What attracts you? The definition of attraction is the feeling of being drawn near, or to become the focus of one’s attention. When the body is stimulated, that stimulus is defined by the brain as either a threat or not. If there is not a threat, then the brain may decide to stay in that moment in time and space because the heightened experience of sensation brings enjoyment/bliss/deep satisfaction/peace/excitement etc.
Of the many people, places, things, ideas and experiences that attract you, have you ever stopped to consider the attraction of movement?
- What is so mesmerizing about a fire?
- Why do we stare at water?
- What is so exhilarating about horses running?
- Why does every culture have their own unique style of dance?
- Why do we enjoy watching kids play in a park?
- Why does John Travolta create a different walk for each of his characters?
M O V E M E N T! Movement tells a story, it is defining, it is expressive.
After reading this article, take the time to notice how things move, more specifically, how people move. Notice actions like smoothness, uneven or jagged, fluidity, rigidity, confidence, insecure, graceful, aggressive, short, slow or fast, easy or difficult. Simply become observant to something that maybe you haven’t considered before.
As a movement therapist, I observe movement all the time. I never tire of watching people move. The more I study movement, the more my admiration and appreciation grows for the beautiful relationship between the mind and the body (neuromuscular system). Like any relationship, this is a relationship that if you don’t pay attention, it grows distant and the connection becomes very weak. The result of a poor mind-body relationship is poor movement quality, which eventually leads to dysfunction and injury.
It is my hope that every person knows and believes that movement = life. Where there is no movement, there is no life. But instead of thinking of movement as a beginning or an end, I would like you to think of it as the journey. And that journey can be a beautiful thing to look at. I would like to inspire you to look at movement as beauty. Movement is attractive, inspiring, affective and progressive. Movement is not just a means to an end, it is the journey.
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.