Developing a Movement Mindset
How our mental and emotional wellbeing affects our physical health
I’ve known for a long time how much our mindset impacts all aspects of our lives, and this week I was reminded about how important mindset is in shifting our perspective on our physical health.
It wasn’t until this week that I fully realized how scared I’ve been about the lack of improvement in my hand function since breaking my wrist and having surgery in early April. Appointments with the doctor who performed the surgery have done little to alleviate my fears as he pronounced me “100% healed”. Excuse me? My thumb and part of my hand are still numb and the whole hand still seems virtually useless. How can it be healed? Thankfully, when I questioned him about that at my last appointment he finally gave me a referral for physiotherapy.
I actually put off making the initial physio appointment for several days and looking back I realize it was because, despite the doctor’s assurances that the surgery was successful and I would be “fine”, deep down in my soul I didn’t believe that. I had created a story that I’ll never have proper use of that hand again. By delaying the appointment, I was delaying receiving confirmation that my stories were true. In the process, I was also delaying my healing.
I tentatively entered the physiotherapy clinic feeling somewhat anxious and very protective of my sore hand. Then I saw the physiotherapist and my whole outlook changed. He told me that what I was experiencing was completely normal after the type of surgery I’d had. His words sounded almost magical as he reassured me that I would regain full use of my hand. Yes, it will require a lot of diligent, physical work on my part and, yes, it may take several weeks or months, but the numbness will eventually subside and I will truly be healed. Further, he assured me that although movement may hurt for some time, I was in no danger of re-injuring my wrist. The surgeon was right - my wrist is fully healed.
There was a radical shift in my mindset at that moment. I bet if I could have witnessed my reaction when I finally let go of my negative beliefs, I would have seen myself sitting taller than I was before he walked into the room. The prospective hard work of exercising my hand doesn’t bother me as long as I believe that the outcome will be worth it.
Interestingly, just hearing that news caused an immediate shift in how I treat my hand. Although I’m still treating it with love and tender care, I’m also treating it as vital and capable. I’m incorporating the new exercise regimen I’ve just learned with my daily mindful yoga routine, walking, and strengthening and I feel more energetic and inspired. I also started working with a movement coach to work on my balance and improve my body alignment for walking.
Seeing movement as medicine often requires a shift in our mindset. My experience is a reminder that our bodies are intricately connected to our minds and they are not separate. If you’re feeling resistance to engaging in a daily exercise habit it’s important to ask yourself why. What are you thinking? What stories are you telling yourself about your body? What limiting beliefs are holding you back?
If you have a particular part of your body that hurts, doesn’t move like it should, or that you simply don’t like, I invite you to try the following short mindfulness practice.
Make Friends With Your Body Practice
Sit in a comfortable position with your feet firmly planted on the floor and your spine straight and tall.
Take any little movements that feel good to you to get settled, i.e., roll your shoulders down and back, move your sits bones back and forth in your chair, move your neck side to side and loosen your jaw.
Close your eyes or lower your gaze and begin to connect with your breath.
If you have time, then do a full body scan starting at the top of your head or the bottom of your feet. If not, then do a brief body scan just to check in.
Settle your attention on the area of your body that is bothering you. Breathe into that part and really notice all the sensations as they ebb and flow. Can you describe the sensations? Do they have a colour? A shape? A size? Just keep breathing and noticing.
When you’ve finished exploring the sensations gently open your eyes and reorient yourself to your surroundings.
Get out your journal and write about your experience. What did you notice? Did anything surprise you?
By doing this practice often, you will begin to notice shifts in how you are thinking about your body. You may begin to think more kindly about yourself and begin to move in different ways.
I’d love to hear from you so please send any comments or questions to me at sharon@sharonashtonmindfulyoga.com. Feel free to share this email with anyone else who may be interested.
Are you interested in life and mindset coaching? If you are interested in exploring new ways to bring joy into your world and live your best life, please email me to set up a complimentary 30 minute discovery call at sharon@sharonashtonmindulyoga.com or visit my website coaching page.
“When Sharon and I started working together, I was surprised by how quickly I started seeing changes and results. Her coaching has helped me gain confidence in my professional life and I now feel like I have what it takes to keep operating my business on a daily basis, while staying true to my values. Through heart-centred conversations and guidance, Sharon always has the right words. I definitely recommend her services.”
You are also invited to join my free Facebook group The Journey Within Mindful Yoga and Life Change Community here where we can connect to share resources and short mindful yoga and meditation practices:
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