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The Body’s Wisdom: Why We Turn to Movement During Times of Change
Table of Contents
Published 2025/11/23 21:41:00
Months before my breakup, I wrote in my journal, I feel like my body is preparing for a long winter ahead. When I look back on these words spilled out on the page, I take it as confirmation that each of us has a voice of knowing within our bodies-especially if we’re willing to listen.
My ex and I ended things in early December that year, and throughout the winter and spring that followed, I found myself frequently practicing stretches and twists on my yoga mat. I instinctually came back to the long holds of yin yoga week after week after week. Each Sunday evening, even on nights where Denver’s city streets were dusted with snow, I rolled out my mat and attended a vin-yin yoga class that served as my source of solace, no matter how heavy my heart felt.
The Body Remembers What the Mind forgets
Following the end of the relationship, I found it incredibly difficult to reclaim the city we both inhabited. There were many things I loved about the time we shared and I sorely missed aspects of the relationship with my ex. He had been my best friend.
In the months before my ex and I broke up, I found myself feeling extremely lost in the midst of change-having been laid off from a job, afterward pivoting my career, and healing past traumas in therapy. We both wanted things to stay the same yet we were each changing. I no now that like any pattern or dynamic in a relationship, ours was co-created. But at that time, I felt powerless and confused.
Why Movement Becomes a Sanctuary
Why do we instinctively turn to movement during times of upheaval? It’s not simply about physical health, though that’s certainly a benefit. It’s about a deeper, more primal need to process and release what’s happening within us. Our bodies hold onto experiences, emotions, and trauma. When words fail,movement provides a pathway to access and work through these stored sensations.
Think about it: when you’re stressed, what happens to your body? Your muscles tense, your breathing becomes shallow, and your heart rate increases. These are physiological responses to perceived threats. Chronic stress keeps the body in a state of heightened alert, which can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion. Movement, notably practices like yoga, dance, or even a brisk walk, helps to regulate the nervous system and release pent-up energy.
The Science Behind the Shift
The connection between movement and emotional well-being isn’t just anecdotal. Research shows that exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Furthermore, practices like yoga and tai chi incorporate mindful breathing, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system-the “rest and digest” system-counteracting the effects of stress.
Trauma-informed yoga, specifically, is gaining recognition for its ability to help individuals heal from trauma. This approach emphasizes safety,empowerment,and choice,allowing participants to reconnect with their bodies in a gentle and supportive way. It’s not about achieving perfect poses; it’s about cultivating self-awareness and building resilience.
Beyond Yoga: Finding Your movement Medicine
The “right” movement isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s whatever feels good for you.It could be:
- Walking in nature: the combination of movement and exposure to the natural world is incredibly grounding.
- Dancing: Letting go and moving freely to music can be incredibly liberating.
- Swimming: The buoyancy of water can be soothing and therapeutic.
- Hiking: Challenging your body physically can build confidence and resilience.
- Strength training: Building physical strength can translate to emotional strength.
Key Takeaways
- Our bodies hold onto emotions and experiences.
- Movement provides a pathway to process and