Are your body and mind prepared for the unpredictable?
Does your workouts make you more mentally and physically elastic, flexible, adaptable and plastic?
Or does it make you stronger in the short term at the expense of becoming more rigid, elastic and fragile?
Is your practice of movement a lonely duty consisting of self-imposed repentance for your sins?
Or is it a creative free space where you can explore and develop your expression in your physical and mental form and communication with your loved ones, the local environment and the weather of the season?
Are you truly experiencing the beautiful organic intelligence, strength and beauty that your body has evolved into through millennia of evolution?
A Life in Movement Coaching...
Coaching Movement as a Creative Vocation
Coaching movement is more than just guiding physical activity.
It's a creative endeavor that requires a deep understanding of the human body, mind, and spirit. Coaches must be able to envision unique and personalized training programs that inspire and motivate their clients to reach their full potential. This involves a blend of artistry, science, and empathy.
Like a painter crafting a masterpiece, coaches must carefully consider the individual needs, goals, and challenges of each client. They must be able to see beyond the surface, recognizing the underlying patterns and limitations that may be hindering progress. With a keen eye for detail and a creative mindset, coaches can design tailored training plans that are both effective and enjoyable.
Coaching movement is also a calling for those who are passionate about helping others. It's an opportunity to connect with individuals on a deep level, offering support, encouragement, and guidance.
By fostering a positive and empowering environment, coaches can help their clients overcome obstacles, build confidence, and achieve their dreams. It's a truly rewarding experience that can have a lasting impact on the lives of others.
I work with a few dedicated coaches and trainers through my monthly mentorship. Guidance when you need it.
Reach out of you’re interested in igniting and nurturing your creative call to coach human movement:
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.
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 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.
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
The Art & Practice Qigong.
Qigong is the art & practice of crafting and shaping Life Energy with Patience, Steadiness & Skill.
This ancient practice and art harmonizes your body’s energy centers, promoting balance, vitality, and a deep sense of well-being.
Through movement you can nourish and strengthen your body. Imagine moving with your own life force, finding harmony in every movement. It’s not just exercise - it’s a journey inward, a celebration of your body’s intelligence.
Every week I get to spend 3-5 hours working with some very special students on The Art and Practice of Qigong. I’ll be offering some online classes soon.
If you’d like to join in please send me a message and I’ll keep you posted: