Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Exercise and the Emotional Body

Inspirations: To continue to move and inspire others through my own journey to health and wholeness.

Moving the body in a way that is resonate, is an essential component of our health and well-being. It provides us with the energy to move through our lives with ease. There are times when it is best to exercise vigorously and a time for more contemplative and restorative movement.

When the emotional body is under high stress, fatigue and anxiety, going to the gym for a hard core kickboxing or spin class is not the best idea. Initially you will feel a surge of energy flowing through your veins, but by the end of the day, you will be exhausted and depleted. Not just physically but emotionally.

When we exercise from a place of ungroundedness, our bodies respond accordingly. This is something I continue to learn in my own life. For many years, when under stress I would go to the gym, expend an inordinate amount of energy and feel great for about an hour or so. Then the feelings underneath would surface in some way; anger, frustration or sadness.

When we are feeling a bit fragmented, this is an opportune time to go inside. To sit quietly for a few moments and be honest with ourselves. What is really going on? How do I feel? Mind-body movement such as Yoga will put you in touch with your core: emotions and body. What you are feeling verses what you are pushing further within.

What it really comes down to is listening; fully and completely to what you need in each moment. If you surrender your ego to this process, you will feel more relaxed and at peace. This takes practice. As I am a holistic fitness teacher, I am first and foremost a student.

I invite you all lovingly take a breathe before you head out to your busy days and see what you need. The answer may be to go to the park, take off your shoes and walk barefoot ( as Julia Roberts taught Richard Gere in Pretty Woman).

May you all have a very "peaceful" day.

With Love, Denise

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