Moving Body, Nimble Mind

Engaging the body in movement has a profound impact on cognitive function, facilitating a more nimble and creative mind.

Physical activity increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which can enhance mental clarity and boost overall brain health. As the heart rate elevates during exercise, the body releases neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals not only improve mood but also foster an optimal environment for creative thinking, allowing new ideas to surface and existing concepts to connect in novel ways.

Movement encourages the brain to develop new neural pathways, enhancing brain plasticity. This adaptability is crucial for problem-solving and innovation, as it empowers individuals to approach challenges with a fresher perspective. Activities, whether structured like dance or yoga or unstructured like walking in nature, stimulate different areas of the brain, activating regions associated with imagination and creativity.

This process helps individuals break free from rigid thought patterns, enabling them to explore diverse solutions and engage more dynamically with their environments.

Incorporating physical movement into daily routines can serve as a catalyst for generating ideas and enhancing mental agility. Simple practices like stretching, brisk walking, or engaging in sports can provide a reset for the mind, leading to increased focus and reduced stress.

By intentionally intertwining movement with creative pursuits, individuals cultivate a holistic approach to thinking that supports both body and mind. As a result, they open themselves up to a broader spectrum of possibilities, transforming physical exercise into a vital tool for unlocking creativity.

What is Creative Body?

Embracing creativity and playfulness in the realm of movement can transform the coaching experience for both the instructor and their students. It encourages a deeper connection to the body and fosters a more engaging learning environment. 

To enhance creativity, coaches can incorporate diverse movement patterns that challenge conventional techniques. Experimentation with different styles—such as dance, martial arts, or improvisation—can inspire coaches to think outside the box. This exploration allows for a richer understanding of human movement, which can be shared with students in innovative ways.

Incorporating play into coaching sessions can also lower barriers to learning. Playful activities can create a sense of joy and curiosity, inviting participants to engage without fear of failure. Simple games, partner exercises, or movement challenges can ignite enthusiasm and promote social interaction, further enriching the learning experience.

Encouraging self-expression is essential in fostering creativity. Coaches might invite students to develop their unique movement styles or sequences, thereby personalizing their practice. Providing opportunities for guided improvisation or thematic movement explorations can reveal unique insights and unlock new ways of understanding the body.

To support this creative approach, coaches are encouraged to cultivate a mindset of openness and adaptability. Keeping a journal of experiments, successes, and even failures can help reflect on teaching methods and innovative ideas. Continuous professional development, such as attending workshops or collaborating with other creative professionals, can also inspire new approaches and techniques in movement coaching.

By infusing creativity and playfulness into their practice, movement coaches not only enrich their teaching but also empower their students to connect more profoundly with their own bodies and movement experiences. This holistic approach nurtures a vibrant environment, where joy, exploration, and growth flourish.

Creative Body Guide

I am a Guide.

After working in the movement and fitness/ performance fields I no longer consider myself a coach.

It’s been a very natural and pleasant transition.

The idea that a guide is different than a coach is based on the idea that a guide empowers a person to be responsible for their own success, while a coach is responsible for the success of their athlete or mover.

I love to provide pathways and alternative routes. But I’m no longer willing to count steps or require or seek accountability. That’s on the mover, the athlete.

I’ll make sure they have a beautiful journey. But the action is all theirs.

The Art of Natural Movement

We modern humans seem to love making things complicated….

We have gyms full of machines and weights.

We have all sorts of physical therapists and trainers, with their detailed diagnoses of dysfunction, prescribing hyper specific stretches, exercises, foam rollers, rubber bands and massage balls.

Yet moving well is one of the most natural…precognitive activities we have.

When we learned to move the first time we had no trainer, no coach, no physiotherapist, no Pilates teacher, no yoga teacher….and yet we learned to stand, walk, run and jump all by ourselves….

Maybe…just maybe that wisdom and intelligence we used to learn to move the first time is still there and available for us to use again. Just waiting to be uncovered when we get out of the way and stop overthinking it.

Re-Create.

Re-Juvenate.

The Art and Practice of Moving...

In my own practice I became aware of the power of cultivating practice that my body looks forward to doing, enjoys while I’m doing it and that leaves me feeling amazing after I have done it.

For myself, I want a practice that will allow me to develop and maintain a pain free, mobile and high functioning body as I age.

While other people are getting hip and knee replacements I want to be out dancing and hiking up mountains. That’s a goal I am excited to invest time and energy in achieving…especially when it feels so great to do.

By training in this way I no longer need to push myself, our use my willpower to exercise, simply because moving feels so good to do that not moving makes no sense.

A freedom and a joy has come into my movement experience that I want to share with the world. Truly it doesn’t have to hurt.

And here is the amazing thing, the more aligned, mobile, aware and coordinated I become in my body through this playful and creative approach, the more capacity I discovered for high intensity training.

There is a place for high intensity training….it comes after we have laid the foundations of awareness, mobility, coordination and posture.

The Craft of Coaching

The Craft of Coaching: A Burnout Prevention Strategy

In the fast-paced world of coaching, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks of scheduling appointments, creating lesson plans, and tracking progress. While these activities are essential, focusing solely on the operational aspects of coaching can lead to burnout and decreased satisfaction. By shifting our attention to the craft of coaching, we can cultivate a more fulfilling and sustainable career.

The craft of coaching involves connecting with students on a deeper level, building trust, and inspiring them to reach their full potential. It requires a combination of empathy, active listening, and effective communication skills. When we focus on the craft of coaching, we create a more positive and supportive environment for our clients, which in turn can boost our own morale and motivation.

Moreover, the craft of coaching can help prevent burnout by providing a sense of purpose and fulfillment. When we feel connected to our work and believe that we are making a positive impact on the lives of others, we are less likely to experience feelings of exhaustion or apathy. By prioritizing the craft of coaching, we can cultivate a more meaningful and rewarding career that sustains us over the long term.

The Creative Body: Cultivating Creativity through Movement, Nature, and Play.

The human body, often seen as a machine for physical tasks, is also a canvas for creativity.

Movement, nature, and play are vital elements in nurturing a creative body.

This article explores how these factors can stimulate imagination, enhance problem-solving skills, and foster a deeper connection to oneself and the world.

Movement as a Catalyst for Creativity.

Movement is more than just physical exercise; it is a form of expression. Dance, martial arts, and even simple walking can ignite the imagination and spark creative ideas. The fluidity of movement can inspire abstract thinking and the exploration of different perspectives.

Physical Expression: Dance, in particular, offers a powerful outlet for creative expression. The ability to move freely and gracefully can lead to a sense of empowerment and self-discovery.

Cognitive Benefits: Studies have shown that physical activity can improve cognitive function, including problem-solving and creativity. Regular exercise can enhance blood flow to the brain, which can stimulate neural connections.

Emotional Regulation: Movement can also help regulate emotions and reduce stress. When the body feels good, the mind is more open to creative exploration.

Nature as a Source of Inspiration.

Nature has long been a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and musicians. Spending time in natural environments can have a profound impact on creativity. The beauty, complexity, and interconnectedness of the natural world can stimulate the imagination and foster a sense of wonder.

Sensory Stimulation: Nature provides a rich sensory experience that can awaken the senses and spark creative ideas. The sounds of birdsong, the smell of flowers, and the feel of the wind on the skin can all inspire creativity.

Mindfulness and Connection: Spending time in nature can also promote mindfulness and a sense of connection to the world. When the mind is calm and focused, it is more receptive to creative inspiration.

Biophilia Hypothesis: The biophilia hypothesis suggests that humans have an innate connection to nature. This connection can be cultivated through spending time outdoors and engaging with natural elements.

Play as a Catalyst for Imagination.

Play is an essential part of human development. It allows us to explore, experiment, and imagine. When we play, we are free from the constraints of everyday life and can let our imaginations run wild.

Unstructured Play: Unstructured play, where children are free to create their own games and activities, is particularly beneficial for creativity. It allows them to explore their own ideas and develop problem-solving skills.

Imaginative Play: Pretend play, where children create imaginary worlds and characters, is another important aspect of creativity. It helps them to develop empathy, perspective-taking, and storytelling skills.

Risk-Taking: Play also involves taking risks and trying new things. This can help to foster a sense of adventure and a willingness to explore new ideas.

Conclusion:

Movement, nature, and play are essential for cultivating a creative body.

By incorporating these elements into our lives, we can stimulate our imaginations, enhance our problem-solving skills, and foster a deeper connection to ourselves and the world. Whether through dance, hiking, or simply playing in the park, these activities can help us to unlock our full creative potential.

Qi Gong for Creatives

The ancient practices of Qi Gong and Tai Chi can be incredibly beneficial for artists and creatives, both for their physical and mental/creative well-being. These mind-body disciplines incorporate slow, deliberate movements, focused breathing, and moving meditation.

Regular practice of Qi Gong and tai chi can enhance an artist's flexibility and range of motion. This is especially helpful for artists who spend a lot of time sitting or using repetitive motions, which can lead to tightness and pain. The improved flexibility can also contribute to better posture and alignment, reducing the risk of injuries.

Beyond the physical benefits, Qi Gong and tai chi can also cultivate a sense of inner peace and focus. The meditative aspects of these practices can help artists quiet their minds, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve their overall sense of well-being. This can lead to increased creativity, inspiration, and a deeper connection to their art form.

I’ll be running a Qi Gong for Creatives virtual workshop on Thursday May 23rd if you’d like to join. Details are here: Qi Gong for Creatives.

The Art of Play

Explore elements of human movement as tools for creative expression & performance. Improv & creative problem solving will be explored deeply.

We use physical practices that are simple, enjoyable and repeatable. We design play-based activities that encourage physical freedom, creativity and vitality. And because we are artist, creative movers, we are not bound by any one discipline or way. 

We use, we steal and repurpose ideas, tools and resources from the old ways. We cultivate a way that is adaptive and alive to create a beautifully moving, adaptable and creative human being.

And if you’re a coach, trainer or teacher I got you covered.

Our Art of Play Workshops are directed towards fitness & performance professionals that want to learn how to incorporate Physical Creativity, Play and Exploration into their very own teaching, training or coaching practice. This includes personal trainers, group fitness instructors, physical education teachers, coaches, yoga instructors, MMA trainers, and even physical therapists.

Please join me at Nourishing Storm Studios on February 25th from 1-3 to discover The Art of Play.

You can register here: The Art of Play

Dance Qigong?

This is one question I receive all the time…”Is Qigong a form or style of Dance?”

It can be…Qigong can be many different things. I personally use a very broad and open description of what Qigong is to me.

“Qigong is the Art & Practice of Crafting and Shaping Life Energy with Patience, Steadiness & Skill.”

— Jason C. Brown

Qigong dates back to before the Qin and Han dynastic periods, ( 255 BCE - 220 CE.) Then you can see that the origin of many Qigong practices actually originate in Dance.

Through dancing, the physical body was exercised , and the physical health of the body was maintained or improved.

Also, through dancing, the matching of movements with music, breath and mind were regulated into one harmonious state. From this harmonious state, the spirit was raised to a higher energetic level or calmed down into a more peaceful presence.