When movement means more: connection and community
As I was dancing in a field with my pals this weekend at a music festival I had a little moment. Feeling how joyous it was to move my body freely and without care. To have the ability to do it. The positive energy of moving and dancing with a group of people. The afterglow of dancing until your feet hurt with like-minded people. And it got me thinking. So often we frame movement in terms of health, fitness, burning, using up energy. Exercise is framed as an individual pursuit focused on personal goals. But actually it’s something that can bring people together around shared joy and experience. What do we actually get from movement in terms of feeling more connected with ourselves and others? Finding a common ground and communities within fitness which make us feel safe and heard. Community plays such a huge role in how we approach movement, our bodies, our health and how self-identity. So today I wanted to dip my toe into how community can bring you joy when it comes to movement.
Finding your tribe
Now this isn't me saying you have to go out and ecstatically dance with a group of random people. Rather exploring different ways to connect movement to meeting others. It can be super tough to make connections, especially after the ease of school, college or uni. And movement can be a great way to do it. Finding your tribe can take a whole range of different forms: Joining a support group with like-minded people: perhaps an all women's group, one where members have the same experiences as you or share the same challenges such as the Empowered Endo Queens course. Joining an inclusive gym: where you move your body makes a difference. Joining a gym where the staff and other members make you feel safe is key. Find a one-off event which includes movement you're interested in trying. Whether it's yoga, crossfit or Qi gong - shoot for the stars. Signing up for group classes or free events: like run clubs, park run, bootcamps or park yoga.
Putting yourself out there
Now you've found your tribe, it's time to connect with them. This is arguably the hardest step as it takes vulnerability to put yourself out there. But it's all about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and finding new and different ways to connect with yourself. Here's a few tips:
Contact the organisers or a group, gym, event or class. Everyone started not knowing everyone else - give the coaches/organisers the opportunity to help you start to connect.
Be yourself. Pretending to be anything but yourself will only wrap you up in overthinking and not being present. You are fabulous just the way you are so allow that to be the connection point.
Remember you're in control. You can leave and never come back if you don't want to. You're in control of the situation and how you want to engage.
Letting go
Whether it's a dance class, yoga, weight lifting - whatever it is - immerse yourself in the learning of that thing and soak up the information. Listen to others and ask questions - this is where you can connect with others and actively engage in the community. Let go of the expectation of being the best or knowing it all. Accept you're not there to necessarily be the best but move your body with intention and purpose.
In terms of letting go of your body whether that be in more spiritual practices or dance, being in a safe environment is key. Once you feel safe and grounded, give yourself permission to not care about how you look to others and connect into your body. So often we get wrapped up in an almost out-of-body perception of ourselves - thinking about how we look to others that see us. But if you can let go of that negative thought pattern, this is where the magic happens. It takes courage to be that vulnerable, but the rewards in terms of connection (both with yourself and others) are profound.
So whether you're looking to make new mates, let go of yourself with other people or connect with like-minded people, movement can be a great conduit to just that. Get out there and start moving towards things which bring YOU joy, that make YOU happy and give YOU a way to connect. One such opportunity for anyone with endometriosis is my endo group which starts next week! Check out more info on it here. And check back in next week for the blog.
