Why Traditional Meditation Doesn’t Work for Everyone
Symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, trauma, or restlessness can make stillness feel unsafe or frustrating, and traditional meditation stresses that seated, silent meditation is the best form of meditation, so people give up before even beginning.
Many people feel shame when they “fail” at meditation and will state that they’ve tried it with no success, rather than realizing there are many other ways to be present and meditate that don’t use silence and stillness.
What Is Mindful Movement?
Simple, intentional motion that keeps your attention in the present moment. The additional focus on the body’s experience and use of all the senses can create a more embodied and integrative experience.
Mindful movement activities include walking, stretching, yoga, tai chi, or even swaying or dancing to music. Additionally, the positive effects can be maximized with closed eyes.
The Mental Health Benefits of Moving Meditation
- Reduces stress hormones like cortisol, which can improve sleep, feelings of calm, and support overall health and wellbeing.
- Increases emotional regulation and the ability to respond to situations rather than react.
- Builds a sense of safety in the body. The mind and body share a “shell” and need to work together by building awareness of one another and working as a team.
Examples of Movement as Meditation
- Walking slowly and noticing each step as the feet connect to the Earth.
- Gentle yoga with a focus on breath and how to connect the breath to movement.
- Freeform movement to calming music and allowing the body to express itself without any expectation or judgment.
How Therapy Can Help You Explore Mindful Movement
Therapists can guide grounding techniques that incorporate movement and offer suggestions of practices to use between sessions in order to make it a regular part of daily life.
Movement is especially helpful in somatic therapy, trauma work, and for neurodivergent clients, but all clients can benefit greatly from it.
Ready to Try Movement as Meditation?
Please reach out now to schedule a consultation and explore therapeutic approaches that include mindful movement, so that you can experience the benefits.
