Practice: Mindful MovementObjectives
Many practices develop mindful awareness and focus via moving the body – yoga and tai chi are two prime examples. One very simple practice that anyone can do pretty much anywhere is “Ten Mindful Movements”, from the revered meditation teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh. These Tai-Chi based exercises are fairly easy to do, not complicated and don’t take long. You breathe on purpose, you smile on purpose, you move on purpose – slowly, gently, not forcing anything - enjoying yourself as you go along and improving your vagal tone. Who knew? :)
Try a short session of gentle movement done with intentional enjoyment helps the body to loosen up, feelings of stress to ease up, and the mind to clear up. You may find it takes less effort to focus on movement rather than on the stream of thoughtssensationsemotions, etc., coursing through your head. |
Let's Give It a Try
‘Thich Nhat Hanh - Ten Mindful Movements’ Here's the esteemed meditation teacher Thich Nhat Hanh demonstrating a series of 10 'Mindful Movements'. Go full screen and follow along. If it's hard to make out what he's saying, view it on YouTube and turn on closed captioning to get the most out of his quiet instructions. Notice his smile and the easy grace of his movements.
Resources
- ‘10 Mindful Movements’ handout
- Excerpt from Thich Nhat Hanh’s 2008 book, “Mindful Movements: Ten Exercises for Well Being”