How Moving Your Body Can Change Your Mood

Dance is the hidden language of the soul.  ~Martha Graham 

I have a secret to tell you: almost every day when my husband is not at home, I dance by myself and I completely lose myself.

Just the other day, we were painting and my favorite song came on: I didn't care he as there.....I just closed my eyes and started to dance and be in the moment. Normally, he would roll his eyes at his "always happy" wife and stay away, but he just joined in and started dancing with me. I was in heaven - sharing something so important with the person I love.

Every culture has its way of moving the body, sometimes spiritually transformative. Sufi whirling dervishes have always infatuated me: they move in circles trying to achieve religious ecstasy through Sama, a Sufi ceremony. 

I use body movement in coaching quite a bit, especially when the client is stuck. Something happens when we move the body and move energy. If we believe that everything is energy, then moving can actually change a state of mind. Try it: if you are feeling "blah" or any other emotion that you don't particularly like, try moving the body. You may not feel like dancing, but put your shoes on and go run around the block (or walk). Go empty the garbage. Walk the dog. Go to a grocery store. Jump on your bike. Go to a museum. Do something. I have been known to go run around the block in freezing Minnesota winters to change my energy. It works every time.

Since dance has been on my mind and part of my daily life, a friend recently sent me this video about Happy People Dancing on Planet Earth. It inspired me and made me laugh. Hope it will do the same for you. Make it a beautiful day everyone! 

I would believe only in a God that knows how to dance.  ~Friedrich Nietzsche