Can going for a jog connect you with your inner self? Can dancing be a form of reflective self-expression? Can you commune with your guiding power while lifting weights? I think you can!

Reflecting is often limited to sitting quietly with little or no movement while praying or meditating. There are many ways to be reflective and, in this article, let’s explore the concept of movement as a reflective practice.

The mind / body connection is often talked about, but there really is no separation between the two. The mind affects the body and vice versa. I once heard someone say that the mind body-connection was clear – it’s your neck!

So, if the mind and the body are to work in harmony together, surely, we should include the body in our reflective practice by incorporating movement. Not surprisingly, your body is very often a reflection of your mind. If you are very stiff and rigid and begin to stretch your muscles every day, then you may discover that while your body is becoming more flexible, so too are your thoughts. There is real benefit in incorporating movement when you are trying to make changes to the way you think and live.

Flow, also known as “being in the zone”, is the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. In essence, flow is characterized by complete absorption in what one does. Take a moment to reflect on when you are naturally in the ‘flow’ of life, and you will discover that being present is most often connected with movement.

Whether it’s raking leaves, walking in nature, or hitting the perfect tennis shot, it is easiest, and certainly most natural, to focus one’s mind when moving.

Taking Tai Chi and yoga are great ways to align the body and mind, but they aren’t the only classes you can take to connect with yourself. If you enjoy kickboxing or Zumba, both very active classes, and can immerse yourself to the point of full involvement, then that is no less reflective than a yoga class. Movement allows us to experience the full range of connections. Examples: 

• Quiet and reflective movement: yoga, tai chi, stretching, meditative walks. 

• Joyful movement: dance, jumping on a trampoline, hula hooping, 

• Repetitive movement: jogging / walking, weightlifting, swimming 

• Movement to clear anger: chopping wood, hitting a punching bag, quickly shaking your whole body taking one body part at a time: head, hands, feet, legs, arms, etc. 

Of course, many exercises fit into more than one category. Swimming can be reflective and joyful as well as repetitive, and there are many more categories of movement that are not listed above. These are merely meant to serve as a guideline.

If you are already moving and grooving, then you can embrace your reflective side in the exercise you’re already doing. The key is to be mindful while you are moving.

And if you have trouble getting into ‘the zone’, then bring affirmations or a mantra into your exercise routine. Affirmations or a repeated mantra can actually help you set the pace of a run or a walk, and you will feel much better while jogging if you’re thinking positive thoughts rather than how much further you have to go. Another simple way to make exercise reflective is to simply focus on your breath in the same way you would when meditating.

Finally, movement is just good for you. Movement teaches you appreciation for your own body, it is healing, it relieves stress, and so on and so on. It’s ok to be skeptical about the link between movement and self-reflection. So much of what we have been taught in the west separates our body from our spirit. It can be tough to accept that there is more to our bodies and to movement than meets the eye. Rather than taking my word for it, I encourage you to investigate and find out for yourself if you can develop a personal practice that celebrates and embraces the entire person and bring more movement into your life!