Embracing Movement and Self-Awareness through Body Scanning: Mind-Body Tools
In a recent group visit featuring expert guest speaker, Lauren Marchefka, NP with the Amen Clinics, we discussed the integral role of movement in our daily lives and its profound impact on our physical, emotional, and mental health. Lauren led us in a vibrant discussion that delved into the nuances of our energetic systems and how various forms of movement can augment our overall wellbeing. She also walked participants through a healing, mind-body activity referred to as Body Scanning.
Understanding Our Energetic Systems
Our bodies are magnificent entities powered by intricate systems. From electrical impulses in our brain to chemical exchanges involving sodium, potassium, and magnesium, every element plays a vital role in keeping our body in sync. Beyond the obvious, systems like the lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, and energy systems are foundational to our movement and health. Keeping these systems in balance is key.
Movement: A Personal And Communal Experience
Discussion participants shared personal preferences and experiences with movement, highlighting the diversity of options available to us all. Activities ranged from bicycling and breakdancing to the traditional Hulu dance form from Micronesian culture. Whether moving in solitude or within a community setting, each form of exercise offers unique benefits, from improving balance and coordination to fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Clinical studies underscore the advantages of group exercises like yoga, Tai Chi, and dance. Such activities harness collaborative energy, prompting participants to persist and invest more energy together, ultimately enriching the experience.
The Power Of Voluntary And Involuntary Movement
Movement can be voluntary—actions like walking, running, or dancing—or involuntary, like breathing and digestion. Both kinds contribute distinctively to our health. Simple acts like tapping into fine motor skills or engaging in techniques like dry brushing or lymphatic massage can invigorate our systems.
Energetic movements, such as Reiki or breathwork, and possibly even psychedelic-assisted therapy, can provide profound healing potential. Tailoring movements to our goals—be it cardiovascular health, flexibility, or mental balance—can amplify their benefits.
Body Scanning: A Pathway To Self-Awareness
The body scan is a tool to cultivate self-awareness and mindfulness. It encourages checking in with our body, identifying areas of tension or discomfort, and engaging in self-care practices like tapping and massaging. Participants shared their experiences, recounting sensations and emotions that surfaced during the scan, and reflected on unexpected physical and emotional revelations.
Embracing Our Bodies And Letting Go
As our conversation unfolded, it became clear that many of us harbor emotions within our bodies, often unconsciously. Practices like body scanning and exercises rooted in Chinese medicine reveal how emotions often correlate with specific organs, shedding light on novel paths to healing. Participants noted the significance of letting go, releasing pent-up emotions, and reveling in self-love and acceptance.
The dialogue also highlighted the cultural differences in how physical touch and self-care are perceived and practiced across the globe—and the importance of embracing discomfort and unfamiliarity to advance personal growth.
Our exploration into the world of movement underscores its essential role in reinforcing our mental and physical health. By checking in with our bodies, like through body scanning and engaging in diverse forms of movement, we can address stress, enhance mindfulness, and pave the way for a more balanced and fulfilling life.
We invite you to join us on this journey to explore the wonders of movement. Whether in solitude or groups, in stillness or vibrant dance, let’s embrace the transformative power of being in tune with our bodies. Let’s make movement a central element of our wellbeing journey, nurturing both body and soul.
