Recently on my walk I was very aware of how people were walking and running and I began to notice their posture and style. I am used to looking at people’s posture as I have been teaching yoga and general exercise for many years, but I had not until that day realised how unsupportive many people’s running/walking posture and style actually is. I felt into how I was walking that morning – effortlessly, lightly and joyfully. I felt like the seagulls I had observed earlier, sitting on the sea, and then gliding along the sea effortlessly – almost like stillness in motion.
Do we ever observe our posture or style whilst running, walking or exercising generally?
We each have a unique walking, running, and exercising posture and style, some of which support us and some that can be harmful to our bodies. For example:
- Leaning over to the left or right, so that one side of the body (head, neck, shoulder and hip) is lower than the other side, and therefore contracted
- Leaning forwards or backwards, which strains the lower back (at least)
- Lifting the shoulders up and/or rolling the shoulders in, which puts pressure on the trapezius muscles, shoulders, neck and breathing
- Having more weight on one leg and hip, which leads to muscle imbalance
- Limping, or rolling one foot in or out
- Chin poking forward or jaw tight
- Tight hips and/or knees rolling in
- A heavy heel strike or a flat foot.
Such postures and styles can feel extremely uncomfortable, bringing tension to the body, and may even lead to chronic pain or injury.
Perhaps we do not notice we are doing these things, especially when we are distracted such as when we are listening to music, talking on our phones or talking animatedly to someone; or perhaps we do notice but push on, regardless of how our posture, style or behaviour may be affecting our body – regardless perhaps, even of pain!
I used to exercise without regard to my body – to my posture, my style, or how my body was feeling… I was aware of the pain sometimes, and cramping – such as towards the end of a 100km bike ride – but I ignored the pain and pushed on.
So is it possible to start to correct poor posture, style or behaviour whilst exercising?
When I commenced studying with Universal Medicine, I started to bring more awareness to my body and to the quality of my movement, and I began connecting to how I felt on the inside, before I moved. Was I feeling tense or anxious, rushing around, with my mind all over the place, or was I feeling a deep connection such that I felt centred and quite still?
By bringing my focus to the quality of being in my body before I started to exercise, and by developing that relationship first, I was then able to take that connection and focus into the exercise. Therefore I knew if and when my posture, style and behaviour whilst exercising were supporting or harming my body. This awareness enabled me to make choices that were more supportive.
For example, I now:
- Ensure I breathe through my nose (when I start to breathe through my mouth whilst exercising, I know I need to stop or slow down whatever I am doing)
- Walk instead of run, to protect my knees, shins and ankles
- Observe my feet, e.g. am I limping or rolling my feet out or in?
- Release any tension I feel in my body – for me this usually means I consciously drop my shoulders and unclench my jaw
- Open my pelvis
- Have an elongated posture, by drawing the crown of my head away from my feet
- Have a neutral neck (with my chin under my nose, rather than sticking out or up)
- Lift and open my chest
- Have equal weight through my feet.
How different my body feels now whilst exercising, and afterwards! I no longer get a build-up of lactic acid in my muscles, so they recover well from the exercise because I observe my posture and style and let my body guide me as to when I have exercised enough. I do not get cramps whilst exercising (from over-exertion). My body no longer aches from over-exercising or from exercising in a way that is not supportive. For example, I don’t have tension in my lower back or neck from exercise (I used to get this tension a lot, especially when long-distance cycling, hunched up over the handlebars for long periods).
Simply being aware of our posture and style whilst exercising, and allowing our body to guide us, can make a huge difference to how we feel and how we enjoy exercising.
This article is inspired by the magic of God, the teachings of Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine, and by Kate Greenaway, an Esoteric Healing practitioner and physiotherapist.
By Anne Scott, Accredited Yoga Teacher, Fitness Instructor, Mediator and Esoteric Healing Practitioner, Auckland, New Zealand
Further Reading:
Your body tells the truth
Exercise – it doesn’t need to be hard work
Exercise for Health and Connection – from an Exercise Physiologist
My Turnaround from Competitive Running to Connection with Me
Being aware of the quality in the way we move is reflected in the way we feel.
Being total transparent to all those way of abusing my body by pushing it get a certain level of fitness if I dropped the level of high intensity then my fitness also dropped but now with simple apply myself without drive or push my body feels amazing ? as you have shared Anne.
Using our breath as a marker to see if our body is responding to how we are exercising, so that our breathing is at-least gently, then we can feel our body and this approach gives a remarkable results and when done regularly for at-least 40 minutes twice a week our vitality goes through the roof.
Anne this is great to read because post exercise muscle soreness can put me off exercising. I’ve also been more aware of my posture, I noticed today at work how much it changed how I felt in myself by taking care of how I was sitting and elongating my spine.
Yes, it is such a small thing to do, it doesn’t need to be noticed by anyone, but the ripple effect on our body and our movements from that moment forward is palpable.
I changed my posture so many times as I read your blog! We don’t necessarily notice how we are sitting or standing till we bring attention to it. What is extraordinary is how changing the movements changes the thoughts… now there is a research study waiting to be done!
How aware are we when we move and exercise, bringing in more awareness to our movements is essential in supporting ourselves at a deeper level, ‘I knew if and when my posture, style and behaviour whilst exercising were supporting or harming my body. This awareness enabled me to make choices that were more supportive.’
It is amazing what a difference our movements make – even a tiny adjustment whilst sitting at the desk can make a huge difference. It is very liberating to take the time to explore how to work with our body to support ourselves and each other (because how we move not only affect us but others too).
Bringing our focus to how we move is a wise choice, ‘ I started to bring more awareness to my body and to the quality of my movement, and I began connecting to how I felt on the inside, before I moved.’
The quality in which we move makes the world of difference. Just bringing awareness to this throughout the day lets us correct ourselves if we have dropped. We can also deepen this quality – there is no end point, it would seem.
The quality in which we move is super important, so this is a great choice, ‘By bringing my focus to the quality of being in my body before I started to exercise, and by developing that relationship first, I was then able to take that connection and focus into the exercise’.
Our posture is so key to how we move throughout the day and how we hold ourselves. I know for myself the moment I see myself slouching or misaligned I know something is not quite right and so have a marker to look at and come back to. Otherwise as a great snoopy cartoon refers to we can essentially walk ourselves into depression… and so to add to it we can always walk ourselves out of depression.
When we walk or move distracted by music or a phone we are unaware of how this impacts the free flow of movement throughout our body.
It is fascinating Mary how much people walk plugged into music, or run with headphones on almost completely unaware of their surroundings off in their own world. What we do not think of so much though is how we generally change the way we move to fit into the beat, so the question comes where does the beat come from? and who sets it? and is it truly in line with what our body needs or are we adapting to it?
The ‘no pain no gain’ mentality is so capping us when you truly think about it. Like you shared: “For example, I don’t have tension in my lower back or neck from exercise (I used to get this tension a lot, especially when long-distance cycling, hunched up over the handlebars for long periods).” We feel good about feeling the tension as it makes us feel like we have exercised well! But truly is that what is supporting our body? If we cycle so long that our body hurts is this truly doing something good? In my books exercise is about making my body fluid and flowing, strong and prepared for what I need to do in the day without being achy, tensed etc.
Yes it is very nourishing when we tap into that quality and not only supports us but others too 🙂
Anne, this is interesting to read; ‘Observe my feet, e.g. am I limping or rolling my feet out or in?’ I have been noticing lately that my feet can be rolled in and tense when I am in conversation with people and so when I notice this I correct my position and relax my feet and stop tensing them, it feels great to be checking in with the body in this way.
It feels like a beautiful investment in yourself to take the time to feel into your posture and how it can best support you whist exercising. For many years I would drive myself to finish a set amount of exercise whilst ignoring my body trying to communicate that it was tired or painful in a particular area which led to ongoing lower back pain and other issues. It was only when I started exercising to support myself rather than because it was ‘good’ for me that I appreciated the difference and how much it improved my vitality and enjoyment of life generally.
A great blog for me to read today Anne, thank you for sharing, I will be going for a walk later and starting a new exercise regime, your tips will be very helpful for me to be tender with my body and be more present to be able to feel a whole lot more of me.
This blog reminded me of a book I read on a new biomechanical approach to marathon running years ago, and one that I dutifully adopted into my running style and posture with the result being increased efficiency, lower impact on all my joints, and much less soreness or incidence of injuries. But what kind of intelligence uses a new approach to participating in an activity (like marathons and triathlons) that actually are harming to the human body and put it through un-godly amounts of pain and suffering?
It’s crazy how we can use ‘science’ to encourage us to abuse our bodies.
Yes new and improved scientifically validated ways to harm yourself.
Our posture is a movement and when we bring focus to how we hold ourselves we can feel whether we are aligned to our Divinity, to who we are, our truth or if we are resisting it. It is amazing to feel how we can change in a moment a trajectory we are on or a momentum we are in by simply adjusting our bodies to allow ourselves to be moved by a quality that is who we are, the vibration of love, which feels far more freer and honoring.
It always amazes me how much my posture effects my mood so directly. When I catch myself slouching and then straighten up my spine, many times i feel like my thoughts instantly change and I feel more expansive, light and clear-headed. Maybe all those teachers and parents were onto something after all!
‘Stillness in motion’ As we move while walking, swimming or exercising to develop strength and balance our own body is own Personal Trainer to show us how to maintain a flow in all our movements.
‘Stillness in motion” such a beautiful phrase and one that just by reading it I find my body changing from the inside slowly reconfiguring to allow more space and grace.
Posture across the board supports the natural flow of keeping the whole body in homeostasis. If we are aware of it with how we sit and walk this is a great start.
This sounds a good plan, to be aware of our quality of being and bringing that into whatever we do, ‘By bringing my focus to the quality of being in my body before I started to exercise, and by developing that relationship first, I was then able to take that connection and focus into the exercise.’
“By bringing my focus to the quality of being in my body before I started to exercise, and by developing that relationship first, I was then able to take that connection and focus into the exercise.” I love taking time to exercise and also feeling how my body wants to move and particularly my posture. Not only does my body feel more relaxed but also very light and playful. Exercise always used to be such a chore but now I take it at my own pace and feel how my body wants to move in each movement made. Simply awesome thank you Anne.
Anne, this is a great point; ‘Perhaps we do not notice we are doing these things, especially when we are distracted such as when we are listening to music, talking on our phones or talking animatedly to someone’. It seems quite common for us to be listening to music while exercising and yet it makes sense that this would take our focus away from our bodies and our bodies subtle messages. It would be interesting to know if more injuries occurred while people were listening to music while exercising.
Beautiful look at the detail of our movements. We miss out on the true benefits of movement and exercise when we do not make space to observe the quality.
I love when you read something on posture it brings more of your awareness to this and you start to reconfigure your body to find what is more supportive.
It is such a wonderful and ongoing feeling to be reconnecting with our bodies… the learning will be endless.
” Recently on my walk I was very aware of how people were walking and running and I began to notice their posture and style. ” It is quite astonishing how terrible people are treating their body in the belief it will keep them healthy. Pushing the body to do anything is a receipt for injury.
Posture is essential to support the quality of alignment of our body in all that we do, and this is a great blog reminding us of this fact Anne.
Just bringing my focus to my posture allows for a dropping away of the tension that naturally does not belong there and which reflects what I have taken on in life or how I have hardened against life.
I have become more aware recently of the importance to exercise to the rhythm of my body and therefore in sync with the universe laying the foundation for a much greater expansion to unfold in my body.
As you have beautifully shared Anne, when we bring our awareness to the quality of being in our bodies we then can bring our presence to exercise, and in any moment with whatever we do. Deepening our connection to this quality within is what allows us to move and hold our selves guided by a way that is true, loving and in honor of the body and being.
“Simply being aware of our posture and style” this makes so much sense just bringing it back to the simplicity of our posture and our style of movement brings us back to our body and allows the space within the body.
Exercising with presence and awareness, as you say Anne, makes a huge difference to the way we feel during and after; the whole experience becomes joyful and fun whilst freeing and expanding our bodies;
“Simply being aware of our posture and style whilst exercising, and allowing our body to guide us, can make a huge difference to how we feel and how we enjoy exercising”.
Exercising in a gentle way is an exquisite experience that allows me to be in intimacy with myself while taking care of my body. By surrendering to my breath first, I’m much more aware and this helps me to deepen and observe the impact of each movement. Being present in my body all the time is what makes sense of exercising.
I love tuning into my posture as I walk… You can effect such energetic changes with such small shifts… It is like something that you can fine tune all the time… Just like our expression ☺
Chris I know what you mean, when I bring focus to my posture and walk, straight away I feel shifts in my body and as I walk I feel sparks from my feet. How so simply coming back to our conscious presence can make such a quick change.
When in connection to my body every movement becomes enjoyable. I have felt absolutely amazing when I stand tall, heart and hips open and shoulders down and relaxed. It’s so yummy to stand in this way. Coming back to this blog has provided a lightbulb moment for me in appreciating how I feel when I move in this way, how simple it is and breaking away from the belief that anything outside of me can stop me moving in this way. So now I ask, if it feels so amazing- why stop?
I thought of your blog today Anne when I was slouching and feeling not 100%. When I remembered I straighten my posture and just like that I felt different.
There is such power in our movements and one day psychology will be based on it.
For me breathing through the nose all the time has made a huge difference to me, especially in swimming where, at school, we were always told to breathe through the mouth. Now if I were to do that it would feel very harsh and unnatural. It’s lovely to feel how my level of fear and anxiousness has dropped since I have been breathing through my nose and there is a general feeling of settlement in my body, especially as I feel how my breathing has become more gentle too.
It is super important to notice the difference between observations and judgements, because essentially there is never truly ever anything wrong with any of us, we are all just learning.
Years ago I used to push and drive my body during exercise constantly running on the adrenalin and looking forward to that buzz and feel goodness at the end of my session. This kept me doing aerobics 4 to 5 times a week and becoming annoyed if I had to miss a session. Now when I do exercise it is totally different and there is so much enjoyment in moving with my body and feeling how certain movements benefit or are straining on my body, and I choose to do it in my own rhythm and not from a gym instructor.
Thank you Anne I really enjoyed your sharing, reminding me to always feel how my body is feeling within before starting any exercise.
I have abused my body so much in the past while exercising that it is taking some time to feel completely at ease with my body while I exercise. I have stopped and started and now feel to deepen my relationship with exercise as I enrol in an online program ‘Stillness in Movement’ in a couple of weeks. I can feel something has shifted already as I prepare myself for the coming weeks.
Allowing my body to guide me is letting go of control and exercising is a great way to connect with my body and to feel how my body just knows how to move and is impulsing me instead of my mind thinking that it knows best.
Me too Fiona, if I sit slouched I notice how I feel as if I have no energy to do things, or I feel sort of weak and not really present. When I move myself from that into a good posture, everything changes, my voice, how I feel and my energy levels too.
“Simply being aware of our posture and style whilst exercising, and allowing our body to guide us, can make a huge difference to how we feel and how we enjoy exercising.” -This is so true – I also noticed what a difference it makes if I pay attention to what my body communicates while exercising and when there are twinges or discomfort to check in and adjust accordingly. It makes exercising and walking so much more joyful.
Reading this brings to my attention the detail that our bodies is made up of, and how easily we forget or take for granted what is there to be observed and also acknowledged. I’m aware of my posture and my movements a lot of the time, but I also find it easy to override, particuarly when I’m tired. I slouch, lean on one side and move in a heavy and cumbersome way. This actually just makes us even more tired as we drag ourselves around. Being consistent in our awareness of our bodies, even when we’re tired really helps us to make choices that will support us in knowing what to do next.
Starting with the quality of my breath is always now where I begin the exercise because from there what my body can and cannot do is very clearly felt.
Great reminder Shami, thank you – although I feel pretty present these days with my exercises, this very important part does occasionally slip away … and what a difference it makes when I remember and start all with my awareness of the quality of my breath.
Even just the application of breathing through the nose when exercising has transformed it for me. Now exercise not only supports my body, but also it brings me a greater sense of me in my body. That is priceless.
Staying aware and with our body is especially important when exercising; I notice many a distorted face when I go the gym as others push through in the pursuit of more repetitions, heavier weights, more muscles, better tone. I wonder at what price and whether the results actually last, seeing the body has been compromised. Or maybe we just don’t put two and two together?
Our every posture counts – both in motion and in rest.
Adjusting our posture constantly is important to enable a harmonious flow of energy throughout.
What is really interesting as well is how posture can affect the way we are thinking and our attitude in general… there is so much here that we can learn.
And also how we are feeling about ourselves and how we present our selves too…
Exercising without pushing through is such a joyful thing to do and it gives you the space to really connect with your body; your breath, your muscles, your own rhythm . For me it is a challenge to stay in this connection when I am walking or exercising with someone else, to stay present and not get caught by the conversation or the pace of the other but to seek what fits my body.
I know this feeling when I move effortlessly – and while its a well used phrase it does feel like a well oiled machine, everything moving seamlessly, no clunky jolts. There are two reasons I know this feeling well… 1) is I know the opposite feeling.. where I’m uptight, knocking into things, a little ragged, and 2) over the years, through Universal Medicine, I’ve really learnt to value and observe how my body is feeling. I’m still learning how important this emphasis on movement is to everything we do.
So many great pointers Anne, to really connect with your body before you start to exercise was something that jumped out for me. I know that I can just jump straight into exercise without much thought and the result is to feel quite disconnected and the session just feeling per functionary, not truly getting the benefits from the experience. So really loved reading your blog.
Our body takes on the posture of the energy we are holding in it, exercising gently has been one of the best ways for me to feel what is supportive for the body and what is not.
I love your comment Harrison – “Our body takes on the posture of the energy we are holding in it…” This is an awesome statement and with true awareness we can totally feel what we have aligned with.
Coming back to basics is key. As our body is the foundation in our life. So should we treat it: As number One. Then when we have done that we will choose accordingly not at the expense of the body. Hence we seemingly are living the wrong intelligence, or it can be refered to irresponsible living (simply unhealthy way as it is not in regard of our body), simple.
Working out for me used to be a combination of good form, heavy weights and a need to get bigger/stronger. Only recently, having done some gentle exercise work, have I started to exercise in a more loving way – and it’s so much more supportive. I don’t have that need (I love who I am and how I look) and I don’t wake up stiff and sore the following day.
Yes, the more we are at ease in our bodies the less we have to sculpt them for the approval of another.
A beautiful reminder to be aware of and listen to our bodies whilst exercising, thank you Anne.
All exercise is movement and all movement effects our body and how we feel. The difference between when we slouch in a chair and when we sit up with awareness of our posture is enormous.
Hear hear – exactly so – truly enormous and very obvious to feel, for us as well as those around us.
As soon as I start to feel tired while driving or sitting at my desk I bring awareness to posture, straighten my back, and it makes a such a difference. There is really so much in this.
Well said, that is exactly right and the difference is huge, as I can attest to as well
‘….started to bring more awareness to my body and to the quality of my movement, and I began connecting to how I felt on the inside, before I moved. Was I feeling tense or anxious, rushing around, with my mind all over the place, or was I feeling a deep connection such that I felt centered and quite still?’
This is a powerful statement Anne, because as I see it, if we are in a negative state on the inside, then we will bring that to how we move and treat our body, which only will reflect our inner state…all these physical postures such as tight shoulders is our body showing us our inner condition. So if that changes then our external movements change. If we push ourselves in exercise, it is also likely that we push ourselves in life. How we exercise and our posture is a mirror to how we live and our inner condition. Posture and exercise do not change our inner condition but our inner condition changes the way we exercise and our posture. Awareness and connection is the key as you so beautifully expressed.
A timely reminder for me to get back to your blog Anne, and what I needed to see this time was: “By bringing my focus to the quality of being in my body before I started to exercise, and by developing that relationship first, I was then able to take that connection and focus into the exercise.” It feels that lately I have not been fully focused how I was feeling before I started exercising and have pushed a bit too much – result is my body has let me know it did not feel loved and now I am nurturing a pretty sore arm back to feeling loved and cherished …
It is great to be aware of our bodies whilst exercising because we are doing it mostly to strengthen and support our bodies, in other words for our bodies. So checking out from our bodies during exercise is actually rather strange but something that is actually thought and promoted everywhere with the possibility to watch tv when doing our gym exercises or being taken by the often loud music that is playing… So thank you Anne for this article.
Yes and these things are not the only things that further checking out, even if we don’t listen and don’t watch and just go as we are, lost in ones thoughts and mulling over things while exercising are also ways of not being present to what we are doing with our body …
I love these simple tips Anne, I believe the future of exercise is going to be bringing heightened awareness to every move we make and not allow any compromise in our health when we move. Exercise done with true care for self will encompass wellbeing, something I don’t believe occurs at the moment while the ”no pain no gain” mentality is still foremost. To exercise and at the end of it feel invigorated through gentle movement that relates always to practicing our own awareness of our body moving easily in space is a way of exercising I have come to love. To feel the legs and feet as I exercise the arms and vice versa, to feel the breath, make a workout far less stressful and something I have now found transforms what exercise really is.
I love the way my body feels whenever I exercise in connection with my body, having awareness of my posture, breath and movement create a flow that is super supportive for my health and harmony within.
What I have started to experience is the correlation between moving more gently and postural alignment. The body really does respond to less is more and good posture is a relaxed body grounded in awareness.
I really love how you said – ” …good posture is a relaxed body grounded in awareness. ” Awesome statement and one to take on in all our daily livingness thank you.
I have been really noticing lately more just how much my posture affects both my physical health and also my mental health. Just simply standing taller and straighter brings greater clarity and stillness in my mind. I have also noticed more just how much tension I hold on to in my body sometimes without even realising it. Becoming more aware of this and learning to let it go is having a big impact on the daily amount of pain I experience and my general energy levels.
‘Lifting the shoulders up and/or rolling the shoulders in, which puts pressure on the trapezius muscles, shoulders, neck and breathing’. This part here feels to me the explaination of why I get a recurring sharp pain around this area by constantly being in protection and rolling my shoulders in. Today I am going to bring much more awareness to my shoulders. Thank-you Anne.
Thank you for the reminder Ann to bring my focus to the quality of being in my body before I do anything. Generally in the early morning I am so aware of how I am in my body, but this awareness tends to drop as the day goes on…… something for me to ponder on and to why I lose or drop this focus or presence throughout my day.
Anne, thank you, you made me sit up and take note of my posture. Lately I have been realising how utterly important ones posture is if we want to have clarity of mind and how the two are so intimately connected. When I am feeling foggy, tired and heavy if I concentrate on my movements and posture my mood lifts and I feel I have a new beginning.
Our body is the wisest guide and teacher we could ever have, yet many of us can still override its simple deep wisdom. I am now choosing to pay more attention to what my body lovingly communicates, ‘I started to bring more awareness to my body and to the quality of my movement, and I began connecting to how I felt on the inside, before I moved.’
Exercising based on how my body feels and not from an ideal/belief of how I should to exercise is a such a supportive and loving way of caring for my body, one that brings true harmony and vitality in a simple and unimposing way.
Our body postures highlight so much if not everything about us. I am finding that if I don’t want to be aware of certain feelings I can hold my body in such a way to not feel. On the flip side I know how to hold my body to be open to situations, feelings, people etc. This exploring of our posture and the way we move our bodies I am learning is super important, like just this morning after experiencing horrible leg cramps for years all I had to do was open up my hips ever so slightly and the pain vanished. This is something I will be experimenting more with but it just goes to show how being interested in how we move opens up much understanding.
‘Simply being aware of our posture and style whilst exercising, and allowing our body to guide us, can make a huge difference to how we feel and how we enjoy exercising.’ It makes complete sense to be fully aware of the body we are exercising.
Yes I too have noticed that when I pay attention to my posture while I work I am more attentive to what I am doing and can concentrate better. I have also noticed that if I pay attention to my posture when I am with others I can be more open with them and it can change the quality of our interactions.
That is a great observation MW – “I have also noticed that if I pay attention to my posture when I am with others I can be more open with them and it can change the quality of our interactions.” This makes so much sense as by doing this we are reflecting this to the others also and that can and will change interaction.
When we start to take more notice of our posture what I have found is that stretching out or trying to pry open those tightly held areas doesn’t work. It’s like in the unsupportive postures we support a lack of awareness, its a way to numb ourselves. If I try to stand tall without addressing the reason or feeling that led to the ill posture in the first place then it doesn’t last. Poor posture and ill movement doesn’t just happen, we choose to bring it into our bodies. And with being gentle and not expecting the body to change is when I give myself the space to face and deal with whats behind the ill posture. And appreicating and claiming how the more open postures feel is also huge because then the choice becomes clearer – I can open or contract and I understand how both feel. The choice to numb is not the only option anymore.
As I was reading your blog Anne, I realised I was slumped in my chair. I’m now sitting up straight ; ) I like the way you describe it as having ‘an elongated posture, by drawing the crown of my head away from my feet.’ It’s great to have these reminders. Recently I have been paying attention to how I walk and in particular I have noticed that some shoes restrict my feet and so affect my gait. As a result many pairs are in a bag for the charity shop.
“Simply being aware of our posture and style whilst exercising, and allowing our body to guide us, can make a huge difference to how we feel and how we enjoy exercising.” this is so necessary, because if we don’t do this, the body will tell us straight away through signalling pain and discomfort. We are having to learn to not override that with our minds, but staying connected and listening while exercising, and not just while exercising but in all we do too.
I’ve noticed my posture recently when going for an evening walk. It tends to alter depending on the day I have had a work. There is an openness in my shoulders if I am appreciating a great day and feeling great. When I am in doubt or working through parts of they day where I may have been troubled I have noticed that my shoulders turn in and my legs feel heavy. This blog is a helpful reminder that it is important to check in with our posture regularly as this will support us in the quality of exercise we can have to support our body and how we are throughout our day.
I love the fact that, just by attending to my posture, I can change my reality radically , and so much for the better
What I am finding is that how I hold and position my body directly reflects the quality of thoughts I have. When letting the body relax I get to feel more, but in this I am becoming more aware of the fact that more awareness of the world around me means there is more call to hold my light in the world. Something I have withdrawn responsibility towards for some time. But the withdrawal requires tension and emotions and disturbing relationships with myself, my body, other bodies and life. Whereas holding my light brings vitality and joy. It doesn’t feel worth the effort to keep the tension game going.
I have just come back from my morning walk Anne, and I am much more aware now to tune into all parts of the body as I walk even singing to myself the ” thighbone is connected to the hip bone” etc. that little song that children are taught. I found my focus on my body parts makes for a much more healing and connected walk .
This is such a great reminder that when we commit to our awareness with our bodies how this then feeds us back enormously so. From hard impacting exercise and a body that is shut down so not to feel it and to then introduce and an awareness with gentle and loving movements while exercising is a completely different outcome. I actually love exercise now and want to do it on a regular basis as before it was always driven by I should do it to keep healthy and fit and it was something that I had to force myself to do.
Its impossible not to read this and pay attention to how you are sitting at your computer/desk – hugely inspiring to bring small changes to the way we sit/stand/breath/move – for it is these details can be truly game changing.
Anne I can so relate to all that you share, I am finding that the space and permission that I now allow myself to release and engage with any hint of tension or ache in my body as I exercise is so honouring that consequently the support my body feels is fed back through the ease of my movements.
“I used to exercise without regard to my body – to my posture, my style, or how my body was feeling… I was aware of the pain sometimes, and cramping – such as towards the end of a 100km bike ride – but I ignored the pain and pushed on.” Pushing through is considered the norm, I used to bicycle across London everyday for my work and it would all be about speed and trying to out do the cars and buses, my body would have all sorts of aches and pains but in those days I recognise how tough I was on myself and how i thought this is what exercise looks like – there was no partnership with my body, no heeding of its messages, no gentleness infact it was really quite punishing, but this what what I observed everywhere around me – it was my norm – until Universal Medicine came into my life and re-introduced me an astonishing friendship with my body.
Making these small tweaks to our body position and posture can make all the difference, not only because it supports the balance of our entire body but equally because we have chosen this awareness in the first place.
Today I was very tired having had an exhausting day before, and still feeling it. I noticed at one point how I was walking, and it was like my head was dragging my body along, thrust forward with hard and plodding foot steps. When I noticed this I slowed my pace and reconnected with my body, especially my feet and legs, then up my body to my chest and heart within. I quickly felt not only my body realign, but my steps became lighter, and my energy lifted. I no longer felt as tired as I had been, and my head cleared from feeling foggy and just want to get home, to enjoying my body and what I was feeling.
Hello Anne and in a number of areas I have been more aware of not only my posture but my movements in general. While stretching, showering, talking, walking etc I have been checking in and seeing how my movements are. It’s not to make them better but to bring more presence to each movement. I have found that if I take more or a dedicate care of my movements then some situations around me are changing. As you are saying there is a flow, a natural one to everything and my movement is part or at times not a part of that flow. When you are ‘in’ that flow things are never as bad or as intense as they seem. I watch my movement to stay with that flow or rhythm.
There is such a joy to feel in my body when I support my body by exercising in a way that I honour my body in starting with connecting first and allow myself to feel how it wants to move and this is always different when we listen to the signals it so clearly gives us when we truly listen. I can feel very tired and when I listen to my mind it would say to not move anything but my body loves to get a massage by some gentle exercises to feel the space again that is there in the tissues, truly listening requires honesty and overriding the mind now and then and give favour to the wisdom of our bodies.
I love that you are talking about being with “our style” when exercising. Everyone’s body is different and we have to work with our body and not try and do what another might be able to do. Our body will let us know very quickly if something is working for us or not as it is a great marker of truth.
Yes, very true Elizabeth. How deeply honouring is it to exercise in a way that suits your body, and this may be different each time depending on what is needed, be it strengthening, stretching or stamina building. This puts paid to the idea of group exercise classes and ‘boot camp’ training, where everyone is following the instructor and ‘feeling the burn’.
Well expressed and so true – what is good for one may not suit another at all. If we learn to truly listen to our body how it feels while doing anything, we can pick up its messages real quick and make the appropriate changes that are suitable for our body.
The change and joy in our body and our thoughts really does make so much difference when we change our movements and feel how we move with a gentleness an ease and flow from within our connection with nature and flow of the universe and life that we can align to and is always there waiting for us to be with it.
A very refreshing and loving look at exercise and posture and how we hold our bodies in life thank you it feels so gentle and understanding of our body and very supportive. I love all you share ” By bringing my focus to the quality of being in my body before I started to exercise, and by developing that relationship first, I was then able to take that connection and focus into the exercise.” An inspiration for us all that I have found also.
Observing our body posture has to be a one of the best ways of identifying how we are, truly. Our mind can babble – endlessly, and think it is right, but if our body does not truly reflect a posture and a geometry plus feeling of love than anything which we express does not bring us together.
Our body is constantly showing us that we can evolve if we are only willing to listen to it. Or as Anne states ‘Simply being aware of our posture and style whilst exercising, and allowing our body to guide us, can make a huge difference to how we feel and how we enjoy exercising’..
I too used to exercise in complete disregard of my body, like you I now am choosing to listen and honour my body and its many messages, ‘By bringing my focus to the quality of being in my body before I started to exercise, and by developing that relationship first, I was then able to take that connection and focus into the exercise’.
I spent years trying to distract myself from my body while I exercised and if the screens at the gym are anything to go by, so do most other people. It is only through the presentations made by Serge Benhayon that I have come to value my connection to my body and this is especially evident in the way that I now exercise.
It is true our posture has a huge influence on our thoughts and thus our atttitude and the way we live. The realisation that we can realign our body at any point in time is very empowering.
The quality of our movement makes such a difference, ‘I began connecting to how I felt on the inside, before I moved. Was I feeling tense or anxious, rushing around, with my mind all over the place, or was I feeling a deep connection such that I felt centred and quite still?’
Anne thank you for this timely reminder to be present and a aware of our bodies as we move. When I walk with this presence I can feel my body making all manner of subtle adjustments.
Our posture really does effect how we feel, If I am slouching I can adjust myself to feel more confident and stronger, there is so much to be said of being aware of our bodies.
Like anything it is important to not get stuck in a rut with exercise. When we listen to our body it will guide us to exactly what is needed and when.
Reflection for me how my inner stance is key for my outcome.
Anne, I also truly enjoy bringing awareness to my body in ways that you’ve listed, during any exercise. Our bodies are constantly revealing so much to us, if we are but willing to listen. And this is no ‘wafty’ concept, for as you’ve shared, if we don’t truly pay such loving attention, we can be contributing to joint problems, chronic pain and/or other issues – unnecessarily so.
I very much appreciate what you’ve shared here Anne. To me, the main theme you’ve brought here is about connecting to ourselves and our bodies first, rather than driving ourselves into the ‘doing’ of any exercise or activity, without really being aware of ‘how’ our bodies are going about it. If we simply ask our bodies to ‘function’ without this connection to the way in which we are moving, etc, it’s so easy to negate the body, be hard on it, and simply not even notice the subtleties (or greater lessons) of posture and the like that you’ve addressed here.
I feel posture is crucial in every activity. I noticed yesterday that after a talk and chakra puncture session with Serge Benhayon I walked away with a completely different posture and feeling in my body. I felt taller and much more connected and much more in my own power. I noticed that when I was questioned by someone after the session my expression was true, delivering what was needed , no more or less. Throughout the day I was aware of my posture and kept coming back to this same stance, I allowed myself to be open across the shoulders at the front and really present in my body. Being present with me so that my mind and body are one is key. When my mind comes in separate from my body I can move my body and take up a new posture to facilitate my reconnection, just the slightest move can do it. We all do this all of the time but not necessarily with awareness or a sense of purpose or responsibility.
Super to re-visit this blog Anne, it has so much in it. I am also discovering how my posture really affects how I feel and how I move, act and react.
A great blog Anne, a timely reminder to be aware and connected to our bodies before and during exercise. It is quite amazing how an awareness, bringing about a small shift in our posture, brings a deeper quality to what we do.
Hello Anne and while you relate this to exercising, as you know posture can change the face of anything. I’ve noticed at work and even typing now on the computer, how my posture is, the way I sit, my feet, my shoulders etc all either support me to write or work against me. Even though I have felt this before and I guess this relates back to my ‘sit up straight’ school days where the way you hold yourself either supports you in every moment or as I said works against you in every moment. Posture is something we can change at any point regardless of what is happening in front of us, thank you Anne.
I love your sharing Anne of how your body is after exercise, with none of the often dreaded ‘negatives’ such as lactic acid build up in sight!
Approaching exercise, and any movement from connection, brings a warmth, delight and feeling of complete freshness into my body that has an amazing ripple effect in my day – not only for me but everyone around me.
I notice at work how easily I adjust my posture while sitting in my chair. Before I know it, I am ‘hanging’ in my lower back and not sitting up straight at all. This changes how I feel, I feel more drained and less energized. Also my lower back doesn’t fancy this at all. So for me how I sit in my chair behind my computer really determines how I feel.
It continues to amaze me how a small shift in posture can change how I feel completely – thank you for confirming this, Anne.
It’s great to re-visit this blog as a reminder that our posture is so important for the whole body to run in its own natural way when we allow it to teach us what it needs from us – surrender and a willingness to lay down, sit and move in a different quality in everything that we do.
Whilst exercising today I was more focused on the position of my body in each exercise and this brought more awareness of my whole body and feels very supportive.
Love this blog, considering our posture?? Yes! It is such a huge thing although in life it is by many not recognized as such I am learning each day more and more what an effect these posture changes have on my body and how I feel. Especially with exercising at the gym lately I am learning that I am exercising my body to improve its fitness so it is very wise to also listen to its messages of how to stand, move and when to stop exercising.
As someone who was exceptionally good at sport and very coordinated I would still describe my relationship with my body as being in its infancy. I am slowly learning that a lot of what I did and even when seemingly effortless, was done at the cost of my body. I guess that is similar to what you observed in others Anne, we can have a tendency to be very hard on ourselves and exercise becomes a battle to overcome, something to get to the end of. I am now experiencing how moving without that strain creates a more supple and relaxed demeanour, and that this has a tremendous effect on the thoughts I have too which become much more positive. I also notice from this that there is no watching of the clock hoping the time is over, as it is time to stop when the body says it has had enough.
Thank you, Anne, for sharing your experience with body posture. I find it very inspiring to read this. It shows us that the body posture is not only important for our physical body but also inner-being. As when our inner-being is lacking something we tempt to see this directly in our body posture. Therefore the body is such a high marker in showing us the truth. Thank you for pointing this out!
There is such simplicity in Universal Medicine’s presentations. Connect to your body. And life changes on all levels. Physical health is a mere by-product of the wonders that you tap into when you live your day connected to the body. Unfortunately most therapies unsettle the connection to the body (most meditations, too).
Thank you Anne I loved rereading your blog again, a great reminder to really feel into the body and our posture, then being able to make corrections and connection to our stillness before we exercise, that way our body is leading us, not the mind.
When we start to bring attention to our posture we realise how much power we hold by the quality of our movements, and how in every moment we are in control of our lives and how we feel just by simply feeling and consistently connecting to our bodies. Simple and amazing!
how we are when we exercise impacts the benefits and the potential for harm from the process.
i am so glad we are able to find a way to explore our exercise with full body connection and enhance our fitness and not be doing exercise in an unconscious unchallenged pattern.
At Universal Medicine events you learn directly or indirectly about what observation means and because the atmosphere at workshops have great energy to them, you feel very supported to be honest and go deep into what is observed. Hence observations not usually acknowledged or understood in life, such as how posture can effect mood, vitality and connection to self and others, are very clear and powerful.
Brilliant to read this today Anne as i sit at my desk, for although i maybe seated i have become aware of how I sit on the edge of my seat because the arms of my chair do not go under the desk – i know by taking the arms off and changing this seemingly small detail I will feel more honoured and utilise the support that is offered to my back by the chair and in this simply be more aware of my body.
Our body is a vehicle from which divinity can flow through and our posture plays a major part in allowing for this flow.
I agree Anne we need to be aware of our posture in every single moment, as this will determine the quality of energy that we will move in and this will in turn determine the quality of the energy we align to. We need to be this responsible consistently.
How we feel about ourselves is reflected in our posture. I know for me if I have negative thoughts when I stop take a breath, re connect with my body and move my posture my outlook changes. This can happen at any time standing having a conversation with someone or driving the car, it doesn’t matter where I am or what I am doing, the simple movement of my posture changes my thoughts. The quality and connection with my movement is a significant factor in my livingness.
A few days ago when I went for a medical as part of applying for a job, I stopped to appreciate my commitment to my wellbeing and relationship with my body. When asked to do several musculoskeletal activities, I could feel the love and support of my body in every move. It was like we were a team, working together to do what was needed. It was a beautiful experience of my relationship with me!
Universal Medicine has heightened my awareness when it comes to how significant movement is to ones livingness. The quality in which we move and hold our body is a big factor in how we live our lives
Just as we can become distracted and not notice the changes in our posture so too can we develop more awareness of it through simply focus on a single part. Whether it be the placement of our feet or the movement of our arms or we bring focus to our body or we become aware of the whole of it.
The way we move our body is key for what we are able to express.
When we just try to tick the box and get our exercise done, we usually push through and it seems more about the quantity (how many laps, how many push ups, how long we exercised for) than the quality we exercise in. But as you have described Anne, it is the quality in the movement that makes all the difference and truly tones and supports the body.
Our posture is so important to everything – we can choose to sit, walk, exercise or live in a way where our posture is open, and thus this allows us to be more open to others and to connecting in relationships, or we can contract in each of these areas by slouching, bringing our shoulders forward, having our head down etc. and this sends a strong ‘do not disturb’ message or impression of hardness to others.
Thank you Anne for your tips on being more aware of our posture whilst exercising to avoid muscular imbalance, injury and exhaustion. This can be applied to walking and even when standing. It is so important to look after our bodies.
Thank you Gill for your tips on being more aware of our posture whilst exercising to avoid muscular imbalance, injury and exhaustion. This can be applied to walking and even when standing. It is so important to look after our bodies.
I recently attended an Esoteric Connective Tissue Therapy class where we focused a lot on our posture and how this affects our bodies. I’ve found that having this awareness has really supported me during the day and being able to be much more aware of when I’m slumping, straining etc. in everyday activities. It makes absolute sense that our posture is important in whatever activities we are doing, and to be honest about how our bodies actually feel, without overriding this with what we ‘should’ do according to a set of ideals etc.
Posture is so important and again is one of the simple powerful things we miss in our general education. It only takes a few seconds to straighten up, connect to the body and move from there, when we do are are sending out an entirely different message to others. The whole world can lighten up by the way we move.
Observing our posture and style while exercising can help us to maintain this in our lives as we go about our day. I know that the posture I adopt has a great effect on how I think and what my attitude will be for that day. If I stoop and slouch then I have negative thoughts which then effect everyone around me. If I make the effort to stand tall and be open in my body posture then my day is totally different. My thoughts are loving and positive, and I am more likely to feel joyful in my interactions with people. This has an amazing effect on everyone around me. I know then that I am making a difference in the world, and I can feel the ripple effect in the form of people opening up and then taking this into their interactions with others. Taking care of our posture is one of the most important things we can do if we want to make a difference in this world.
I love the posture points you have given Anne, it becomes so much easier to bring awareness to them and adjust accordingly,
It is interesting to observe how much tension we do hold in our body, even just sitting somewhere or going for a leisurely walk. to bring presence to that and start adjusting feels very freeing, and often I find an instant shift in my flow of energy too.
To enjoy all our movements and stay present to them is such an important way to live, be it in exercise or any other time of our day/evening – and luckily our body will tell us all the time where w are in connection and joy, and where it may need a bit more presence …
So true Anne, the relationship with our body is definitely worth exploring in detail and if we have to make adjustment,s then we can make them in caring and loving ways – the body will let us know its appreciation.
It’s so important to be aware of our bodies in all the movements that we do on a daily basis. We can either move with awareness of the body and it’s joints and ligaments or be in compete disregard and experience more than the normal wear and tear and misalignments.
Being aware of our posture does great wonders and is an excellent way to build dedication to detail.
Anne I would often limit worrying about my posture to how I would sit, noticing that in my teenage years I would slouch a lot and when I do I loose focus and clarity. What’s interesting now is seeing the effect my posture has on everything. I can certainly feel when I walk the difference my posture makes to how I feel, now to apply and live that in everything else and bringing that quality to any exercise I do.
Anne, this is a great reminder to be aware of our posture throughout our whole day – whether exercising, sitting at a computer to work, walking, driving a car or doing physical work – having an awareness of the quality of our movement and how we are holding our posture, is vital to support our body from feeling unnecessary aches and pains when we respect it and work with what works for it first. Over periods of time incorrect posture becomes accepted as normal and can degenerate further and the body cannot work in its natural and harmonious way.
Choosing to focus much more on my body and how I am holding it through the day, really helps to feel what old patterns or ways of being I may have slipped into, which are then moving me in an unnatural way, and is such an enjoyable moment in the day where you get to connect with you and your essence, and then move feeling how lovely it is to be with yourself in that way.
‘Simply being aware of our posture and style whilst exercising, and allowing our body to guide us, can make a huge difference to how we feel and how we enjoy exercising.’ – Totally agree Anne – in fact been aware of of body in such a way can change the way we interact, communicate and express.
Hello Anne and as with anything ‘quality not quantity’ and it’s a very old saying we have and yet it’s like we say it without any awareness of what it actually means. Or we say it to apply it for a couple of minutes only to let it go in the next instance. As you are saying when it comes to your body there is a quality or a way of being/living that supports everything else. It’s like you don’t even need to think when you are with this true quality because everything you do after this connection has that equal quality in it. That could be merely moving, exercising, speaking or even sleeping. Our quality, the quality we live in each moment always and forever will impact on the next moment.
I am amazed by the fact that we actually do choose our posture! Even though we are often unaware of it, the way we position ourselves is often to control our expression – either to make it smaller or more dominating – and hence to keep us most disconnected from our connection with ourselves.
My lower back is hurting a bit since two days and the beauty of this is that it’s asking me to walk and sit differently. During lunch today I went for a walk and I observed that I was walking far more gently and with a different pace than I usually do. Also now sitting behind my computer, I am more aware of how I am sitting and what feels supporting for my lower back. Being aware of your body during the day is key and something we tend to forget very easily.
So – not just that I do something but HOW I do it is important and key for a healthy living. That is not so new at all for our ‘knowing’ but totally new sometimes in our living ;). But only what we live becomes a real truth.
Sometimes we just have to live what we know instead of against it….life is full of simple choices.
I am learning movement is everything the more awareness I bring to my movements so much about my livingness is exposed supporting me to deepening my connection with my essence.
Observing our posture and movement gives us a great clue as to what energy we are letting in.
How we exercise is super important, I know for me it is something to consider deeply. I have been one for getting in and ‘getting exercise done’, not being super present and watchful of my posture and the like. So reading this blog I found very inspiring and loved what was shared.
Being aware of how my body is feeling during exercise and this I am developing is such a contrast to the pushing and ignorance of the body which is how I used to exercise. Even bringing my attention to my jaw as this part of my body can often feel tense can make a difference to how I feel.
Body awareness through conscious presence makes all the difference during exercise and in every other moment of our day. Thank you for your tips as I sit here reading this blog I can feel my body posture need adjusting.
Whenever I read something about posture, or I remember posture and I check-in with me and my body – there is always something that needs adjusting. And I love how the body knows how to re-adjust. It knows how to naturally support itself and what feels right.
Thank you Anne this so relatable to the drive we go into or I would go into that was terrible for my posture. Thanks to the Universal Medicine presentations about the way the energetic quality and its affects on the way I exercise, I am now conscious of my body posture physically and energetically!
Thanks Anne, I adjusted in my seat while reading… it is amazing how we can slip into ways of holding the body that don’t support
I have found that posture and how we move our bodies not only impacts and affects us while exercising but in all areas of life, how we move and it’s impacts on our health and well-being is a science that needs much more attention. We can move in ways that keep us unaware of whats going on in the world around us, we can cement emotions into our lives and into our relationships by how we move and from experience we can even hold onto and create illnesses and disease from how we move. For example if I walk around with my shoulders rolled in and holding a tension in my body, often I wake up with leg cramps the next day – this does not occur on days where I bring more focus to releasing the tension and keeping my chest open and relaxed.
I agree Anne it makes such a difference to walk in connection to our bodies and I have noticed when in that space how the movement moves through to any tightness and I feel an opening and expansion and then release. Then, a posture shift occurs that I could not have conceived of before hand, but feels very true.
It’s only when we have an injury that we take notice in how we move our body. Pain is a great marker, especially for misaligned movements that we can make, which we sometimes do for a whole lifetime.
What I have noticed is that often when people do think of their posture they immediately straighten up with shoulders back and chest out. They may have moved from a slouching posture but their new posture is rigid, inflexible and hard which is equally harmful on their body. This shows just how much we are influenced by our ‘ideals’ of what posture should be based on outer influences rather than feeling from inside our body what supports us on a moment to moment basis.
Beautifully put Jane, our posture is reflection of an inner posture of how we have lived our lives and view ourselves. It manifests on the outside as the pulls and strains on the body from faulty alignment. A freely moving aligned body is the body of a freely moving aligned person within, nothing to do with standing up straight or good posture. It is very difficult for us to actually feel where we are in space, unless we are in tune with our kineasthetic sense, for what is familiar feels right, and what may be a true alignment feels wrong. So working from within out, by pausing and being present with each movement also supports our self care and knowing of ourselves which helps us to feel the alignment within.
Posture is so closely related to how we feel and how we behave and speak etc. I certainly have noticed the difference in standing tall versus slouching or sitting in a slouch or sitting straight but relaxed. Despite knowing this I still often forget to check my posture. But each time I do, I am astounded by the difference in the way I am, in the way I talk and in the way I think. Even now, I am finding myself sitting up straighter and feeling more free…Thank you Anne for the reminder!
I notice when I’m walking that if the bitumen is uneven I can feel uneven within my hips and body and therefore unsupported in my walk. There is a detail within every movement that we make and I love the tips that you have shared here Anne, to support a way of exercising or posture that actually keeps us ‘opened up’ and free flowing; which is exactly how our bodies were designed to be. We can see this in a young infant for example, they are made entirely of connective tissue and their little bodies move and flow in a rhythm that doesn’t hold any rigidity. This can be the same with adults too though, but it is a matter of committing to a way of movement that supports this both physically and energetically.
Every Monday I go swimming. My first length of the pool lets me know where I am at with myself and in life generally. This awareness has been brought to me by Simone Benhayon who is an awesome swim teacher. By being aware of my body, how it feels and how it moves and the quality in which it moves not only shows me where I am at but offers me space to adjust my body and its movements and deepen my connection with myself, lightening my load so to speak.
Anne, I love the points you have listed that you check on when you undertake exercise, they make so much sense to me. I have been putting them into practice on my daily walks, with a little more awareness than previously. It has made quite a deal of difference to my walk lately, I feel I am walking with far more purpose, far more confidence in my step, I am feeling really great. I had been feeling my feet as I walk before this, but I feel a much deeper level of awareness now, and it has made such a difference to my walk, I just love it.
It is a completely different way to exercise Anne now you mention it. Not focused on outcomes or driving ourselves to achieve some picture or ideal. Just focusing on the quality that we hold ourselves in can also bring a conscious presence to the activity of exercise where we can bring ourselves more fully to the moment and ourselves.
Each moment our posture offers us a reflection of how we are feeling about ourselves, others and the world. Whether we are shut down and protected or open to letting life and others in. The body is the recipient of all our choices and the accumulation of the quality of our movements so it makes such perfect sense Anne when you describe how important it is to consider the way we hold our bodies when we exercise.
I work as a massage and complimentary health practitioner and I have noticed how much pain comes from unsupportive posture. It is almost as though people slowly draw themselves in, through protection, perceived body issues, a pain through injury and it is often chronic, it is a life time of choices that bring the shoulders in, that stoop on the right or left, that push the hip out etc. I myself for example have often have lead with my right and have felt pain in my shoulder and hip through this choice, balance and more harmony in my body has allowed for this to be let go of, along with stretching and exercise. Posture and body awareness are vital for true health. It is amazing how powerful it is to choose to lengthen your spine and tuck in your chin. Being aware of your body and what it is feeling and doing can absolutely alter how we experience life.
How we choose our posture to be dictates how our day, life unfolds. Unfurling, straightening up, opening our shoulders, being gentle with ourselves changes everything.
This is a an much needed article and brings a beautiful revelation to all exercise and movement we take and is life changing in its results “By bringing my focus to the quality of being in my body before I started to exercise, and by developing that relationship first, I was then able to take that connection and focus into the exercise.” Connecting to our bodies and how it feels is an amazing marker in our connection back to who we are and what we have walked away from. Our true posture really is important and is far away from the posture and straight holding we were taught at school.
‘ I began connecting to how I felt on the inside, before I moved’. I don’t do this enough, but it does make such a difference when I do! Thanks for the reminder Anne.
This is great what you are share Anne, about posture during exercise, allowing our body to guide us and not pushing through regardless. I see so many people pushing themselves even when their body us saying stop to later then see them in agony and pain as the body becomes stiff. I enjoy gentle walks and light swimming, so now I will pay more of attention to my posture.
It occurs to me Anne just how normal it is that we expect to have pain or discomfort when exercising and often the result is that we just push through because we tend to think that that is part of the whole exercising experience. This is not the case. We are simple exercising not in true rhythm with what is true for the body.
‘allowing our body to guide us’ – this is a brilliant re-writing of the rules, from pushing through regardless of what our body is saying, to responding to, and hearing, our bodies’ signs and encouragement!
I observe more and more how much my posture influences how I feel and how my thoughts are. To truly embody more and more the posture which supports my body as a whole is very rewarding.
Being aware of our posture whilst exercising is so important, thank you Anne for highlighting this. Your checklist of things to be aware of is very supportive, I was drawn to ;
“Have an elongated posture, by drawing the crown of my head away from my feet”; I will remember this whilst exercising today; in fact I am aware of it now!
Our posture tells us a lot about the quality of our connection and whether we are with ourselves or aligned to something else outside of us. When I notice an ill posture in my body when still, in movement or during exercise I instantly know I’m avoiding connecting with myself and I’ve gone into a holding or controlling way, instead of the openness, ease, flow and responsiveness of being connected to myself.
Simple things really work and just by changing our posture we can change our mood, heaviness and sadness can be lifted just by connecting to our bodies and aligning our posture. Who said miracles had to be complicated.
So simple and yet so true Samatha, ‘ just by changing our posture we can change our mood’, it can be that simple.. and it can be that instant!
It’s interesting to consider that for many people who visit the gym, feelings of pain, muscle strain and uncomfortableness are markers that they’re ‘achieving their goal’ and exercising well. The belief that ‘pain is gain’ is held by SO many people, and pushing yourselves to the point of breaking in the gym is very common… Could this be another way to forcefully distract ourselves away from feeling what the quality of our bodies are really like, or the quality of our relationships and lives?
The importance of quality and presence whilst exercising and with any movement has been show to me so clearly by Universal Medicine also. It really makes do much difference and is life changing and brings such appreciation to ones body, ones health ,vitality and life with all it brings to us all. It allows a feeing of lightness and flow and a joy inside with the inner connection that is the opposite of exercise and movement with holding tightness and pushing ones body from before.
I love this article and the awareness it brings to our relationships with our bodies. I am noticing that the more aware of my body I am as I exercise the more effective the exercise is. If my breathing is coordinated with what I am doing and my awareness is on my balance and core strength I am ‘accessing’ muscles I never even realised I had!
Anne that’s a great point you raise, observing our posture and style whilst exercising. Before I used to be so focused on getting the amount of repetitions done, I would completely forget about my posture, now I know that posture is equally as important as the exercise itself.
I remember just how much I used to shut down to the messages my body was telling me when I exercised. In order to shut down to those messages I had to harden my body and in doing so my posture would change – something I never considered at the time but now am so aware of, if I ever go into a push or drive of my body.
I too walk instead of run Anne and boy does my body thank me for it. No more niggling pains but a body that feels spacious and energised.
Walking, as opposed to running, gives me so much space to really consider how I am feeling and what is going on in my body. I walk for 40 minutes every day and it is like an incredible check in point for the day past and a platform for the day ahead. My GP is pretty chuffed with me too!
Posture and how we move have the ability to transform us. How I hold my body when I am exercising can make a huge difference in how I experience the activity in my body.
When we are connected with our body, we are more aware what is going on not only concerning our posture but everything around us. This is the benefit of what you are sharing here, Anne, to observe our posture and feel our body and what consequences this has concerning our health and wellbeing.
I’ve never been able to exercise while reading or watching TV. Looking at some people in the gym I can’t understand how they can do this! For me it is so important to be with my body with what it is doing, and if I try to watch the video that is being played I lose touch with myself and feel very off balance. If I am asking my body to do something it feels really important to be with it while it does it – especially something like exercise which means a great deal of movement.
When we are connected with our bodY, we are more aware what is going on not only concerning our posture but everything around us. This is the benefit of what you are sharing here, to observe our posture and feel our body.
Thank you, Anne. These subtle or not so subtle compromises in our posture and movement are reflective of so much of what is going on inside us, for example, we let the body slump and collapse when we feel given up, or we become rigid and clench our jaw and brace when we are angry or in protection etc. To observe our posture and style whilst exercising is a beautiful way to check in with ourselves on many levels.
Anne, great to re-read your article, I can very much relate to this, ‘I used to exercise without regard to my body – to my posture, my style, or how my body was feeling’, this is how i used to exercise, my body would actually be hurting and i would ‘push through the pain’ thinking this was a good thing, that if my body didn’t hurt then it wasn’t a proper workout, and so to be left exhausted and achy at the end of exercising was ok, this now doesn’t make sense to me, I now listen to the signals from my body and am respectful and gentle when moving and if my body starts to hurt i know that I may be pushing myself or that I need to change position or to stop- very simple.
Such a great point Rebecca – I feel we have that mentality that we need to work hard, push hard because we are quite hard in our bodies and how we live with ourselves so we can’t really feel our bodies that much. So if we then work hard we can at least feel something. If we would just let our bodies speak it would say that if we treat it with care and true respect then it will automatically readjust with proper exercise to its naturally intended form with lots of energy, strength and vitality.
As everything is energy, the quality in which we choose to move our body in exercise is going to be magnified through our body. Therefore for me, it is super important to be aware of the quality in which I exercise in, as it is the quality that will determine if it is healing or harming.
You really do feel such a difference in the quality of exercise when we are present and connected to our bodies. I always feel like I’m gliding and my body feels supple and free. Such a big turn around from the days when I used to push myself so hard and cause injury to my body because I wasn’t present. This is a gorgeous blog Anne. Thank you.
Rereading this blog has given me an insight into how hard I had to push my body in training. The first realisation was when my judo coach offered me a four-kilometer run or a two-kilometer run with a 30lb weight pack. I choose the 30lb weight pack and the two-kilometer run. Well, I ran the first one-hundred metres and walked the rest unable to run and struggled to walk the distance. This also reminded me how much I would push my body with two-hundred metre wind sprints up a hill, usually twelve times. My pulse rate would go up to over two-hundred and thirty beat per minutes. This is how hard I pushed my body to be competitive at sports. This numbed me to life and disconnected me from feeling where my body was really at. To keep this up for over twenty years, ten years of which was serious training for six days a week, showed total disregard for my body. Thanks to the presentations by Serge Benhayon I no longer numb my body. Blogs like this have opened a new level and I can fully claim my tender self and release all that numbing from training so hard.
I love the way our body opens up even more when we exercise with the intention to support our connection and presence.
I find it fascinating to observe how my posture, or movement changes depending on the quality I feel I am in, on the inside; if that makes sense? When I am connected to my body I am more upright, open and there is a fluidity of movement. When I am more in my head and emotional my body is in a protective mode making harsher, harder and jerkier movement that places more strain on my muscles and joints. To change the quality of movement I first have to change the quality of energy I am in. I have discovered that the energy then chooses the movement and posture we end up with.
I find that swimming is a great way to observe how we hold our bodies during exercise and where we are tense – when the water supports us to swim if there are any areas of hardness or tightness in our body, then when we do a stroke they are magnified and exposed. It’s a very interesting thing to look at and work on.
When we just focus on the end result without being present to how we exercise, and what our body is telling us along the way, we may get the end result – however this comes at the expense of the body and may result, apart from aches and pains, in serious injury too. Bringing focus to our body, posture and breath – observing all and making adjustments where needed, allows the whole session to be much more beneficial for all aspects of ourselves.
This is such a fascinating topic and one I have been exploring a lot recently. I am aware that even though I have brought more presence to how I move over the last few years that there is still much more awareness still to bring through of how I hold and treat my body in my exercise and generally in movement. It is so ingrained to go hard and push on through, and there is a lot of glamour in that, it is championed that if we can burn through exercise there are rewards in this. I am now seeing there are far greater rewards in really feeling the body in movement and not straining to get a result. When I really connect to my breathing in exercise I can feel how responsive the body is and how it will naturally realign itself to the most supportive postural state, opening and expanding the body through gentle movement is definitely the way I want to go.
The magic of Universal Healing therapies for me is that the body-awareness so naturally deepens. It becomes more a noticing of how straight and light my body posture becomes than a discipline to control a straight posture.
Initiating any movement without connection first is beginning to feel uncomfortable. It is not that I’m doing anything wrong or excessively physical, it just feels different in the body. There is a stark difference in the quality of movement and it is something that is taking time to develop and evolve into as for so long, my movements were initiated by reacting to outside triggers rather that a connection and conscious presence first.
I can fully understand and appreciate what you are sharing here Matthew. I know this to be true having experienced it for myself. Now the process begins of reconditioning the way I move for it has become second nature to express in whatever shape or form from something that isn’t truly me.
Posture is key in everything. Recently we have been exploring the use of elbows at the dinner table. We have noticed that quite frequently we use elbows on the table throughout the meal and in the process of doing so we end up slumping or having a poor posture, almost like a slouch. This has been interesting to observe as there is an old saying that it is rude to use elbows at the dinner table. And so what we worked out it is that it is not the elbows as such on the dinner table that are rude, but that it is the slouch and then the chosen energy of check out that follows that is the disrespect one brings to self and those around at the table.
There are distractions a plenty in the world of exercise and fitness – I find gyms so distracting and a really diffucult place to exercise in connection. The music and video’s blaring across the room, lots of bodies moving in disharmony and the over arching sense of ‘bettering oneself’. I’ve never walked into a gym feeling good in my own skin, and I doubt many do. We are there to correct what we think is wrong, make the arms more buff, tone the bum, get rid of these ‘saddle bags’ (I think that’s outer thigh related). So, it’s hard to actually enjoy yourself when all that is going on!
Competitive swimmers practiced by swimming for many hours in a row. Now they are doing better by having more varied exercise as this is more harmonious for the body. Clearly from this blog it shows that exercising in harmony with the body has much more potential than exercising through pushing the body.
I find it amazing how much of an energy drain is created by poor posture throughout the day. It is like driving a car leaving the handbrake on, going against the natural movement of the body and using energy unnecessarily. When we find our natural alignment there is so much ease and balance in the body.
So true, and just be listening to what the body communicates as these postures are uncomfortable and we do notice, we can make adjustments where necessary throughout our days, until the natural posture and balance is restored.
When I work with clients in an Esoteric Yoga session, I think it is the head forward or chin thrust that is super common. In some people it is pronounced but can be more subtle in others. However when I ask people to be aware of the way their head is sitting on the neck and find their natural alignment, such a small visible change creates a huge difference in the body. They instantly feel lighter, more open across the chest and tension drops away from their face.
Having read and re-read this blog I have been inspired to recommit to regular exercise in order to support my body with regard to my posture and I find this makes so much difference in how I feel and move throughout the day.
It is true we can get so engrossed in what we are doing, that we cannot feel our body. I have also found that at times I can feel when there is strain, but make what I am doing more important than looking after me. It is like I decide that I will just put up with the posture I am in until I finish what I am doing, then sort myself out. This is an old pattern I am gradually wearing down, one of compromise and making things outside myself more important than me. Its a bit crazy really as what I do when I am taking care of my body is so much greater.
I find our adjusted/compensating postures actually feel comfortable as they are so familiar, even though they can be causing tension/strain in certain parts of the body. The give away signs may be that we keep wearing one side or the heel of a shoe heel down. It’s a bit like a wheel that wears unevenly giving away that the wheel alignment is out. The other one I notice on myself and clients is the length of bra straps. This is a bit of a give away if one strap needs to be longer than the other. Yes there is variation in breast size but often it reveals one shoulder that is dropped or turned in. These practical signs can be great to get us to look at the way we are walking and holding our body.
This is an amazing blog Anne. The topic of posture in exercise or in life in general get not much attention yet I find it is one of the things that influences the most how I am feeling. If I have my shoulders rolled in for instance I feel completely different when I straighten them. It is a science on its own our posture and very important to pay attention to.
Thank you Anne for your blog. I’ve only recently become aware that walking is a very powerful tool of reconnecting. Quality is everything. You can tell a lot about a person by simply observing the way that they walk…
I’ve become aware that the quality of my posture has a direct link to the quality of my thoughts and how I feel. If I’m not feeling great, giving myself a hard time or just caught up in something, simply changing my posture can be very powerful in shifting it…
I find that too – just by shifting and moving, adjusting posture and balance, everything starts to become a flow again.
That’s so interessting Toni. It’s true, trying to correct the body could be harmful, sometimes I’ve created more tenssion in my body doing that. A great key is “Just observe, relax and breathe” I love how simply and beautifully you expressed it.
Going for a walk is a great opportunity to check where our body is at and feel it, releasing every tenssion and addressing every movement that compromise it. Thank you Anne, this blog supports me to be more aware of my body in my daily exercise.
Your blog Anne is very pertinent at the moment as I am dealing with the long term neglect of all that my body was telling me about my posture. I have known for years that my posture was not supporting me – but it felt like too much of an effort to change – and I treated it as a given. I can’t change the structural defects of my spine but I can exercise in a way that my muscles are strengthening and supporting my back and allow my chest to expand. It is also giving me an opportunity to connect with myself, while I am exercising with my body and not just pushing myself to the end as we often do when we view things as a challenge. It is a time at the beginning and end of the day when I can let go to all the other things in my life and spend time with me.
We often think that the exercise we are doing is to get us fit and keep us healthy, but what is clear is that the way we exercise has a big impact on our body. In the same way that everything we do can be done in a way that supports us or hurts us, what is clear from your article Anne is that exercise is no different. Yet because it’s exercise I would often consider the fact I was doing some as what’s most important, not the quality I was exercising in.
In order to be able to simply observe and make adjustments, all we need to do is not go into controlling our body, but instead be open to what movements we are already choosing. I have found trying to change what I do with another technique always created another imbalance. I found that we can never rely on someone else or a book or ‘method’ to find our true movement. As Anne states, we come to it through observing and letting go of trying to change for a while. Then we start to see things clearly. Simple and powerful.
As I re-read your blog and blog comments, I observed my posture as I sat at the keyboard, upright, poised, at ease- Inspired by what you shared. I’ve become more aware of my body, how connected I am in my movements, when I walk, sit down, lie down. Esoteric Yoga was also foundational in bringing this new awareness.
Posture tends to be presented to us as a ‘rule’ or ‘should do’; rather than something that sets us up for the entire quality of our movements and our day. Thank you for bringing us back to the real meaning of our posture Anne.
When we begin exercise or sport as children, we are not taught to pay attention to our posture, or to listen to our bodies; but instead, to do well, achieve and be number one in most cases. So naturally as adults, outcome is the motivation for our exercise, which dulls and reduces our connection to our body whilst we are moving towards an end point.
Yes Kylie, the outcome is often the motivation and this brings and enormous pressure into our bodies, disconnecting us to feel and truly enjoy of our movements. Also, what I’ve noticed is how often the self-worth depends on this outcome. Many people push their bodies to prove their limits and achieve a new mark as a self-improvement. But what we have to achieve? If we are already enough and beauty-full just for being us, this way of exercise doesn’t make sense.
Thanks Anne, great blog. It is really interesting how listening to music on ear phone when exercising does reduce the awareness and connection one has with their body whilst it is moving and coordinating with in exercise. It is a huge distraction.
Wow Anne it is so powerful to see how we get so used to arrangements and certain constraints and a physical way of being. So we walk around everywhere with this set up – and then feel sore and complain. But the angles and way we are holding ourselves are ours to change. When we make our core impulse Love, then how could we ever hunch or slouch? Reading your words is a great exercise in itself.
I love this – ” When we make our core impulse Love, then how could we ever hunch or slouch? ” How indeed!
“…..the quality of my movement, and I began connecting to how I felt on the inside, before I moved” – yes that’s the key isn’t it Anne, becoming aware to develop the relationship that’s on the inside first, before everything else. So often, and automatically or by default, we develop relationship to what’s outside continuously adapting to make sure the outside relationship ‘works’, and it’s that relationship that we give precedence to, and which has ‘the upper hand’ if you like. And we end up forgetting or ignoring not only the type/quality of inner relationship we have/are in, but also that it’s that [quality] which is governing the experience of the outer relationship. For instance i have experienced that when i’m connected and at ease, letting go of things and understanding, then my friendships, work relationships are also of this quality. I bring, set, continue the quality to things and to people, not the other way round.
Very observational Anne, I was only observing myself last night catching a reflection of myself as I was walking to see how far forward my upper body was bent. I was in somewhat of a pace, and when I deliberately straightened up my spine, my pace instantly slowed, and catching my reflection again saw I was walking and felt much more with myself, aligned or more connected. Your post today has inspired further awareness of how we walk in the body – we walk, exercise, move, eat, work etc. in life too.
Anne being aware of my posture throughout the day is a fantastic way for me to come back to myself through my body. Not only that but knowing that the angle of my body also affects the quality of my thoughts is really the most remarkable thing. Our bodies are the end point of who we each are energetically and yet if we change the way that we moved we are also able to start to effect ourselves back the other way.
Thankyou Anne for all you have shared here, it’s given me great insight into being more aware of my body and posture when walking, which I will apply from today.
Tension is not natural for our body. When we push ourselves through exercise or activity in disregard to our body it tenses up in the best way it can to cope with the onslaught, however the moment we choose to respect and honour our bodies they respond immediately to this loving care… tension drops away and the body’s natural gentle way of moving and being is naturally there – no effort required, and inspiring to feel… once felt there is no going back to old ways.
The honouring that comes with being very aware of your body is gorgeous… we become aware of so many little details; it is a constant letting go of tension, and as a result our bodies are far more gentle and tender.
A brilliant article Anne and a great reminder that our bodies are not there to do the mind’s bidding and be dragged around at its’ peril but to be nurtured and cared for as the way we move our bodies gives us the quality of thoughts we will then have. Even though I’ve always been very body aware I used to push my body way too hard and override the signals it was sending me because I was too busy trying to maintain a certain weight or shape. It’s much lovelier now to exercise and feel the connection I have with my body, listening to and honouring how it wants to be moved and when its’ had enough.
Practising this awareness has also made quite an impact how I hold my body at home or while working. I notice pretty quick these days when it is not held in connection, it becomes uncomfortable so much quicker, just the body letting me know to shift into an aware and connected posture please 🙂
“Simply being aware of our posture and style whilst exercising, and allowing our body to guide us, can make a huge difference to how we feel and how we enjoy exercising.” – Yes this awareness makes a huge difference. I train with a trainer a lot and he draws my awareness to parts of my body that I hold tension in more than another part etc. At times he will film me to show me and the moment I see it I can then work on bringing my awareness to that area and release it. the difference is felt immediately and I also noticed, that after having trained correctly as you describe Anne, I do not feel sore anymore as I used to in the past.
Every morning I do my gentle exercises and start with sitting down and feel my body. How I sit. And this alone does change my body-tension and feelings. I relax and feel more. So to bring awareness and connection to ourselves is already a very good starter.
I like to add to this “Simply being aware of our posture and style whilst exercising, and allowing our body to guide us, can make a huge difference to how we feel and how we enjoy exercising”: this is transferable to our expression in general:
-posture = where do we come from, from which foundation do I express? Do I come from a base of appreciation and love?
-style = how do I breathe, speak, think? Do I bring understanding to the situation, relationship, person?
This could bring a huge difference in the way of how much we enjoy meeting another.
Connection before we move is key to great posture and movement. So simple and practical. Thank you Anne.
“Have a neutral neck (with my chin under my nose, rather than sticking out or up)” This is such a small movement but it makes a huge difference and has made me aware of the tension this causes in my neck but also how my way of looking out into the world completely changes when my chin is under my nose, and we can all feel that.
Our posture changes when we are present to ourselves in everything that we do. Awareness is the key but we are often distracted by our thoughts and all the things we need to do. An inspiring sharing, Anne.
Adjusting and being aware of such simple things as those that are on your checklist are really quite profound. Exerting our body, pushing too hard or walking with a foot rolled in are all the more noticeable and we are far less likely to do these things when we are aware. These small and subtle things help us hugely with our awareness of the body.
I love observing people on my walk, the different postures, walks and strides. Though it does puzzle me to see so many people running when 98% of the time it looks painful, their bodies often contorted in some way as they push through – all in the name of good health!!
Bringing your attention to your posture can totally change your day! You release, unclench, stand tall and you are instantly with you, and can move with yourself from that point on. All the hunching, the tension, the favouring one side more than the other, is essentially like squeezing yourself out of your body – shutting it down more and more as the tension increases.
Posture is huge not only when we exercise but how we walk, pick things, up, sit at our desks etc.. we are either working with the body or putting a strain on it. The more in flow we are with our body the more it then supports us back. Common sense really but so often ignored!
Anne I loved your wonderful practical tips and advice re exercising with body awareness and connection.
It really does make a difference when you feel your body whilst exercising and allow it to guide you.
Exercising in connection is a truly divine way of moving the body.
I practiced yoga for very short period of time in my life when I was finishing my doctoral studies. Yoga only helped me to realise that by being really gentle with my body, I could stretch almost non stop my body. Being harsh was a trip nowhere.
I used to have cramps in my calves and toes while I was lying on my bed. They could be very intense. Somehow, I feared them. One day I learnt that the best way to help the body to accomplish what the cramp is meant to be is not fighting cramps, just observing them. Even strong ones, do not last much. They do their job and that’s it. Since that day, I had almost no cramps any longer.
Postures say a whole lot about the whereabouts and wellness of a being. What I find interesting is the myriads of postures we adopt during one day, in different spaces, different moments. One night I realised that the posture in bed could be said to vary depending on the angle you are being looked at. From the feet, for example, it is like a standing position; the most natural one. That was key in changing my bed posture and avoid sleeping on the side, which I used to do.
The purpose of exercise has completely changed for me since learning to understand more about my body and how my relationship with it reflects everything in my life! I now exercise to support my body, not to objectify it!
Anne this is the best exercise tip ever: “By bringing my focus to the quality of being in my body before I started to exercise, and by developing that relationship first, I was then able to take that connection and focus into the exercise.” My question is: Why is that not a common knowing?
I really value now more than ever how I hold myself or my posture in so many different activities including exercising. For I have come to understand that the quality that I hold my body in allows or supports what energetic imprints I make and the quality of what I have to share with others.
Thank you Anne for the super important reminder of posture! I have also experienced a link between posture and mood! The slouch attitude that often comes with a grumpy mood, or the slumped posture that comes with a given up ness etc etc. Posture is key in either supporting us or not through the day!
I love this reminder of bringing exercise (& every activity we do!) back to body awareness. Even as I sit here on the train on my way to work, I can now feel how I am holding tension in my neck and upper shoulders. It makes me consider how I’ve been leading up to getting on the train (which included rushing)… It may not mean the tension immediately goes away, but by being aware of it in the first place, I can be more aware of how I am moving my body in my various activities,including exercise.
My daily rhythm includes some form of exercise at home, that I can do anywhere, that does not include being influenced by any music or class, but simply being with me and engaging in exercise that supports my body on that given day. I work with an esoteric exercise practitioner to develop individualised programs for me and I also now develop my own, using the confidence I have gained from her support. I couldn’t imagine it any other way now. It supports me to be all of me in my life. Having come from much more intense forms of exercise like running, gym classes and ashtanga yoga, it feels so empowering to be my own teacher and to understand the power of surrender within the cycle of each movement; letting go after each repetition so that the body does not develop tension.
Anne, this is a subject dear to me as I have felt the benefits of conscious and connected posture over many years now. Working as a complementary health practitioner, I have been interested in seeing how disconnected many people are from their bodies and are not aware of how their daily movements affect how they feel. This is a constant refining process and with the work of Serge Benhayon, especially from the recent Retreat at Lennox Head, I have been able to see just how important the subtleties of this really is – not just when exercising but all of the time: the way that we sit or stand, the way that we walk from A to B, can all be in support of awareness or in pursuit of numbness.
What a great tool to start exercise: to connect to myself. Then I start with the fullness of me instead of feeling empty and the need to get somewhere.
I have noticed how my posture has changed since working with the modalities with Universal Medicine. My back was rounded and my shoulders in and I had a curvature of the spine. Learning to carry myself and be all of me has had a huge influence on my posture and exercising in a gentle way has supported the re-alignment. The big change came when I recognised that I no longer carried my hurts around with me and my spine straightened and the curvature was no longer there. The interesting thing is that if I do revert back to any of the old hurts I can feel the curvature beginning to come back and a slight pain between my shoulder blades. Bringing my awareness to this area and walking and swimming and stretches all help to release the tension in this area.
Great blog Anne and full of wonderful insights. I don’t think that I have ever seen someone run in a way that some part of their body is not feeling the impact, negatively so; therefore it is very obvious that you can’t run and be gentle with your body at the same time. In fact observing runners over the years all I see is the stress in their faces and right throughout their bodies which are usually distorting in some way to compensate for the huge mechanical stress that is being created. Common sense tells me that this cannot be at all beneficial for the body, but people by the millions still keep on doing it!
Since reflecting on this blog further and feeling the extent to which posture is involved in my life reveals just how fundamental our posture is. The quality of our posture can either support us or affect us in every single moment. Today I noticed whilst waiting in a seated position just how much I slump forward and trying to sit up straight was actually painful as the muscle’s in my back just aren’t used to holding me in that position.
Just being aware of when we lean forward and back is an awesome feat of observation – sometimes our movements can be very subtle but make a huge difference to our balance and the tension in our muscles.
To heighten the awareness to and with our bodies must be the best ‘investment’ we can ever do – only when we are truly connected with our bodies are we moving as a whole.
My wellbeing totally dependent on how I honour my body. My education would have been so much more real and true if I had had learnt and understood this at school!
Anne, thank you for this very practical article, its great to re-read this, i can relate to this, ‘Perhaps we do not notice we are doing these things, especially when we are distracted such as when we are listening to music, talking on our phones or talking animatedly to someone’, I have realized that this does happen, if I am on my own im much more aware of how my body is moving and enjoy being with the movements, but I have noticed how if I get talking excitedly to someone then i can disconnect from my body and be so involved in the conversation that i am less aware if im getting cold;if my body is tense; if im standing in an awkward position etc, until the pain signal is so strong i have to listen and do something about it.
The same is true when we walk, our posture and our movements can give us a lot of revelations about ourselves.
Our bodies are very graceful when we move with love ✨
A beautiful and very practical article about being truly connected with the body. The more connected and aware we are of our movements, the more joyful it is to take every step.
Anne since reading your blog yesterday I’ve really noticed how my posture changes even when I walk, being aware of how I am walking has made a really big impact on how vital and “fit” I feel. Whilst not gym style exercise it shows the effect our posture has on us in every moment.
Bringing awareness to my body was a turning point for me, from completely disregarding the fact that my body could tell me exactly how to be and move to keep it free from the aches and pains I was experiencing. As I started to bring a connection to myself and an awareness of how I was feeling and moving, I have made choices that mean I no longer live day in day out with the aches and tension that I once had in my body.
The key point you share here Anne is to choose our quality before we move as the movement itself will confirm and enhance this quality throughout our body.
I never cease to be amazed by the level of detail and accuracy that my body communicates to me about my posture and the way I move. There is a very natural way of moving and exercising that supports the body that can be felt from within. The key is to stop and connect long enough to become aware of what our body is communicating and to let go of all the ideals and beliefs that we have been fed about what is healthy. No-one knows better what is right for us then our own body.
It’s very interesting to observe the way others run, as there is often a place in their body that is taking the ‘thud’ and pressure in particular, which results in very different running styles. A lot of people have tension directed in their knees, and others in their backs, necks, ankles and even hips. It’s so important to work on our posture when we exercise, as from what I’ve observed when we run, walk, swim or workout without considering where our weight is going and if we are directing tension to a particular area then we can damage ourselves very easily.
I have become much more aware of my posture these days, and observe that in making small adjustments like lifting and opening my chest and elongating my posture makes a world of difference in how I walk. Yesterday in meeting a friend for lunch, a friend watched me as I approached her. Her comment to me during lunch) was; ‘ you looked so confident when walking towards me, and then added, small but powerful’.
This was a really good article for me to read as my posture for as long as I can remember hasn’t been the best. So more awareness in exercise especially my posture is needed at all times.
I have found that adjusting my posture even just slightly makes a vast difference in how my body feels, my stamina and if there is any build up of tension or not. IN connecting to my body I can feel exactly how it needs to stand, sit or walk in a way that allows me to be aware and clear and feeling great with myself.
Inspired by your blog Anne I went for a walk yesterday and observed my posture whilst I was walking, in the beginning I noticed I was holding tension in my hips and my spine was not as elongated as it could be. Adjusting and lengthening my spine and freeing my hips made my walk more graceful and light and my thoughts becomes clearer, our posture really makes a difference to the quality of our movements.
So true Anna, as soon as I bring attention to my posture and make the adjustments like lengthening my spine and freeing my hips ( sometimes my hips have felt really locked) , I can feel an immediate positive difference in my posture, in my walk and in my confidence.
“Simply being aware of our posture and style whilst exercising, and allowing our body to guide us, can make a huge difference to how we feel and how we enjoy exercising.”
Bringing this awareness to our posture and style is simple but very powerful, bringing connection to our bodies and letting them guide us brings so much joy and expansiveness, which then in turn feeds our bodies back that joy, in this cycle life becomes very beautiful.
Exercising with deep honouring and connection to our bodies Anne I the way you describe, will become the new normal way or exercising, as the current way of pushing and not being present with our bodies is not sustainable, as the many aliments and injury’s show us that people experience, particularly once we get older.
When we bring awareness to our daily actions and movements, its amazingly powerful, we feel more confident and more present with our bodies and able to be there for others.
I used to wake up feeling so heavy and tired in the morning, I would leap on my bicycle and go for a hard fast ride to force my body into waking up and get going for the day, using my adrenal energy to ‘jump start’, me in the day. In those days I felt pretty numb and didn’t have much body awareness, since doing Esoteric Yoga with Universal Medicine, I have a amazing and honouring relationship with my body, which completely supports me.
We live in a world where extremes seem to be the order of the day. Exercise, yoga postures, eating, sports, drinking, drugs, violence, abuse, cyber abuse, etc. – all are done to an extreme level. Not everyone goes to a max-out extreme but enough do go to extreme levels because it is so easily copied by those who are looking for recognition, wealth, kudos or just the buzz while the couch potatoes generally eat and drink too much while watch it all on the Internet or TV. Maybe this could be because of the energy these people are all using which gives them momentary satisfaction? “Everything is energy and therefore everything is because of energy” [Serge Benhayon]. So when we choose our energy wisely we connect to a different awareness that confirms the glory of being the Son of God.
I have started to do this too Anne – “I started to bring more awareness to my body and to the quality of my movement, and I began connecting to how I felt on the inside, before I moved.” It is making a huge difference, especially as now my body tells me all the time pretty quick when something is amiss…
Such a a great reminder Anne, in fact while I read I’m noting how I’m sitting and go through the markers in my body you suggest and adjusting want needs to be adjusted. How many moments in life do we loose ourselves to not one task but multi tasking, even if that is thinking about something while doing something else. What ever it is we are then less able to stay with our bodies because we are already very busy. Yet the truly important task is being with our bodies first and foremost and let the activities flow from there. This is far less tiring and stressful on the body and the mind.
Thank you Anne for sharing your experience, I am also starting to do this, ‘When I commenced studying with Universal Medicine, I started to bring more awareness to my body and to the quality of my movement, and I began connecting to how I felt on the inside, before I moved.’ I have just come back from a Universal Medicine retreat and it has been very supportive for me to feel how I move, from rushing and not being aware of what my body is doing to being with the movements and moving with gentleness and tenderness and what a difference this makes! I am loving these graceful movements and feel so much less tired as a result of being with my movements and not in my head thinking and rushing around.
This is great to read. I used to prescribe hook, line and sinker to the general consensus that any exercise is healthy for your body. So I used to think a 2 mile walk had to be good for me by virtue of it being exercise. But what I realise is how I move determines whether it’s healthy or if I’m bashing my body on the pavements in how I walk and putting myself under great stress and strain just by how I walk. Both ways can be detected through my posture and how I feel at the end of a walk – either light and bouncy or heavy and exhausted. I don’t like feeling the latter or the thoughts that come with it so I keep present as much as I can when I walk noticing how I move and letting an energy flow through me that supports me – not the old task master of pushing myself no matter what because any exercise is good for me.
This is so ingrained in us, that exercise is good. Of course there is truth in this, but as you say it can be equally as harming to self and others depending on how we embark and participate in the chosen exercise. Learning about energy and the impact this has on each one of our choices is a huge game changer.
It is interesting observing that my walk and gate changed very recently. I have observed that I am now picking up my feet more with a bounce in my step from the balls of my feet and knees, where previously I was more flat footed with a tension running down the sides of my legs. It is beautiful to feel the difference. Although it is a subtle change it feels a massive shift. The change wasn’t consciously done but it is there nevertheless and great to observe.
Everything we do in life is so much more enjoyable in connection.
I am continuing to learn more about how I use (and abuse) my body during exercise and how I hold my body throughout the day. There can be such subtle changes in posture that can shift everything about how I feel.
I remember running in school races where I would push through all the different pain in my body in order to ‘win’ and get the recognition for it, so much so that at the end of one race I brought on an asthma attack having never previously suffered from asthma. Now, I’m reminding myself that when I connect to how I am feeling in my body before I move the flow of these movements are entirely different. I can feel how honouring this way of moving is rather than the jolted aggressive way I used to approach exercise.
‘Release any tension I feel in my body – for me this usually means I consciously drop my shoulders and unclench my jaw’ as I read this sentence I felt my body melt. Tension can be so subtle and although we feel it we focus on other things to distract us, when we are reminded to come back to our bodies and feel certain parts of our body it allows the tension to dissolve. If we then take this awareness to our movements, be it in exercise or on a daily basis we find that we are far more energised throughout the day.
I have been suffering with lower back pain recently. I notice when I become more aware of my body as I walk the back pain subsides. Sometimes I can feel where I am tensing because of the pain, but that tensing actually adds to my discomfort. I start to become aware of how I place each foot on the pavement and if my weight is evenly balanced with each step. This simple awareness starts off little adjustments in my body that change my walk into one that feels more at ease. Sometimes I can feel a drive in my walk because I am in a hurry. When I choose to let go of the drive, again I can feel it as a release in my body as I walk.
I like this pausing to be aware of your body first before doing any exercise. It seems much more respectful of the body you have which is being asked to work, to build and to develop muscle tone or flexibility. Perhaps the true purpose of exercise is to establish and or to confirm the connection that exists between the being inside and the body it lives in.
Recently I have been going to the gym to walk on the tread mill, I don’t run or walk too fast that I lose my step instead I keep a steady pace that allows me to be present with my moment this way I can also be aware of my posture. Walking like this is so very joyful and allows me to connect to the bigger picture.
Going with the impulse of the body makes all the difference to the movement
To become more aware and see what we support in the way we exercise (and live!) is key for a greater understanding as well for to bring a change.
What beautiful observations you share about our movements posture and style in our everyday way we carry ourselves which is highlighted in exercising particularly . The quality of our movements makes all the difference and bringing awareness to this in connection to our bodies is so important to our health and well being.
Personally I have been playing with this for the last 10 years and I have discovered that when we are connected to our bodies and a quality of delicate stillness within and then consciously choose to move from that quality of stillness, staying aware of our movements all the time, the amount of energy consumed and the amount of strain on the physical body is dramatically reduced.
As a Physiotherapist myself I have also witnessed many postures and gaits that place a lot of tension and strain on the body. When I point this out to people it is very common for them to state that they were largely unaware that they were doing it! Such is the disconnection that most of us have with our bodies, so for sure any fitness program or exercise has to begin with body awareness and connection with our bodies first.
What I find most supportive in exercising is to connect to my breathing and really focus on making the exercise I am doing as a lengthening of the whole body in the movement. When i really connect to this gently with absolute presence or you could say concentration, it is remarkable how much this changes the nature of what it is to exercise and how good I feel during and afterwards. Anne as you present, it is really worth our time bringing awareness to our bodies and how we move, as how we move has a huge effect on the quality and perception of the life we experience.
‘ how we move has a huge effect on the quality and perception of the life we experience’. if we were all to stop and ponder on this sentence we would realize just how important our movements are and how they impact on everything.
Anne your article has caused me to reflect on how radically my walking style has changed. I used to pride myself on how every step that I took whilst power walking was intense. So much so that I used to say that I was ‘tearing up the concrete’. Now my walking is very gentle, I take my whole body into account when I walk and the connection between my feet and the ground is usually pretty harmonious. Knowing that we leave an energetic imprint in our wake I am slightly uneasy when I consider what I left behind in my power walking days for all those who followed behind me to have the misfortune of walking into!
Thank you, Anne. Great reminders to check in with the body as we move, to make sure we are not straining the body or compensating in any way while exercising. Keeping fit can be enjoyable and deeply connecting when we honour the body through the quality of our movements.
It is interesting to observe ourselves as we walk – I hadn’t realised how uneven my steps were until I looked back at my footprints in the snow – the left footprint was straight, the right was turned out. Whether it was a remnant of learning ballet at school I’ll never know, but over the last few years that turnout has straightened and now both my footprints are straight. When I posed for photographs, my head tilted to one side and I hadn’t realised it until one day a photographer pointed it out to me. What was my body saying? Please love me, I’m cute? Like puppies do? Every move, every turn of our body is saying something about us and the more we can observe ourselves and be natural in the way we live, the more aligned our bodies will be.
To be more aware of our posture is so important. Our posture exposes everything of us, how we feel and even think. It is an expression , when we truly take care about it, which has a huge influence to our wellbeing.
I never used to pay much attention to my posture but I have come to see how important it is to our health and wellbeing. My posture has changed not through me making myself stand/sit straighter but through re-connecting with myself, healing old hurts and allowing myself to live true to myself.
I can feel the power of this body awareness Anne, as it not only makes me aware of my posture but also makes me to to connect deeply with my body in which I can feel a knowing that makes me feel confident in life.
Bringing awareness to all our movements is life changing, whether its exercising or feeling our finger tips sitting at our computer, as we can build a quality through out our day a connection with our bodies and selves, a foundation that we can return to, no matter what life presents us with.
Do we disconnect from our bodies as they are the one thing that doesn’t lie to us and always shows us the truth of how we have been living, the arrogance and disregard that we drive and push ourselves in? Even when we exercise are we still seeking disconnection, often driven from an image or ideal that we need to loose weight or look a certain way, rather than tenderly connecting to the wisdom of our bodies first and being impulsed from them as to what is needed.
These are such great points Thomas. Our body never lies, yet we lie to it, coerce it, force it, push it, abuse it nearly all of the time….and yet it’s the one thing that keeps us here on earth, alive! Definitely time to stop and appreciate the gift we have been given.
For many years I exercised as a way of letting go of stress and the tension I felt in my body, pushing myself in hard and disconnected way, often over doing it and even injuring myself. Its is very beautiful to connect more and more to my tenderness as a man, and move my body and exercise from this tenderness, letting go of the need for it to be a certain way, deeply honoring myself and my body.
“Simply being aware of our posture and style whilst exercising, and allowing our body to guide us, can make a huge difference to how we feel and how we enjoy exercising.”
This is a very powerful observation Anne, the word style speaks to me, as it encompasses many aspects in the way we exercise: The way we hold and honor ourselves, the finesse and joy we bring to our movements. When we let go of all the images and pictures around exercise, that we are trying to achieve a certain look or result, and simply exercise for the joy of being deeply connected to our bodies, it’s a very different and super supportive process.
Just how we move and in what quality tend to play second fiddle to the drive to exercise and indeed are unconscious processes to most of us. So your blog truly highlights the fact that movement can either be healing or harming and suggests that it is in our best interests to give real attention to the way we are moving and to the quality we are in before exercising as this is what we will magnify in the movements. Think of feeling angry and then going for a run – just what are you taking out on your body and putting it through?
It is extremely important to be totally present with our bodies when we are exercising so as to not harm ourselves. This sounds simple and logical but how many of us do this? How many or us push through the pain to achieve our target reps whilst compromising our form? From my experience at the gym I’d say most.
I have been exploring exercise a lot recently and it has been revelatory to see that even when I feel I am being open and gentle with my body there is a lot of tension and hardness that has been conditioned in me over many years. It is why I feel it is always so valuable to get support from others to allow us to better understand our bodies and take us out of what can be quite miserable patterns or poor posture and roughness with our bodies.
After reading this blog I have brought more focus back to my posture in my walking and have been surprised by how much difference it can make despite having realised this once previously before. Rather than feeling heavy and energy less I feel lighter and balanced as I walk focusing on the position of my spine and shoulders. This has been an awesome reminder and renewed commitment to developing this as a foundation in my life.
“Simply being aware of our posture and style whilst exercising, and allowing our body to guide us, can make a huge difference to how we feel and how we enjoy exercising.” This has made major changes to my posture. lt is also important to revisit your body periodically checking in to feel how it is changing. l haven’t done this for some time and your blog has just inspired me to reconnect more deeply, as l feel l have neglected it of late.
Through observing my body I learned what it means to build a quality in my body that is not related to an image of how I physically have to look like, but to a vitality I feel in my body that has been unknown to me before. I have been and am still learning what true quality is.
To exercise from the body and not at the expense of the body has been a key learning for me through Universal Medicine. I never liked or did any exercise as it was always a strain on my body and I never felt any benefit, but since exercising being present in my body I have been able to build core strength and true fitness for life.
For a long time I have been driving almost completely twisted to one side. I’m far more aware of it now, but find myself doing it when I’m tired. It really feels as though I’m creating an S curve through my back and hips, and results in a sore leg. Sitting through traffic can be frustrating at the best of times for me, but there is an opportunity in this time to make good use of it and find a position that really supports my body, because I know I drain my energy even more when my body is contorted and not sitting as it naturally should.
I’m typing in bed right now, and I could not have been more slouched and sunken, and then I realised the reason I’m hitting the wrong keys is because of my posture. It’s so obvious yet we rarely consider the difference it makes when we pay attention to how we are carrying our body. I only had to sit up right and my body was immediately able to focus better and now I have no typos. Awesome to experiment with this in the moment.
I’ve been observing how I stand, sit, walk more recently also Anne, and I definitely catch myself being always off to one side, or hunched over. I’ve always been a leaner, and these days I do my best to correct my posture particularly when standing. It’s amazing how much more vulnerable you feel when you stand with equal weight through both feet on the floor rather than the protected lean to one side with hand on hip. It’s pretty exposing!
Brilliantly practical and supportive article Anne. Thank you. I have recently started exercising regularly and have become much more aware of my posture generally because of taking the time to connect to my body. Your observations have already supported me to take this deeper and become aware of the tension in my jaw as I write, the tightness in my knees from sitting just a wee bit too long…. – and I haven’t even got up from my seat yet.
I just read in a newspaper that someone had reached the top of the Mount Everest and then died in his sleep the night after because of a shortage of oxygen in his blood, he was completely exhausted. An extreme example of pushing our bodies and this is championed and it is incredible how this is championed in our world today.
Anne – what strikes me when I observe people running or walking, and I was guilty of this too – is how we tend to put emphasis on getting somewhere or completing something. I know when I used to run to exercise – it was always so I’d get it out the way, complete my timing in good time – everything was time related so my posture and the space needed for my body was not considered. Even when I stopped running and started walking, it was always to get from A to B whist not considering how I was in my body – what is the quality of my movements. Because time was what I relied on to let me know my exercise was complete – not how my body was feeling. But when this is shifted, when we start to observe how we move – be present in our movements – we start to acknowledge the quality – which feels so different in the body.
Anne I love what you have shared here. These are such practical tools that can be applied everyday with subtle movements we make from walking, to sitting at a desk, to driving our cars.
Anne when I consider exercise it has always been about getting fit or loosing weight, therefore the thought about posture never used to come in. Yet what you share here is so important as it allows us to look at exercise as a support to the body and way to connect not only during exercise but for the rest of the day and time until we exercise again.
‘Do we ever observe our posture or style whilst running, walking or exercising generally?’ – You’re posing a great question here Anne – do we ever truly observe our body and our own limits at all, i.e. in every situation in life – or are we running on autopilot?
The straighter the posture the more connected we are to God, and the more we become all knowing of the universe.
Reading this article made me try to remember the last time that I gave myself time to be in connection before going into exercise. Thank you for the gentle reminder. I’m about to go to the gym and I will close my eyes and connect to the breath before I start exercising. you have shared some great tips for supporting that connection throughout too. Thank you.
Anne , this is beautiful. As I am working as a physiotheeapist, I am used to observing postures as well. What I like in your sharing is to get confirmed how simple it is to come back to a posture which supports us instead of draining us.
Thank you Anne – ‘ but I ignored the pain and pushed on.’ – I was nodding when I read this as it is very relatable. The interesting thing is that this is championed in our society, the push and drive to get going regardless of what it feels like in our bodies is relentless.
And yes I forgot the importance of breath – that especially is something to pay so much attention to, it is so easy to hold one’s breath or breathe really shallowly. Focus on the breath brings huge awareness to the body.
I so relate to this Anne – “Simply being aware of our posture and style whilst exercising, and allowing our body to guide us, can make a huge difference to how we feel and how we enjoy exercising.” This awareness has made a huge difference in how my body feels, and it becomes easy to adjust as it tells me all the time. All I have to do is listen.
Great article, Anne, on a very important topic, – our bodies. It makes such a difference to be totally unaware of how we hold our bodies and being connected to it. And it’s a matter of tiny little things. An angle. Balance. Posture. Connection. Awesome to bring this to our awareness, – and include the breath, of course. Thank you.
Posture style and freedom of movement is such an important thing in our lives for our body our health and our well being . The choice of awareness in all we are doing makes so much difference for lovingly choosing how we move and surrendering also and not ignoring or pushing our bodies. This is such a beautiful different way of living and exercising and whilst looking after our body and treasuring it.
It is all about posture and being present in the body while we are exercising. I recently joined a fitnessclub and I can see how easily we can ‘check-out’ by just doing the exercises functionally. People around me are checking there phones, watching the video or listening to their favorite music. This leaves little space to be with the body. I found it is very important to be with my body at all time. I observe my right foot going diagonal after some time, my lower back going tight or my breathe starts to alters. In the moment I can address and alter it. Not when the excercise round is finished including my favorite music album.
Thank you for sharing Anne. I’m definitely finding a way with my posture during exercise too – for a long time I experienced slight lower back and neck pain from doing exercise in the ways I was doing, and have recently been exploring methods to keep my back straight and avoid stretching/pulling my neck. I thought I just had to ‘go for it’ with exercise and that spending time trying to correct my posture would be pointless and time wasting when I’m supposed to be ‘working hard’. Your blog highlights that we should never compromise our bodies and always look for ways to support ourselves.
I never used to think posture and how we exercise was very important and had the attitude along as I am getting through my exercise regardless of how my body was coping or not, and usually these exercises would be to push the body as hard as possible, but I have come to realise that there is a totally different feel to exercising when we are connected. When in connection my spine feels elongated, my walk is different, how and where I place my feet feeling more gentle and how I move and that I am aware of my whole body. There is not pushing, rushing or punishing the body and it responds with ease.
Anne, thank you for writing this article, ‘Simply being aware of our posture and style whilst exercising, and allowing our body to guide us, can make a huge difference to how we feel and how we enjoy exercising.’ I can feel how I can exercise on automatic pilot, with my mind on one one thing and my body moving without me really being with each movement. I notice how if I am with each movement, so my mind and body are together then I am aware of how my body is moving and so much less likely to move in a way that can be harmful, such as jarring or twisting or straining my body, it feels very lovely when my mind and body are together moving in graceful, gentle, flowing ways listening to the signals from my body and changing position if any jarring occurs.
Absolutely exquisite Anne. I just love your attention to nature and its symbolism – the description of the seagull on the sea is so detailed and precise – I can see and feel exactly what you mean.
I used to be anywhere but with my body when I was exercising and frequently overstretched myself with all the resultant aches and pains afterwards so can really appreciate what you are sharing here Anne. Thank you for the great tips on how to exercise with the body and be sensitive to its needs so that it can support us in our daily lives.
Developing this kind of relationship with ourselves first and the quality we are connecting to within absolutely determines the quality of exercise that we do with our bodies. It really speaks volumes the body so the more we can be aware and observant of what it is telling us the more we can honour and nurture the loving quality within and with the physical. Unversal Medicine has been teaching this since 1999 and I have gained much benefit from these Ageless Wisdom teachings.
I notice that when I am working if I sit slouched in bed I am not as effective as when I get up and go and sit at my computer desk. My body is more supported, my spine is aligned and there is more flow in what I do.
This is a super cool, really practical article that could take millions off the health services bills every year! We should not be surprised by the impact of a little bit of awareness and care of our posture and how we move, not just when we exercise but throughout the day. It makes sense to work with our bodies, rather than in ignorance of them until such time as illness kicks in.
I totally agree with all you share Anne, recently I have become more aware of my posture and how much I slouch at times and roll my shoulders in – this affects not only my energy levels but also my ability to express clearly.
Anne reading your article I became aware how my left foot was positioned (rolling out) as I sat in my chair. This small awareness speaks volumes. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
A lifetime or even a moment of override in the body creates dis-ease and ultimately disease.
Anne it’s so true what you share here – how easy it is to not be at all connected to how we’re holding ourselves or how our body feels when we exercise or move. But the devil is in the detail as some say and it is very much worth paying attention to these nuances, be they large or small.
I love how practical what you share is Anne, I feel I will take a cue from what you have shared and bring more presence to the way I move. It feels a much truer and honouring way to move your body.
I find it’s easy to get swept up in what I want to do, pushing through and ignoring how my body feels. It’s so contrary to the way things should be because the purpose of exercise is to keep fitness in the body so it can move with ease. If I push exercise without regard to my posture I am creating disharmony and compounding that within my muscles with awkward movements. It is so much better to really feel the best way to stand then move, each bone and muscle supporting each other, nothing being strained, with a beautiful flow. It is so worth considering how we can support ourselves like this all the time.
What a great blog Anne, awesome tips to be aware of when exercising. But also bringing awareness to how we are with ourselves when we are simply walking, how much are we truly with ourselves? I know for me that I bring awareness to how I walk and when I am slouching forward, in a drive, which does happen, I am not doing it for too long and correct myself, using how I walk as a marker for myself each and every day.
Thank you Anne for this is a truly timely sharing for me as I am about to head off on my morning walk. The great pointers you have shared with us will help be more in touch with our bodies and not off somewhere else in our minds whilst we walk unconsciously, either talking or distracted in some other way. I too love to connect with nature and the Magic of God which is all around us here on the Northern Rivers of NSW. Thank you for a lovely informative blog Anne.
Staying with myself during exercise is a great way of seeing those times where my body posture changes and to clock what brings about the change in at that time, and choose to move in a way that feels flowing and not hard in my body as I move. This not only supports my body and how it feels, but also is so lovely to spend quality time with myself as I am exercising in this focused way.
Thanks Anne for the detail you bring in this blog regarding exercise. It is easy to just get on with it because we need a certain level of fitness to get through the day. What you are presenting here is bringing a focus to our connection with our body in every movement. This feels very loving. Our body is amazing and to stop, feel and appreciate it in all movement and specifically during our exercise program will be far more beneficial.
It is empowering to realise that through one single movement we can change our future, through adjusting our current state of being. This is the power available to us all when we choose to develop our connection to our bodies. I am forever learning and am in constant wonder as to how much there is to explore through relationships with our bodies. And it is fascinating to observe how much truth is revealed to us, of ourselves and our relationship with life, when we choose to develop this deeply honoring relationship with our bodies.
One posture I’ve been taking note of lately is the posture I hold when talking with people. Is my whole body from my chin, head, neck, upper body all bent over getting wrapped up and involved in what is being talked about… or am I still sitting with myself, feeling my body, listening and not reacting. I’m finding it very empowering for myself and others, as they also have the freedom to just express without feeling they need to entertain the other person because their posture is needing more stimulation.
Thank you Anne for a great sharing, I appreciate your insights which will be helpful for me to put into practise as I am now just starting a new exercise routine. I love the just being before I start the doing.
There is so much to learn of ourselves through our bodies. Thank you Anne for sharing with us this powerful reminder of how choosing to develop our connection to our bodies bring awareness to how we are choosing to move. This has changed my life in many ways as I have discovered that our bodies always communicate the truth of how we are choosing to be, move and interact with life. This is a relationship that I value, honor and cherish to no end as I am always guided by the truth to be all that I am.
Thank-you for these check-in points you offer for a way of connecting to how you are feeling, Anne, which is what I also do when I am doing my exercises now. I find it to be so supportive and even essential to check in with how my body is feeling, often finding I have begun to tense up around my chest area and how restricting that feels, whereas in the past I wasn’t even aware this was happening I would just push on regardless. Another thing is observing how my thoughts effect my posture and the way I move. By changing my posture I can change those negative and unsupportive thoughts taking control. It is in fact this taking more care of the quality of my movements that make so much difference.
It was interesting to feel myself have more awareness of each of the body parts as you mentioned them, and how each came back into line as a result. We can hold tension in our bodies without being aware of it and it can stop us feeling as vital and free flowing as our body naturally is. We live twisted as normal!
A really interesting blog, Anne, and I find myself now taking so much more notice of other walkers’ and runners’ style, when I am out on my daily walk. I also find I am much more aware of myself and giving much more attention to constantly being with me, noticing the little details. I love your list of things you notice when you see other walkers and runners. The one I recalled when I saw someone running just ahead of me was, “Having more weight on one leg and hip, which leads to muscle imbalance. On watching this motion, I could feel quite a reflection of the way this person was living her life, she was driving with the right leg, which was making her stride uneven, and it was as if I could feel the hurt in her hips and sensed the male energy that this person was living in. It is interesting how much we can read in another when we quietly observe them with no judgment. This is the case of course with ourselves, we can come to understand how we are living from the way we are moving.
“I used to exercise without regard to my body – to my posture, my style, or how my body was feeling . . . ” That was exactly how I was exercising too Anne and I have to admit that I was proud of doing so. Since I made a workshop with Universal Medicine this way of treating my body has changed as I am now more aware of what I was doing. Now I appreciate my body much more and would by choice never harm it anymore.
Anne, as a previous cyclist I really relate to that hunching over the handlebars riding style that I took on, where it was all about the quantity, distance I could travel and much less about the quality I was in while doing it. Taking the time to notice and correct posture gently is something I am forever playing with now and I am really starting to appreciate how being gentle and patient with myself is a hugely important part of this process. I would say now I am the forever student of my body and have lots more I look forward to learning.
Mostly when I exercise now I do not get sore afterwards, even if it is quite strenuous exercise, if I do, I know that I have not been connected to my body for some or all of the time as when I am connected I do not get sore.
I am very aware of my posture, I feel this is imperative as the slightest rolling in of my shoulders, which means that my vertebrae is compressed as well, has a huge affect on how I feel about myself and how I express.
This is the attention to detail that has far reaching effects. And is actually good fun to attend to and be aware of – it is like getting to know something that is hugely familiar (our bodies) on a whole new level.
This is something I only recently got to feel and understand for myself. By slightly shifting my body I actually felt very different about myself. It is an incredible exercise which shows we don’t have to move the mountains we think we do to often feel better about ourselves.
This is a great reminder of what it means to truly be in our body and aware of how we carry ourselves. It is so important to be aware of how we treat this vehicle!
A very relatable blog Anne – since bringing more conscious presence to my body, I am now able to feel it communicating – it is very quick to let me know where I am ‘off balance’ or walking, sitting or standing in an unsupportive way which harms my body.
Walking with joy and awareness, stiffness, pain and tension in muscles or back are a thing of the past.
It is indeed very interesting to observe our posture, and see in what way we hold our bodies, and I feel that many unnatural postures come from holding myself back or in a certain way in life that is not in the fullness of who I am. Our body reflects so much of how we are behaving in our day to day lives.
Funnily enough this is something I have been being aware of recently – watching the posture and movements of those around me and in myself – noticing the tight shoulders or the rigid hips or slight miss step between the left and right leg. It can be easy to brush these off as small unimportant things but noticing them can make a huge impact.
We tend to do exercise to be fit and healthy, and how devastating would it be to find out way down the line that all those dedicated hours were actually harming our body. It is great to know the harmful pitfalls when our intention is to offer our body the opposite. Thanks Anne.
Yes, this article is so true. I used to push my body really hard at the gym and often did twice the amount of exercise that I should have done, if I had but listened to my body. Now, when I exercise in true connection, it helps to deepen my relationship with myself, or, if I am not very connected to myself that day, it helps to bring me back. It’s also such a beautiful feeling to be connected with one’s own body and feel the natural stillness within. This coming from someone who suffered great anxiousness and anxiety in the body, too, before discovering Universal Medicine. It feels like a miracle!
Such an important topic to talk about, as for most of us posture is something we very rarely if at all think about. Our posture also has such a huge affect on what thoughts we have, how we feel about ourselves and the level of focus we have. I work at a desk all day and started having back and shoulder pain and my eyes would be tired and sore by the end of the day. A lady visited our office to look at the ergonomics of our work stations, and with some very simple changes… not using arm rests (so my shoulders were able to hand freely), bringing the screen closer and having my feet firmly on the ground, has made a huge difference and all of my symptoms have now subsided. Looking at how we are holding our bodies is of enormous benefit to our whole being.
I find exercising – and even working at my computer – work particularly well when I do them in a state that I experience as stillness – it is as if there is less noise around so everything can be heard and felt that much more clearly.
How I exercise has changed so much in the last 9 years, I have gone from not exercising to rediscovering how to move in a way that is not hard, to getting a glimpse of reconnecting with the joy of being with my body – which is a feeling that had long gone, something I hadn’t felt since childhood.. Breaking through all the long list of should and musts and just feeling my bodies true movement incredible.
Gosh, I cringe now when I think back on how I used to contort my body in the name of ‘exercise’. My body movements have also become so much freer and lighter since I have introduced true connection during exercise and my every day; so much so, that the old way of ‘exercising’ is so foreign and would be incredibly painful to attempt – not that I would want to!
This is an excellent article Anne. There is great understanding of the human body in your observations of your self and others. And a simpleness in the reality that we can all choose how our posture is whilst we are exercising, or in fact whilst we go about our days in all that we do. It is this simplicity that rings true for me. Something, that as human beings we tend to forget is that we always have choice in how we hold our bodies and how we move in them.
You make some great points Anne we can be so unaware of our posture and the detrimental affect it can have on our body, and over time the wear and tear this causes. I recognised many of the ways that affect us such as the rolled in shoulders and slight limp. Being aware of how we walk our movements when we exercise can make a huge difference to how we feel about ourselves. Slouched shoulders and collapsed pelvis feel heavy and contracted and just with a few movements to straighten the back and lift the pelvis can make a huge difference to how we feel about ourselves.
In exercise and in work, even in relaxing, it is so essential to develop a consistent pattern of checking the body, sensing tension and imbalance and correcting it. Even typing this response I am aware that my shoulders are high, and my arms not sitting beautifully in the shoulder socket.
So I stop, let my arms find their natural place.
Feel my breath, sense the placement of my feet…my legs.
A beautiful blog Anne, a reminder to us all.
It seems such an obvious thing to do, to observe our posture and style while exercising but unless reminded we can easily forget what’s truly good for us and our bodies. Bringing in more awareness through being more present with ourselves supports us to stay connected and begin to change old habits of a lifetime.
Thank you Anne for those precious advices.
It is so true Anne that we become very used to our way of walking and holding ourselves and what has become a normal contraction is in fact not normal and a way for our bodies to express the tension we feel inwardly. It is crucial for us to observe ourselves lovingly and make changes again lovingly.
I can so relate to this one Anne… “Release any tension I feel in my body – for me this usually means I consciously drop my shoulders and unclench my jaw.” I never realised how much tension and holding I held in my jaw. It’s amazing to notice and to feel.
I love that you share that the article is ‘inspired by the magic of god’ that is so playful and sweet and true!
Thank you Anne, reading your blog has made me sit up and notice how I am sitting in my chair and straight away I feel more energised and vital. I have been taking more notice of how I walk and my posture during the day and it makes such a difference to my energy levels and how I feel about interacting with others.
The posture corrections that you describe can also be a strain on the body if we try to push ourselves into this. I find that a good posture happens naturally if I simply enjoy walking and stay connected to myself. Then my body works as a whole unit and I can feel the freedom within it. This works for me rather than focussing on each little bit telling it how it ‘should’ be.
I used to do lots of running, but I stopped this when one day I ran too far and as a result I could feel the pounding that my joints were taking, especially my hips and my knees. I could feel the reality of what I was doing to my body. From this day onwards I did not run. I now take myself for walks and enjoy the lightness that you described and love the fact that I am not harming my body anymore.
Quite often our body posture will reveal much about our psychological state of being, if we are observant.
Observation is key in all areas of life.
As I read the little check list, I lengthened my body, moved my shoulders back and each one inspired me to make a small adjustment to my posture. This is something we can do any time we are sitting, standing and walking – anywhere, and it makes a huge difference to how we feel about ourselves.
I am on my feet a lot at work, and have been paying more attention to how I stand or walk around. Things like ensuring that my weight is equally distributed between each leg when I stand make a big difference. Sitting at my computer has also been a focus for me. I am much better at remembering to sit up straight and not slouch. I now sit with a cushion and also watch out for tension that can creep in and make me hunch my shoulders. These simple things really support my body to work with more ease each day.
Over recent months I have also noticed the feeling of different postures whilst I am walking and noticed that I have a habit of walking slumped forward and with rounded shoulders. Walking like this I feel totally disengaged from me in the way I move. I have known that the position of our body is important in terms of physical performance having studied sport and exercise science but never really grasped just how important it is in terms of us expressing and supporting ourselves in the quality of our being. Feeling this whilst walking has been huge and opened me to more awareness of my posture and how I hold myself in many other areas of my day. Awesome to feel the effects this can have by bringing simply focus to this. Equally what our posture is telling us about how we are living is not to be underestimated as our bodies hold the effects of all of our previous choices. When we listen to and read our own bodies we can learn so much about ourselves.
Thank you for this insightful blog Anne. Since slowing things down during my workouts, I must say I am really enjoying them. I have been paying more attention to how my body feels during exercise, taking care not to push or strain. It makes a huge difference and I feel the benefit of not driving myself too hard.
When we walk or exercise without connection we miss so much of what is happening in our bodies and fail to hear the ever present signals sent to us about our true state of health.
I found this to be very informative and whilst reading I found myself adjusting my neck, jaw and shoulders – it’s amazing the amount of tension we hold in our bodies without fully being aware.
This blog has made me much more intricately aware of my posture amd how l am choosing to move. More awareness is the key to greater and much needed change.
I agree Irena, as I was reading this blog I found myself naturally lengthening my spine and sitting more in alignment while at the computer.
It is incredible to consider that such a simple thing as connecting with our bodies before we move and how we move thereafter can have such a big affect on vitality and health. I am finding more and more that as I bring this way into my daily living just stopping for a split second then moving makes a difference to the quality I take to the action. Universal Medicine healing therapies have supported this especially Esoteric yoga, massage and connective tissue therapy.
Connecting with the body and observing posture at all times is key. As I sit and write, I observe a tendency to lean forward, and when I connect to this, can choose to lengthen my back as you say from head to feet. On a walk yesterday, I became aware my body was racy, I connected to my breath and brought myself back to stillness. Bringing awareness to our body when we exercise, walk, sit or lie down supports us to stay deeply connected to ourselves.
I have often found it odd when watching people run that they look like they are in the most excruciating pain, yet this ‘exercise’ is all done in the name of ‘getting fit’ and under the guise of it being ‘good for us’. But how can something that causes us so much pain be healing and not harming? This is not to say that we do not need to exercise but more so that there is a way to move our body that honours it and that ensures we take all of us (mind, body, spirit, Soul) with it and not leave pieces behind in the process. When we learn to let our bodies guide us, we are better able to move with the integrity of the Whole (Soul) that we truly are, without fragmenting ourselves in the process.
Anne, I love this article, it is so practical and very supportive in noticing how my body is when I’m moving around. Great to bring awareness to this, thank you.
It is interesting to note that everything that manifests in the physical world has already formed and already exists in the world of energy. That is, our ailments and disease are first registered in our bodies of energy before they precipitate into the physical form. Our dis-ease begins with not moving in a way that honours the extremely sensitive beings we are. Or we could say, moving in a way counter to the love that we are. If we ignore it at the energetic level, it then makes it way to the physical where it is more difficult to ignore because we are now feeling physical pain in a very physical body. What I love about what you have presented here Anne, is that we can re-establish harmony within our body and between our body and being, by putting our physicality under the microscope. In this way we can work backwards and learn to correct the ill posture or movement that will then help to dissipate the tension that first caused it to be there. This is where true healing can occur for what has been in a state of dis-ease is brought back to ease (harmony), our most normal and natural state.
All so true Anne. I have noticed what has been happening to my body since trying to walk on my almost healed foot that has been broken – still unable to walk ‘normally’ more weight has to go on my other foot, causing me to limp, which then puts my knees and hips out. I can feel the disharmony in the body from this unnatural gait. All I can do at this present moment is walk ‘from me’ and not from the injury – whenever possible. This way there is the possibility of some ‘quality control’!
When we push our body in exercise it can be very exhausting but when we allow the energy within our body to lead us in every movement then there is no exhaustion and the awareness of our movements keeps us in connection with our body.
“I started to bring more awareness to my body and to the quality of my movement, and I began connecting to how I felt on the inside, before I moved.” Whilst it may be more common to feel our posture outwardly it is only through the presentations of Universal Medicine that I have also considered to feel and connect to how I am feeling on the inside before I move. This makes an enormous difference to the movement itself and then subsequently how I hold my body afterwards.
Some great tips here Anne, I have especially learnt overtime how important it is to connect to the body before commencing any sort of exercise, apart from anything else it makes the exercise more effective.
The beauty of being super present and aware like this is the absolute inability to push the body past what it needs or can cope with. This is a far cry from how most exercise is done and the excessive injuries that come from that.
Do we ever observe our posture or style whilst running, walking or exercising generally?
Great question. We often focus on completing the task or getting the outcome before being with our body and noticing our posture.
I see people all the time at walking with head first or slouching.
I have discovered only by being with my body and allowing my body to be in a supportive posture is what benefits my body and movement the most. My body feels super fluid since I have made the choice to stay present and gentle with myself.
I have been observing my posture and paying more attention to how I walk and move just recently. So, awesome timing to read your blog. Choosing to move with a supportive posture is highly important, this ensures we support our body in every way with each and every move, be it to exercise or just walking from A to B or even sitting down. I notice my core muscles are very weak and how this then affects my entire posture. My upper body leans forward, shoulders forward and rolled in and my lower back is slightly curved. From this observation I realised I have been moving with a slouchy posture that does not express the strength and power of who I am. Your blog Anne inspires me to pay even more attention to my posture especially during exercise, Thank you. I also realised to push our body is never loving or supportive, but by moving and exercising with gentleness and awareness is key to applying true care and support for our body.
Before I got to know Universal Medicine and Serge Banhayon ‘movement’ to me was simply about what actions or appearances we would achieve with and through it, but now I am beginning to understand and embody that it is about the quality within being expressed outwardly, that the quality comes first. What I am learning is that when I am connected with the delicateness and the magnificence of who I am, certain postures or movements feel wrong to my body and they drop away – but not permanently, as the choice is being made constantly and that is my responsibility.
True observation is a very powerful tool which sheds a different light and understanding on everything before our eyes.
If we could see a video of ourselves all walking along we may be in for a rude surprise. So many of us may think we exercise and move around with great posture – walking tall and with a proud chest and alert neck and head. But what your words emphasise to me Anne, is there is no substitute for moving with joy and when you hold yourself in Love, there’s a flow and way you carry yourself that is the ultimate posture you will ever see.
It’s so interesting to observe that, whilst I was reading and very much enjoying and appreciating your blog, little pockets of comparison and self-critical analysis was going on. Such an awesome opportunity to reflect, take stock and make changes – just one of the many benefits held within these blogs.
Since knowing Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine I have been really aware of my body, what I am holding onto within my body (e.g. stress, nervousness, tension, anxiety …) and especially how I hold my body when I walk or stand. Having an awareness of this helps us to let go more easily and move with a fluid freeness instead of moving in a way that actually impounds this or locks in into the body! I am beginning to learn just how important movement is.
The freedom felt in the body and in our movements reflect our awareness and choices to let go of the ideals and beliefs in life.
This transformation in terms of how I exercise is most profound in terms of my breathing. Exactly like you, by keeping it to my nose, I stop short of that ragged, pushing myself too hard kind of breathing that quite frankly hurts and used to be the sure sign I was pushing my body way beyond where it was healthy to go. Such a simple mechanism, and yet is it taught anywhere, or any school?
Anne, I love the simplicity and practical manner in which you have written this article on exercise and posture; what to be aware of when the body is not aligned, as to avoid pain or cramps.
I love the analogy of the seagulls gliding through the air -like stillness in motion, reminding us of the grace and flow of our body when connected to our body whilst walking, or exercising.
Anne I found myself adjusting my posture as I sit here in front of the computer whilst reading your blog. Your blog has reminded me how important it is to develop these check moments to ensure that I am moving with me in my body and not off in my thoughts somewhere else. Always a challenge, but it is so much easier to move with my body and far more rewarding too. I look forward to my morning walk now!
Recently I was on my deck observing the activity on the street a distance below. I was stopped in my tracks as I observed a fellow student of Universal Medicine on her morning walk – her movement was so graceful – her posture elongated, relaxed but purposeful, as if her whole focus was on her body and movement. I was reminded of a swan gliding through water and inspired to bring that same presence into my walk.
Our bodies need to be exercised, but it is the type of exercise we choose and the way that we are with ourselves when we exercise, that determines the quality with which our bodies are able to truly serve, or not.
Very great that you are going into such detail about what you see and what you have felt in your own body regarding posture and movement in exercise. As a society we consider exercise healthy and therefore no matter what type, how hard we push, how obsessively we participate, how much our body aches, the quality or details we tend to ignore because it’s all healthy right?
Its like saying food is healthy and therefore we can eat as much or obsessively or as quickly or as crazily as we want and the result we still be health, its not the case, there needs to be more detail and care of how we approach this and your blog leads the way with this approach.
Our everyday postures, as in the way we sit and move really do have an impact on how we feel and the thoughts that come through us. It is a great tool to use to bring us back to ourselves when we have gone into automatic mode.
It is so beautiful to feel the natural joy when I walk with my fully embodied self.
The other thing that I have learnt more recently is to walk and allow my hips to swing. I was not aware of how much I hold my hips and stop them from swinging and flowing as I walk. This all came to my realisation after some Sacred Movement classes and since then I have been giving myself permission to let go of the hips. I realiized that I held these beliefs that I couldn’t swing my hips when I walked as it may look too sexy or may give people the wrong idea, and thoughts like I can’t do that as it would look like I am strutting down a cat walk. The truth is that it feels great to let go and not try to control my walk. My hips were made to move and I have only now realised how much I have been controlling them and stopping their natural movement. Just thinking about this makes me wonder about all the other areas of my body, all my muscles that are effected just because I don’t allow my hips to move naturally. Every part of our body is connected. It really is quite interesting when you take the time to feel your body and think about how it all works together. Fascinating really.
It is a great feeling to be truly in and with your body while walking or exercising. I have always been physically active but not always with the awareness I now bring to what I do.
Consciously bringing attention and presence to the way we move is very powerful as the body lets us know what it needs to truly support it in a harmonious way.
Hi Anne, I also notice peoples postures when out an about as I work as a massage therapist and I observe these things. The posture then relates back to the lower back pain, the stiff neck etc etc that I am advised of when I see a client.
The one that I notice most is the leaning forward, and with that I often feel this drive or raciness to get somewhere and the clenched jaw of having to exercise as it is good for you rather than actually enjoying the movement and using the time to walk as a stop from a busy day and as a moment to reconnect to your body.
Maybe I notice this one most because it is something that I have often done so it is like a reflection to me reminding me to walk tall and to not be in a rush to get anywhere but to enjoy the moment.
Thank you Anne, this is very helpful and inspiring. There is so much more quality to our activities when we bring this sort of loving conscious awareness to our movements.
I’ve noticed the difference that being aware of my posture makes in my day to day, let alone whilst exercising! Usually people just throw themselves into exercise with the music or loud conversations going. What a different way you’ve suggested.
Reading your sharing Anne, made me already aware of my posture while sitting behind the computer. I could feel how there was little attention on my face and head. Which I can now feel builds up tension in my jaw and neck. Opening up in that area is more simple then I thought it was.
I also want to share that exercising (walking for eg) from the connection within feels very different inside me. With connection it feels like confirming myself and feeling the Love running / streaming through me and without connection there’s a certain coldness and pushiness. Our body is actually an amazing instrument that is constantly teaching us where we’re at. Indeed the Magic of God.
I have found that bringing awareness to my posture and how I am with my body in exercise has supported me to deepen my awareness of how I am with my posture in my day to day activities. I have also discovered that good posture has a direct influence on my energy levels and how I feel in my day. Thanks for a great supportive article Anne.
I notice posture in myself and others, and it tells you so much about a persons connection to their body. Most are unaware of their folded arms, locked knees,leaning back or forward, nose in the air, hunched shoulders. We go through life and eventually the shoulders can no longer straighten due to the contraction you have lived with in your body and the result is a hunched back but do we ever really look at these signs along the way as red flags to understand the body is communicating something deeper for us to look at. They are not just the hallmarks of old age but indicating a deeper issue within. If we bring awareness to these tell tale signs we can read the deeper message, simply being aware of our posture and supporting our body with exercise and allowing our body to guide us can make a huge difference in our body being able to support us in return.
Our posture can connect us to God. When we align our bodies to their natural state, we are in more harmony and alignment to the universe and from there we can know and feel God. We can feel that already – slumped at your desk? Often tired and grumpy (i know I can be!) but when we choose to sit up straighter and in a way that supports out body – we are much more open and in tune with the world around us.
A great subject you have brought up here, Anne. I do a regular walk along a lovely boardwalk of about 3.5 km return. As I am walking, rather than running as a few people do, at times I find myself observing people who may be running or walking towards me. I can relate to many of the postures that you mention, especially the runners. I see so many running in such a strained way, I can feel the hurt when I feel how they are moving at times, especially e.g. when I see 2 people running together, and one of them is struggling to keep up. I see such damaging movements at times, and know that they will have injuries in the future. I find that I can often read how the person is feeling in themselves from how they are walking or running. In so many cases, the posture is what gives others the picture of how they may be living their lives, the person who is driving him/herself, the person who is carrying the worries of the world on their shoulders, the person who has given up on enjoying life, etc. All these features show up so clearly at times. Then there are those who are just out enjoying themselves, fully relaxed and sharing their pleasure with others as they say hello etc. as they pass. It is like a microcosm of how the world is when I observe all these people.
This is such a practical reminder of how it is possible to make incredible changes in the body by just being aware and being present to every movement we are making. It seems that the push of disregard is commonplace when we are exercising these days . Thank you Anne for sharing how different postures and movements keep us connected to our bodies.
It takes a certain level of awareness to connect to our bodies BEFORE we move, but it is so worth it, as changing our posture can change our whole energy and how we feel. The points you make about aligning our bodies and making subtle changes to how we hold ourselves rang so true with me because it is only recently that I have been doing this myself, and if I find that I if am leaning to one side or sitting with shoulders hunched I correct myself and often feel like I have grown two inches! Becoming more aware of how we move, whether exercising or not, is super supportive, not only to ourselves but to everyone, because my experience of someone walking heavy on their heels, with hips locked up or head projected forward really hurts, as it does not quite seem the natural way to be. Thank you Anne, for a great blog and an inspiring read which supports us further in becoming more aware of our every movement.
By connecting to ourselves and being present in our bodies we can choose to move in a way that supports us and is full of light(ness).
Great example Anne of how our body is talking to us all the time, and importantly, how much more supported it feels and gives us back that support,when we listen.
Thank you Anne, I agree posture is always important and it helps very much to become aware of how I hold my body and remind myself to let go of the tension I am noticing.
This is such a great blog Anne! Absolutely love what you share here. It is an indictment on us as a race when we have all these organisations nowadays set up to deal with work related injuries, tensions and pains in our bodies and yet the very cause is often our choice of posture and how we hold our bodies. It makes no sense at all… why would we choose to be in a posture of discomfort?
Since taking care of myself with the awareness that you describe, Anne, my whole health and well-being has been enhanced. It is not rocket science but common sense and the health of the world would be radically different if this was taught in schools, medical practices and in fact wherever possible.
As we grow there are situations that have us move in a protective way, long after the event has occured. Eventually we adopt this as normal as its simply not addressed, not by fault of any in particular but simply we haven’t got in our society a relationship with our bodies that explores its natural movements. Instead we have from every angle how to move in a certain way according to an end point with no regard as to the quality of the passage. With the focus on the quality of the passage this changes life completely and as I have recently found that moving towards an end point, task, job etc is extremely taxing and draining on the body. Could this by any means possible attitude be the cause of so much posture and biomechanical problems we see in the world today?
Beutiful Anne, it is so important. I remember times where I got much pain and stifness after excerising.. But I have learned how to be more in my stillness, a quality of breath, that allowed me to feel what I need to excersise instead of what I expected from myself , every time
i now fitness, without perfection but a true effort, I am feeling no pain or stiffness , as I did not overrule in my training.
A very supporting blog which I will bring into my next exercise routine at the gym. But not only that, also how I sit behind my computer and how I walk. We can bring this awareness with every movement we make, in and outside the gym.
The only true I know being true is that when our posture is true we know because it makes such a difference. It just suits us 100%. We feel like flying.
When we bring ourselves for a walk, what do we really bring? What qualities walk with us? What messages to ourselves do our postures and general attitude send? This is not a minor thing.
So true, Eduardo. If we walk in the quality of anger we magnify it, the same goes for walking in the quality of love, gentleness or humility.
paying close attention to our posture and our body is a giveaway for how we are living day to day! Its amazing how many behaviours that we have which sometime go unnoticed or are ‘part of us’ but may not be supportive at all.
It is interesting when I hear someone talk about ‘being with the body’ while exercising as when you exercise this would be assumed. But it is in fact not the case. Instead, it seems to be something that is rare in today’s world. When we exercise we either smash our bodies on purpose (as if this is what exercising means) or we over extend the body’s natural capabilities (such as running long distances). So when I first stopped to understand what ‘being with my body’ was all about I realised it was in fact FEELING it. This was a profound moment for me. To really FEEL my body from the inside out and not from my head. At first it felt a bit weird and a bit clunky, but over time my connection with my body has developed significantly, so even if I am on the phone or walking with someone I can still feel my body and what it is saying to me in regards to the pace I am going at, the way I am holding my body, or even the tone with which I am speaking with. The body is truly a wealth of information and wisdom on our moment to moment choices. One I am thoroughly enjoying having a relationship with.
I love feeling my feet when I walk. Then I gradually bring my attention to different parts of my body. I remember the day when I observed that my whole body was moving as I walked, not just my arms and leg.It’s amazing way to not only exercise but to be more aware of our body, how we move and definitely how we hold ourselves.
Reading your article on ‘movement,’ I appreciate that our every move comes back to the energy we move in. If we simply feel the energy in soldiers marching, and for example the humble walk of a Student of The Livingness, the huge discrepancy that is felt is totally transparent, but only if we are open to feeling. Walking and exercising with my breath has changed the way I move so I can now feel how tender my body now is. Walking the hard man who was a sports nut is no longer anything to do with the way my body now moves; now I move with the grace of 5 year old in a 63 year old body, not perfectly but to the best of my ability.
I find I can not check in with my posture enough. . working in an office I find myself in familiar contortions so often – so it makes sense to check in with our bodies when we exercise too.
This is so true. We do put our bodies through some very varied contortions in our work and family day. It is super important that we stay with our body and the true supportive posture in every move.
So true, Anne, when we become more aware of how we move our body then the body communicates back to us to re-position a part that maybe affecting the whole. This awareness contributes to a healthier and more vital body as we connect to the intelligence that naturally resides within us.
Anne it seems dreadful now but as a yoga teacher I used to get satisfaction from people telling me that their bodies ached after one of my classes! I was completely blind sided by the illusion that pain when exercising was synonymous with results. What on earth was I teaching? and all under the supposed banner of yoga. Like you, I too have greatly changed the way that I exercise and my body is absolutely loving it!
Anne when wisdom is shared from the body then it’s dynamite!
I agree Anne. So much emphasis is put on end results when it comes to exercise and we can get caught up in achieving targets rather than bringing quality and presence to our body and making that our focus.
I agree, the end results or almost always the focus of exercise, rather than how we feel right from the start in our bodies. Exercise for me is about building a relationship with my body, more connection, understanding and awareness and through this I feel how best to support it and where subtle changes in how I move, stand etc really support me and how I feel.
I love what you share here Anne, I agree the relationship with one’s body is one most definitely worthy of thorough loving exploration.
By exploring how our body feels before we begin exercise and once under movement we give rise to an awareness that we can then carry with us throughout all our moves.
So exactly true Giselle. I have discovered that from my sessions where I bring extra awareness to my movements then that awareness and body connection filters and is there with me throughout my day. I choose to keep connecting.
Thank you Anne. I appreciate the insight you provide here and I am inspired to truly connect with my body before I begin exercising. It is all too tempting to jump in and begin with one eye on the clock, however. I know through my own experience that this is not actually good for my body as I end up quite sore. If we allow ourselves to be guided by our bodies exercise can be fun and very beneficial.
It is truly amazing when we allow ourselves to listen to what our body is communicating to us around movement and exercise. I have come from pushing myself during exercise to fully listening to my body and the suppleness and fluidity I now feel in my body is amazing.
It makes such a difference doesn’t it Anne when we let our bodies tell us how they are travelling especially during exercises instead of going for the need to do so many repititions and your only goal is to just get the exercise done. I used to be a frequest gym goer many years ago and have just recently started up an exercise program and it is nothing like how I approached exercise in the past, my focus is most definitely on my body, how it feels, and what are all of my body parts doing/feeling when I do this? A much more enjoyable way to exercise and move the body.