Embodied practice
What does it mean to have an embodied movement practice?
Em-bod-y, a verb, means “be an expression of or give a tangible or visible form to.” What does it mean to be embodied or to have an embodied practice? Being embodied means that you are grounded in your body and allow yourself to notice and observe your emotional feelings and physical sensations present at any given time. In terms of spirituality, you realize you are a spiritual being having a physical experience.
A movement practice is embodied when you have agency over how you move during the practice. You feel and experience a movement in a way that honors your own unique physical structure rather than copying the teacher in front of you or on your screen.
An embodied practice connects your breath to your movement and gives you time to notice or observe the signals it is telling you. For example, when I am trying to perform a yoga pose instead of live in the pose, I find that I hold my breath or take shallow breaths. It helps me to slow down a bit, not to push so hard, and find ease. I give myself grace that my shape in a pose is my own shape, and that’s okay because it’s not about the shape at all. It’s more about how I connect with myself in the moment and how I can practice the various limbs of a full yoga practice, not just asana.
An embodied practice with increased awareness of movement rather than focus on a particular movement pattern allows for a felt experience during the practice. It takes the mind out of being in control of a movement. The practice becomes non-binary in that it is not good or bad, right or wrong, or feeling like you “can do it” or “can’t do it.” When your movement practice is embodied, there is more of a willingness to try, a curiosity of exploring possibility, and less judgement.
Any type of movement practice can be embodied whether it’s yoga, Pilates, dancing, weight lifting, walking, or swimming. There’s too many for me to name! Whatever practice you choose, make it yours.
Tune in to what your body is telling you. It may be the way you’re breathing. Notice the depth, the rate and the ease of your breath. It may be how your body feels. Notice if you feel connected to the ground, if you feel safe, if you are feeling shaky or off-balanced. It may be your nervous system. Notice if you feel your heartbeat speeding up or slowing down. Notice if you feel nauseous, dizzy or lightheaded. Notice if you feel pain.
As you observe and learn the signals your body is telling you and have a more embodied practice, you will become more confident in yourself and how you navigate through situations. You will be more centered and present. You will be more compassionate toward yourself and others. You will approach life with more curiosity. So, my friends, I invite you to get curious, breathe, and get present during any of your chosen ways to move. I’d love to know how that looks for you the next time you practice your preferred movement!
Take good care,
Sharon