Let's explore Chapter 18, where we discover how movement isn't just exercise - it's essential medicine for body, mind, and soul.
Chapter 18: Movement is Medicine
Here's a truth your body already knows: You were born to move. As biomechanist Katy Bowman says, "Movement isn't something we do, it's something we are" (Bowman, 2017).
But here's the challenge: We've engineered movement out of our lives, and we're paying the price.
Your Body Has a Return Policy
Your body came with a warranty. But there's a catch - you have to move it to claim it.
Think about that.
We're living in the first time in human history where we have to remind ourselves to move. Where we schedule it. Box it into 60-minute gym sessions. Call it "exercise."
All whilst accepting the normal life, being one where we spend 93% of our time indoors at home or work.
Here's the plot twist: Your body doesn't know what "exercise" is. It just knows movement. Or the lack of it.
The fascinating part? Every cell in your body is waiting for you to move. Your brain grows new neurons when you walk. Your lymph system only flows when you bounce. Your joints only stay juicy when you use them.
But we've turned movement into math: Steps counted Calories burned Reps completed Sets finished
The irony? We're more obsessed with fitness than ever, yet more sedentary than ever. Where, sitting is the new smoking.
Consider this: Your grandmother never did burpees She never counted steps She never "worked out" She just lived in a world that required movement
Maybe it's time to stop exercising and start moving:
- Take the stairs because they're there
- Walk to the store because you can
- Dance in your kitchen because it feels good
- Play with your kids because they're asking
Because here's the truth: Movement isn't something you do. It's something you are.
And that warranty? It's still valid. All you have to do is move.
What will you move today?
The Science of Movement Medicine
Let's break it down:
Movement Biology
"Movement is life. Stagnation is death" (Moshe Feldenkrais).
- Cellular health
- Tissue repair
- Metabolic function
- Neural plasticity
Movement Psychology
"Moving your body changes your brain" (Ratey, 2013).
- Mood regulation
- Cognitive function
- Emotional processing
- Stress resilience
Movement Ecology
"Your body is an ecosystem that needs varied movement nutrients" (Bowman, 2017).
- Movement variety
- Environmental interaction
- Natural patterns
- Seasonal adaptation
As Dr. Kelly Starrett notes, "All human beings should be able to perform basic maintenance on themselves" (Starrett, 2013).
The Four Pillars of Movement Medicine
Natural Movement
"The most functional exercise is what your body is designed to do" (Sisson, 2016).
- Walking
- Climbing
- Lifting
- Playing
Mindful Movement
"How you move is as important as that you move" (Feldenkrais, 1972).
- Body awareness
- Movement quality
- Breath integration
- Present focus
Restorative Movement
"Recovery is where the magic happens" (Cook, 2010).
- Mobility work
- Tissue release
- Joint health
- Nervous system regulation
Playful Movement
"The opposite of play isn't work - it's depression" (Brown, 2009).
- Spontaneous movement
- Social interaction
- Creative expression
- Joy cultivation
As Arianna Huffington observes, "Movement is not just about fitness - it's about reconnecting with our bodies' wisdom" (Huffington, 2016).
Practical Movement Medicine
Here's how to make movement your medicine:
Daily Practices
- Morning mobility
- Walking breaks
- Movement snacks
- Evening restoration
Weekly Rhythms
- Strength training
- Cardiovascular health
- Skill development
- Play sessions
Lifestyle Integration
- Standing workstation
- Walking meetings
- Active transportation
- Movement-friendly spaces
As Dr. Joan Vernikos, former NASA scientist, explains, "Frequent movement throughout the day is more important than occasional exercise" (Vernikos, 2016).
The 12 Medicines of SelfCare recognize movement as essential medicine because:
- Movement is life
- Variety is vital
- Integration is key
Remember:
- Your body needs movement
- All movement counts
- Joy is the secret ingredient
Ask yourself:
- How can I move more naturally?
- Where can I add movement to my day?
- What movement brings me joy?
Your body is waiting to move. Will you answer its call?
References:
Bowman, K. (2017). Move Your DNA. Propriometrics Press.
Brown, S. (2009). Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul. Avery.
Cook, G. (2010). Movement. On Target Publications.
Feldenkrais, M. (1972). Awareness Through Movement. Harper & Row.
Huffington, A. (2016). The Sleep Revolution. Harmony Books.
Ratey, J. (2013). Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain. Little, Brown Spark.
Sisson, M. (2016). Primal Endurance. Primal Blueprint Publishing.
Starrett, K. (2013). Becoming a Supple Leopard. Victory Belt Publishing.
Vernikos, J. (2016). Designed to Move: The Science-Backed Program to Fight Sitting Disease and Enjoy Lifelong Health. Propriometrics Press.
