Mobility & Strength
Mobility and strength are often overlooked in meditation traditions, but they have a surprisingly strong effect on the mind, our practice, and our health.
If we take the view that the mind and body are deeply interconnected, then more comfort in the body means more comfort in the mind. If you struggle to hold an upright posture, or feel pain and tension every time you try to meditate, the practice becomes much harder as you’re constantly pulled into those sensations. Building core strength, opening the hips and spine, and releasing tension in the body all have a dramatic impact on your ability to sit and be at ease.
A lot of us have chronic tension from spending too much time sitting, old injuries, or from muscular imbalances and muscle weakness that have built up over a lifetime of just being human. In a lot of cases, we have muscles that are overcompensating and gripping due to other muscles being weak. By rebuilding strength in the right places, those overworked muscles can finally let go, and the mind relaxes along with them.
Beyond the practice itself, a more open spine and healthier joints improve nerve function, allow energy to move more freely, and go a long way for injury prevention and overall health.
Spine Waves (Two Variations)
Spinal wave exercises work by moving the spine in a slow, undulating motion along the entire length of the spine. This help create space between the vertebrae and release built up tension to help restore a more natural range of motion.
Mobility, Core Strength, Stretching
Although some of these videos are rooted in Qi Gong practice, they’re great for anyone looking to open up the body and build connected strength throughout.