know how you are incorporating more play into your life?
DROP-IN CLASS

Qi MOVEs is a movement class that combines the principles of Chinese medicine targeting channels, organ systems and acupressure with the biomechanics of the body to enhance movement, vitality and self-awareness.

This class takes an integrative approach to movement practice inspired by my studies in Chinese Medicine, yoga, Qi Gong, 5 Rhythms Dance, Spirit Loft’s Movement Lab and other curious ways of moving.

Wednesdays 9:30-10:45 am at Spirit Loft – Toronto
www.spiritloft.com

 

 

Be the change that you wish to see in the world.