Intuitive Movement - Listening to Our Body’s Cues

Intuitive movement is simply using our learned knowledge as well as our intuition of what our body needs to stretch and exercise in a way that works best for us individually. Many of us by now have taken a yoga or Pilates class, worked with a trainer, or followed an expert on YouTube. And without even realizing it we’ve probably already integrated much of that knowledge when we are doing a home or gym work out.

Following a stretching class online you may find you are lagging behind the instructor or looking up at the screen pulling you out of the correct posture. With intuitive movement you can turn off the screen and use the myriad of movement concepts you’ve learned in your lifetime to give your body exactly what it’s craving- staying longer in those stretches that feel so good, and repeating that a few more times until those tight muscles are fully relaxed. Take the time to breath slowly into those muscles groups and areas that need attention, and close your eyes to focus deeply.

Intuitive movement can be done at home or at the gym wherever you feel most comfortable. Listen to your body and stay a little longer where it calls for you to. Sometimes by ignoring time limits or other experts you may find you get into a rhythm and actually stay longer. (For some of us, this doesn’t work and we completely understand!) Tuning deeply into the body is a great way to shut out racing thoughts and actually give the mind a rest, and it has the added benefit of hearing exactly what our body needs. For example, if that gentle twist feels great, stay a little longer and repeat the motion one or two more full rounds. If the recumbent bike and your music are giving you great energy stay for another song or two, or if your neighborhood walk is feeling so peaceful and you are enjoying looking up at the beautiful sky take a different or longer route than usual. When we ease in, instead of forcing ourselves we may find we can go deeper into the places we are happiest. Or if you feel you want to try this but need some extra support, we would love to suggest you consider more tips from Amy Weintraub and her Yoga for Mood card deck.

If you love pushing hard at the gym or in a class then have at it! This concept might not be for everyone. Some people that may particularly benefit are those that may have had a tendency to overdo things in the past such as a history of crash diets, bingeing, or extreme workouts. Using intuitive movement to listen to the body, and take care of it with a gentle loving intention can be an act of kindness gratitude and self-compassion. We’ve been granted a physical vessel; thanking it and taking care of it can help us come into more balance with our self-image and improve our relationship with our body. (Here’s a podcast on learning to love yourself with Tara Brach that you may enjoy also.)

Start with a moment of quiet, maybe even laying in bed in the morning. Checking in with ourselves and keeping in mind our schedule for the day, consider what would be realistic and supportive for my day? Maybe 15-20 minutes of stretching with music and along with some morning coffee or tea, and a 15 minute walk at lunch so that I take a break from my desk. Allowing ourselves to choose what works within our schedule, what feels right for our own body and setting an intention just for today, we may find more sustainable and more likely to be implemented longer term.

If this resonates for you, we hope you will give it a try.