How are we doing today, friends? We’ve got another discussion thread about living well today! As I write this, I’m coming off a period of non-stop movement. I’ve spent the last few weeks training, backpack camping, dancing, running, and trying to do a handstand (with limited success).
I’ve become obsessed with the power of movement (especially new, unfamiliar movement) to heal the mind/body connection after reading Bessel Van Der Kolk’s The Body Keeps The Score.
So today, I want to talk about movement. Here’s the question(s) of the day:
What physical movements bring you the most joy? What movements are you learning or would like to learn that you feel would improve your life?
for me, it’s always going to be lifting as heavy as humanly possible for me. Lifting weights is my passion, it instils some sort of primal warrior mentality in the moment and the satisfaction of that physical movement for me is unmatched. Recently hit a 180kg (400lb) deadlift for three reps and a 110kg (245lb) bench press for two reps.
I put dumbbell weights in it (I "glued" them together). The weight should be close to the back for good posture, so I put the weights in the laptop compartment.
Dancing! It's something I've always loved but never practice because I'm "terrible" at it. Turns out it took me 20 years to learn not to care about being good, and just enjoying the movement. Right now I'm taking Jazz lessons, but I really want to get into Contemporary and HipHop!
That's awesome! Dancing is SO important :) I was just doing country swing with my sister the other day, and looking to take salsa lessons in Costa Rica!
Given that the majority of my life is behind me, the movements which continue to sustain my being are walking/rambling and the sheer luxury of deep yoga like stretches. My body feels good, my mind nods off and my emotions are peaceful.
Walking is always a joy, I find that I do my best thinking when ambling around country lanes near my home. On the other end of the spectrum is intense HIIT training, the sort that makes you want to curl up on the floor and give up. In the moment it is awful, but knowing that you pushed yourself to the edge is an amazing feeling. Truthfully, I exercise a lot because when my body is tired I find it much easier to rest and sleep, quietening my noisy brain.
I really like this idea Ben. It's so important to be able to be intense and relaxed alternatively because life happens between those two extremes. I can very much relate to the noisy brain :)
for me, it’s always going to be lifting as heavy as humanly possible for me. Lifting weights is my passion, it instils some sort of primal warrior mentality in the moment and the satisfaction of that physical movement for me is unmatched. Recently hit a 180kg (400lb) deadlift for three reps and a 110kg (245lb) bench press for two reps.
Ohhh very nice my friend! I'm impressed. That's double my latest bench :)
I really like rucking - walking or hiking with a heavy backpack. I tried running but my knees can't handle it...
Currently I carry about 35 lbs (16 kg) backpack.
Ohhhh yeah I've heard of this! Do you just load yourself down with food?
I put dumbbell weights in it (I "glued" them together). The weight should be close to the back for good posture, so I put the weights in the laptop compartment.
Oh whoa! That's an intense way to hike, but I support it :)
Dancing! It's something I've always loved but never practice because I'm "terrible" at it. Turns out it took me 20 years to learn not to care about being good, and just enjoying the movement. Right now I'm taking Jazz lessons, but I really want to get into Contemporary and HipHop!
That's awesome! Dancing is SO important :) I was just doing country swing with my sister the other day, and looking to take salsa lessons in Costa Rica!
Given that the majority of my life is behind me, the movements which continue to sustain my being are walking/rambling and the sheer luxury of deep yoga like stretches. My body feels good, my mind nods off and my emotions are peaceful.
I'm learning to appreciate the stretching and basic strength building that yoga offers more and more, Liza :)
Jiujitsu. I'd like to learn more yoga and mobility
Haha you were doing awesome while we were camping, if I remember :p
slow flowing movements be it yoga, dancing, swimming, mimicking... my favourite though is hiking mountains.
Where are you based paula? My friends and I just completed a four-day hike :) slow flow is so important for building full-body strength
I am based in Lisbon, Portugal. :) Happy to help should you come to this part of the world.
Walking is always a joy, I find that I do my best thinking when ambling around country lanes near my home. On the other end of the spectrum is intense HIIT training, the sort that makes you want to curl up on the floor and give up. In the moment it is awful, but knowing that you pushed yourself to the edge is an amazing feeling. Truthfully, I exercise a lot because when my body is tired I find it much easier to rest and sleep, quietening my noisy brain.
I really like this idea Ben. It's so important to be able to be intense and relaxed alternatively because life happens between those two extremes. I can very much relate to the noisy brain :)
Interesting! I've never heard of open focus, but I'd love to know more! How did you stumble on it? Is it a kind of moving meditation?