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 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.
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.”
Rope Flows for Creativity
As you know I’m a very avid reader and Creativity is one of my favorite genres to research and study. I thought I’d share some highlights from two of my favorite books and walking and handcraft and its relationship to creativity.
The above highlight comes from Handmade- Creative Focus in the Age of Distraction.
It’s written by Gary Rogowski, a woodworker but his thoughts on creativity reaches well beyond just woodworking.
The two highlights above come from Rick Rubin’s new book The Creative Act.
These are the ropes I use mostly:
Flow Ropes (Amazon Brand)
I’ll be doing some rope reviews shortly.
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.
Creative Movement- Bear Crawl Play
The task of this movement situation is to keep the yoga block wedged between both players/artists as they move through some patterns.
This is no right or wrong. Just play, create riddles and movement situations to help one another create and grow.
I borrow heavily from martial arts and their particular approach to creative movement and problem solving, as well as physical and artistic expression.
Creative Movement is a poetic, playful discipline which aims to revitalize and rejuvenate an individual's ability to deeply perceive and listen to the body and develop expressive and creative potential.
The physical body, is a source and medium of our artistic life and is considered an essential element in the creative process, despite the artistic language in which it may be realized.
Creative Movement Live Workshops
What is it that we’re doing here at OUR Creative Movement Live Workshops ?
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.
Creative Movement Live Workshops
Creative Movement is a general term used in a broad field of physical disciplines connected to the relationship between body, mind, and creative spirit.
I borrow heavily from martial arts and their particular approach to creative movement and problem solving, as well as physical and artistic expression. Creative Movement is a poetic, playful discipline which aims to revitalize and rejuvenate an individual's ability to deeply perceive and listen to the body and develop expressive and creative potential.
The physical body, is a source and medium of our artistic life and is considered an essential element in the creative process, despite the artistic language in which it may be realized.
Hope to work with you soon.