Creative Movement Coach

Qi Gong Creative

Qi Gong, an ancient practice that combines movement, breath, and meditation, fosters a unique state of relaxation that can significantly enhance creativity.

By promoting the flow of vital energy, or "qi," within the body, practitioners often experience increased mental clarity and emotional balance. This harmonious state can allow for more open and fluid thought processes, enabling individuals to access fresh ideas and innovative solutions that may have previously been obscured by stress or mental clutter. As the mind becomes more attuned to the present moment, it can more easily engage in spontaneous and imaginative thinking.

Furthermore, the rhythmic and mindful movements of Qi Gong can inspire a sense of playfulness and exploration, qualities that are essential for creative expression. As individuals immerse themselves in the practice, they learn to let go of rigid thinking patterns and embrace a more fluid approach to problem-solving. This cultivated mindset encourages experimentation and the willingness to take risks, both of which are vital components of the creative process. Through consistent practice, participants can establish a deeper connection with their inner selves, unlocking the potential for artistic and innovative breakthroughs that enrich their personal and professional lives.

The Art of Coaching

Coaching movement is indeed an art form that blends creativity with physical expression.

Just as a painter uses strokes and colors to evoke emotion, a coach utilizes movements and techniques to inspire and enhance the bodily awareness of their students & athletes. Each session becomes a canvas where the coach crafts tailored experiences, drawing from an understanding of movement’s nuances to sculpt the participants' physical abilities.

The beauty lies in the individualized approach; every client offers a unique set of challenges and strengths, allowing the coach to experiment with various methods and strategies to unlock their potential.

The interconnectedness of body and mind in movement coaching reflects the intricacies of an artist's work.

A coach must not only focus on the physical aspects but also nurture the emotional and mental responses that arise during movement. This requires a keen sense of observation and intuition, as coaches must attune themselves to their clients' needs, motivations, and barriers. As they guide stufdents through various exercises and practices, they cultivate an environment where self-discovery and personal growth can flourish, much like how an artist creates a space for interpretation and reflection through their artwork.

The transformative impact of coaching movement exemplifies its artistic nature.

A Playful Approach to Coaching

A playful and creative coaching style can foster a more enjoyable and effective learning environment for athletes.

When coaches infuse their sessions with a sense of fun and imagination, they create an atmosphere where athletes feel more engaged, motivated, and empowered. This can lead to increased intrinsic motivation, as athletes are more likely to participate and practice because they enjoy the process rather than solely for external rewards.

Moreover, a playful approach can help athletes develop crucial skills beyond technical proficiency.

For instance, creative problem-solving, adaptability, and resilience can be nurtured through engaging games and challenges. By encouraging athletes to think outside the box and experiment with different approaches, coaches can help them develop the mental agility and resourcefulness needed to excel in sports and beyond.

Furthermore, a playful environment can foster a stronger sense of team cohesion and camaraderie. When athletes are having fun together, they are more likely to build positive relationships and support one another. This can enhance teamwork, communication, and overall team morale, ultimately leading to better performance on the field or court.

I am here to guide you and help you nurture your creativity and skill as a coach. I offer a monthly mentorship program on the Art of Coaching on the play path. You can check it out here: Jason C. Brown | Mentorship

Deep Play in Nature

Moving in nature has profound benefits that contribute to a youthful and rejuvenated state of being.

Playing with natural environments stimulates physical activity, which is essential for maintaining healthy muscles and joints. Whether it's hiking, biking, or simply walking in a park, these activities improve cardiovascular health and boost overall physical fitness.

The rhythm of being outdoors encourages a natural flow of energy and vitality, helping to counteract the sedentary lifestyle that often accompanies modern living.

Moreover, nature provides a unique backdrop for mental rejuvenation. Exposure to greenery has been shown to reduce stress levels and enhance mood, thanks to the calming effects of natural landscapes. This mental clarity and emotional stability can have a direct impact on feelings of youthfulness.

The act of moving through nature encourages mindfulness, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in their surroundings and be present in the moment, fostering a sense of well-being that contributes to a youthful outlook on life.

Additionally, time spent in natural settings promotes social connections and interactions which are vital for emotional health. Engaging in outdoor activities with friends or family creates lasting bonds and shared experiences, further enhancing joy and fulfillment. The energy derived from socializing in a natural environment not only invigorates the spirit but also fosters a community that encourages healthy habits. This combination of physical activity, mental clarity, and social interaction ultimately helps in cultivating a sense of youthfulness that transcends age.

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.

Flux Lab April Workshop

Rediscover the joy of movement and find ways to weave play and creativity into your strength and movement practice: and vice versa.

Empower yourself to chart your own path and find joy and exploration whether you are a beginner or seasoned professional. Chip and I have combined 50 years of experience teaching human movement and physical expression.

Designed for the fitness enthusiast and professional trainer, Flux Lab workshops will teach you how to reinvigorate , revitalize and reinvent your training.

Let’s develop real skills and find ways to create a better relationship with your body through strength and movement.

We use, we steal and repurpose ideas, tools and resources from the old ways. You can register here: Flux Lab Workshops on April 29-30th.

“We cultivate a way that is adaptive and alive to create a beautifully moving, adaptable and creative human being.”
— Jason C. Brown


What Happens at a Creative Movement Workshop?

I’ve been asked to share a few details about what happens exactly at a Creative Movement Live workshop.

So I thought I’d be all formal and list a few objectives of the class to give you a better idea of what takes place.

Objective:

  1. To develop quality movement and to experience the joy that comes with it. Joy makes everything easier and easy is productive. Less friction equals more momentum, and more momentum equals better results.

  2. To build rapport with yourself, your training partners and the client or athlete. Most of the games and drills we’ll explore are cooperative challenges and shared successes.

If we can get ourselves & our clients/artists/athletes minds out of the workplace and into their bodies and training session we’ve done a good job.

Each creative movement is specifically designed to establish rapport and enthusiasm while addressing the entire spectrum of athletic develop and human movement.

In this workshop you’ll learn and practice exercises from several traditions such as martial arts, gymnastic and old school physical culture.

You’ll also learn to adapt several training tools into your creative movement program such as medicine balls, ropes, bands and agility equipment. Many times we’ll be combining those tools as well.

Other Objectives:

  1. Getting comfortable with the drills. How to coach them, what to encourage and what to avoid.

  2. Where does it fit within the overall program? Creative movement training can be used very effectively in several locations during the training session, such as the warm-up, active recovery or part of an intense circuit. creative movement training is very versatile, for example, it also works very well as an initial ice-breaker with a first time client.

  3. Explaining the benefits. Clients may not associate play with results. It’s best to approach this question in a hands-on manner while demonstrating some drills that focus on the clients wants and needs. For example, there are many play-based drills that directly train the “core.” It’s hard to deny a training effect after a few moments.

  4. Working with the variables. The variables are endless, timing, tools, rhythms, stability, balance, laughter, joy, self- expression and creativity to name a few.

Hope to see you there: Creative Movement Live Brooklyn

Building Better Movers ( and Coaches. )

A moving body is a learning body.

In my Creative Movement Live workshops everyone moves with everyone...And often times it's the fine motor control work that people need/want the most.

And, as a teacher, artist, and leader, I try to get the creative process moving, step aside, and give it a chance to find its own way.