Mindful movement

Abstract

It’s week three of the mindfulness-based stress reduction courses I’m currently teaching, and our main work is mindful movement. It’s an interesting week for me as course leader, partly because I don’t connect comfortably with some of the movements we practice. Historically, I tend to enjoy moving the body quickly or not at all. So, I love playing football, partly because the pace of the game gives my body a sense of energy and release, and I love lying and resting in the sunshine, which often brings a feeling of letting go and relaxation. Slow movements, like those in Hatha Yoga or gentle walking, on the other hand? My answer used to be: “No, thank you.”