Holistic Movement
As humans we are living a life so departed from our natural patterns of movement, they feel foreign to us. Our lifestyles have become static, and when we hear the statistics of childhood obesity we all feel shame.
People will drive to their neighborhood gym, to work out. The term "workout" implies something less than pleasurable, derived as it is from the root word "work". The word "exercise" simply leaves a bad taste in your mouth. However, the manner in which we move outside of the gym is the real reflection of our lifestyle and our emotions. It is our body language.
Holistic Movement is the art of learning to move in a fashion for which our body was designed. First we need to ensure that our posture is in balance. Incorrect posture may cause muscle imbalance, which could lead to injuries while performing everyday tasks. It can also deplete energy leading to fatigue. This can be corrected by implementing a stretching program designed for your specific body. Stretching your body will allow oxygen to flow through the body, attached to those beautiful red blood cells. It flows from your lungs to your heart, giving you the energy you need.
The energy fields of our body (chakras) are along our spine, beginning at the base and ending at the skull. These energy fields are connected to muscle groups, related to functions of our body. Energizing movements will bring positive energy (Chi) into these areas, and expel negativity.
Caring for the core of our body, or torso, is extremely important to optimum health. Visualize a corset around you keeping all your organs protected, while larger muscles extend outwards, enabling you to hunt and gather food. When I work with my clients, I ask them to squat as if lifting the bundle they must carry to their village.
To many of us, the growing connection of mind, body and spirit is bringing us back to Nature. As we walk on the earth under foot, we feel and unevenness which causes our legs to rotate and pivot to maintain balance. This is the way we were meant to move, lunging to move over puddles of water, duck-walking to pass under low hanging branches - with no concern for appearance or perfect form.
As humans evolved we seem to have lost our ability to play, just for the fun of it. For adults play is not a part of our life. We feel it is great for children, but unproductive for adults. However, the physical and physiological benefits of play are huge. I encourage my clients to play with movement. It is meant to be fun
Building a functional body in which all the muscle systems work in unison with our internal organs and skeletal structure is vital to a fulfilling life. From birth to death our body is our must important tool. We use it to explore our world, as well as love and care for one another.
-- Daryl Sarkisian, 2007
