Today on World Mental Health Day, while we have an opportunity to spark essential conversations about mental health, it also serves as an important reminder that our well-being journey extends beyond a single day. Mental health is not just a topic to focus on once a year; it’s a continuous, everyday commitment—to ourselves and to each other.
Reflecting on my own journey, I’ve realized that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for mental health. We each navigate our unique challenges, but one truth I hold close is this: we have the power to influence how we feel, think, and respond to life. Even in our darkest moments, change is possible, and there is always a way through.
For me, the journey of healing and self-discovery began with a return to my roots in Indian classical dance. After years of chasing deadlines, wearing multiple hats, and striving to make my first business a success, I found myself feeling ungrounded and overwhelmed. When I finally reconnected with mindful movement, I felt a shift—not just in my mental state, but in how I approached both my personal and professional life. Movement helped me process the stress, quiet my mind, and face the challenges that had once felt insurmountable.
As I transitioned to becoming a mindful movement facilitator with Move to Thrive, I encountered a new set of fears. Unlike my first business, where I could promote my products from behind the scenes, this work called me to the forefront. With Move to Thrive, I am the face, the voice, the guide. I must show up as my most vulnerable, authentic self, which is both empowering and terrifying. This fear of being seen, this stress of taking center stage—it’s a different kind of challenge, and now more than ever, I have found mindful movement to be my anchor, equipping me with the tools to navigate it.
When we face stress or fear, our bodies respond instinctively with what are called fear-based responses: freeze, flight, fight, fawn, and flock. These ancient reactions are embedded in our biology, designed to protect us, but they can also lead to patterns of tension, emotional overwhelm, and disconnection. By understanding these responses, we can learn to work with them, rather than feel controlled by them.
Understanding and Moving Through Fear-Based Responses:
Freeze: In moments of paralysis, movement can be a gentle reminder to release tension and reconnect. Think of Bharatanatyam, where even the smallest gestures and postures are intentional. Slow, deliberate movements, like the controlled mudras of Bharatanatyam, can help us shift from feeling “stuck” to feeling grounded and present.
Flight: When the urge to flee arises, grounding practices help us channel that energy into calm, focused movement. Walking meditation, for example, allows us to be present with each step, like a Laban-based approach that emphasizes weight and flow. This helps us stay connected to the present moment, transforming the urge to escape into steady, grounded movement.
Fight: In Gaga dance, dancers learn to embrace challenges through dynamic, powerful movements that channel raw energy constructively. When we feel agitation or the urge to confront, embodying the principles of Gaga can turn that energy into focused, creative strength. This practice allows us to build resilience and navigate challenges with intention.
Fawn: For those who tend to appease or shrink themselves in stressful situations, movement can be a means of reclaiming space. Modern dance encourages expressive movement and authenticity, inviting us to take up space and express our own story. As we move, we reconnect with our self-worth and cultivate the courage to show up fully.
Flock: In moments when we seek connection, group practices help foster a sense of unity and belonging. Bollywood dance, with its vibrant, communal energy, is a wonderful example. Moving together, in sync or in shared rhythm, reinforces our connection to others. This collective experience reminds us that we’re part of something larger, affirming our shared resilience and strength.
Mindful movement has given me the courage to move through these responses with grace, transforming fear into peace and stress into strength. This World Mental Health Day, I invite you to explore how mindful movement can help you face your fears, embrace change, and find resilience.
Ready to begin? Reach out to learn more about various online and in-person Move to Thrive programs and discover the power of mindful movement. 🌱✨
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