MAP: Movement

The warm sunshine and longer days encouraged me to take a PLAY’filled hike by the Milwaukee River. I grinned at the synchronicity of how the river’s wintery current reminded me to reground in MAP (movement, authenticity, presence) this week. The days have been full and intentional movement was needed.

What seasonal qualities describe the kind of movement you’re seeking in the big or small shifts in your life? 

Perhaps you’re coming out of a quieter, more dormant time with an eagerness to spring into behaviors that support your health or potential new relationships. Or maybe, you’re moving from a highly active, productive time and now wanting to downshift your energy so you can enjoy the abundance that your efforts created. 

Engaging in forward movement can be challenging, and not always for negative reasons. For me, sometimes the sheer excitement of a new goal or pursuit is paralyzing. I gear up for it with all the mental prep work in place (MAP, highlighter, to do list). I might even tell a few close friends and family about what I’m doing.

And then “full stop!” When it’s time for action, I’m somehow stuck, hesitant to keep my flow moving forward.

For many of us, mental and emotional motivation is not always enough to take action. This can be for a variety of reasons, many of which connect to our individual stories and our awareness of who we really are (or think we’re supposed to be). We may experience indecisiveness, limiting beliefs, or other blocks that challenge turning our motivation into action.

PLAY’fully exploring these currents of who we are has the potential to bring honest clarity. The kind of clarity that’s needed to identify what’s blocking us, choose how to navigate it, and get unstuck. In this exploration, movement is key. Action supports action. And the steps forward can be big or small because any movement, when sourced with authenticity and presence, is progress. 

Consider what kind of movement will empower you. What will it look and feel like, and how will it manifest for you in the coming days? 

May those new actions show you how capable you are to make your desires and goals a reality.

I’m curious about: Mel Robbins’ “The 5 Second Rule” and “The High 5 Habit”

Favorite physical movement this week: Adriene Mishler’s yoga video “Movement is Medicine- Energy Practice”