Move Your Body, Move Your Soul March 2014

Lighten Up and Thrive!

 

Gretchen Hogg, BSN, CCHt         Jerri Eddington, Ed.D.

 

Move Your Body, Move Your Soul

 

Drop the word “exercise,” throw out the term “physical education” and stop cowering when you hear “dance.”

Replace those dreary and loaded terms with the sheer JOY and the simple pleasure of moving your body. No matter your size, your shape, the flesh that jiggles, the bones that stick out, the maleness or femaleness of your contour-you will find in your moving body an expression of your deepest desires, your visions, your dreams, your one true voice that is inside you always

“Nothing is more revealing than movement, ” said pioneering modern dancer Martha Graham. Graham understood the body as a source of insight into some of the core issues of one’s life – a source of knowledge and transformation, a pathway to awareness.

When we “move to learn,” rather than “learn to move,” we enter unknown inner territory. We begin to discover aspects of ourselves and our lives from fresh and refreshing perspectives. The personal history stored in our body becomes accessible for examination and dialogue.

The value of movement in giving expression to one’s inner life traces back to earliest human history, when disease was seen as a loss of soul and dance was an integral part of the healing process. In many cultures still today, dance and movement are vital and profound ways to touch the center of one’s being. When we reduce our body’s movement to losing weight or burning calories or winning over someone else, we lose so much.

So go ahead. Find a quiet, private space. Suspend self-criticism and your conscious and habitual directives to your body. Engage your curiosity, respect, honesty and courage. Finally, move your body and listen to its magic. It is time to “Lighten Up and Thrive!”

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Februrary 1st,2014

Lighten Up and Thrive!

 

Gretchen Hogg, BSN, CCHt         Jerri Eddington, Ed.D.

 

Do You Give It All Away?

 

“When we truly care for ourselves, it becomes possible to care far more profoundly about other people. The more alert and sensitive we are to our own needs, the more loving and generous we can be toward others.” Eda LeShan

 

Most of us have been taught that it is more noble to give than to receive. While giving can be a wonderful, heart-warming experience, giving too much of our time and energy can be detrimental to both our physical and emotional health, leading to anxiety, overwhelm and burnout. Take this quiz to see if you are giving it all away.

 

  • I force myself to do things even when I don’t have the energy to do them.
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  • I ignore my body’s “no” signals when I think someone’s needs are greater than mine.
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  • I hate conflict, so I’ll do whatever it takes to avoid it, which often means doing something I don’t want to do.
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  • I feel obligated to answer the phone when it rings even when I don’t want to.
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  • The amount of time I spend listening to others far exceeds the amount of time that others listen to me.
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  • If I don’t answer all the emails I receive I feel guilty.
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  • In order to provide luxuries for my family I work more hours than I want to.
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  • I schedule my work time around my clients’ needs rather than around my own.
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  • I can’t say no when people in need ask me for money.
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  • When I’m out to dinner with people who have less money than I do, I feel obligated to pick up the check.
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  • I volunteer for my place of worship or other organizations even if I don’t have the time.
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  • People won’t like me if I say no.
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  • I’m the person everyone calls when they need help: a babysitter, chauffeur, or someone to fill in at work.
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  • My children’s happiness comes before mine. I’ll do whatever it takes to make them happy.
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  • I have a hard time saying no to my partner because I want him/her to be happy, even if saying yes makes me unhappy.
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  • I feel selfish if I don’t share what I have with others.
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If you answered true more often than false, you may want to find ways to create more balance in your life by getting clear on your values and priorities and learning more about boundary setting.

 

Enjoy “Love” by Carolan Deacon

It is Time to “Let Your Soul Shine”