Ask an Expert
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JULY TOPIC: Freedom to Move Again
Gigi Oppenheimer
Dancer, Intuitive Healer & Owner of White Lotus Grace |
OUR EXPERT:
Gigi Oppenheimer, owner of White Lotus Grace, has been a lifelong dancer and is a naturally intuitive healer with over 30 years of spiritual study, assimilation and teaching experience. She was introduced to dance at the age of three as a means of healing her excessively painful shyness. Dance became an elixir of joy for her, and throughout her childhood and adolescence, she studied and performed several different styles of dance with a focus on ballet. She danced pre-professionally with the Mid Hudson Ballet Company in many adjudicated festivals and other venues. Her deep passion for the profoundly joyful power of movement, meditation, and healing inspires her to work with clients (individually and in small groups) to create a healing experience that is personally comforting and supportive. Gigi is also an author of two works: Grace: Moving in Divine Alignment and a new project, Moving By Faith - A Course of Embodying Inner Trust. Gigi is offering a FREE consultation to interested readers and a 30-minute, virtual, private introductory session for only $25. (See more below.) |
“What types of movement or stretching enables more energy? Early in the day, I seem ready to go, but by midday, my energy is low. I usually have plans to do mild exercise, but then I lose my enthusiasm. Maybe I should mention that I’m in my sixties.” ~ Erica (CO)
Hello Erica.
Thank you for your question. It touches close to home for me. I resonate with your experience of energy dropping, and I love the efficacy with which movement can lift it.
Gentleness is key here.
Our bodies bear innate wisdom for preserving, replenishing, and healing themselves. When the energy flow shifts into low, the body is understanding the need to conserve, and it is sending a natural cue to the mind and intelligence to heed. So, it is genuinely not the time to push oneself to exercise, for doing so can easily lead to overexertion and exhaust your reserve energy even further.
Instead, I recommend light meditative movement with careful breathing to slowly but surely raise your energy. Specific moves and technique are not required, for it is the quality of movement that is essentially revitalizing.
One easy way to get into this is to turn on slow gentle music, close your eyes, and let it move you. Listen and honor the way your body feels to move. It may be as simple as rocking or swaying back and forth. Be mindful of the fresh air filling your lungs as you inhale through your nose and exhale deeply. Nothing is to be rushed or forced. Just easefully breathe in new vital energy and exhale fatigue and inertia as you softly shift your weight from side to side.
I suggest allowing the movement to start with just your feet first, and then gradually move up through your body. Envision it like a tank filling, from bottom to top. As you do, be sure each part of your body receives time and attention to move. (e.g. bend your knees, circle your hips, wave through your spine, spread your arms, wiggle your fingers, roll your shoulders, turn your head side to side and around and 'round, etc.) You can incorporate stretching naturally by bending over to touch your toes or reaching up to the sky, with or without rising on the balls of your feet. Raise your arms and legs, one by one, bending, straightening, and extending to their fullest, like you're expanding your way out of a box. Most importantly, listen to your own body, feel where it feels stiff, and simply bring some movement to it as you consciously breathe.
This gentle, organic, self-expressive way of moving with the body's flow is highly effective for resetting energy. Once you've given yourself that little lift and jumpstart, you may even find yourself feeling ready for that other mild exercise you intended, after all. If not, no worries. It's safe to listen, trust, and honor your body's inherent healing wisdom.
I hope this helps, and I wish you happy moving!
“I have really bad knees. One has been replaced. It makes it hard to exercise and feel good about it. Is there something I can do that won’t include pounding on my joints?” ~ Casey (CA)
Hi Casey.
I had surgery on both of my knees when I was 16 and still have issues with them to this day. So, I understand your pain, predicament, and question through direct experience.
Several knee-friendly forms of exercise come to mind in response. Floor barre is one that I practice, teach, and recommend. It is fabulous for flexibility and muscle toning. It is also free from harsh impact on the joints, as it all takes place while laying on a mat. Aqua fitness or water aerobics are also excellent low-impact, low-resistance options for stretching, strengthening, and cardio-vascular health. Tai-chi and healing dance similarly offer a range of exercise benefits, for body, mind, and spirit, without knee strain, pain, or pressure.
I hope at least one of these suggestions suits you, and that you will feel the pleasure of pain-free movement soon!
“What’s the best time to get up and move? Is it different for everyone? Any tips on how to get in the right mindset?” ~ Emily (NY)
Hi Emily.
Thank you for your questions. I love how they address the underlying spirit and individuality of movement.
In my experience, the best time to move may not only vary from person to person, but possibly even from day to day.
Still, there are also some general times and factors that can offer consistency. For example, taking a minute or two to stretch when getting out of bed in the morning is very helpful for waking, relieving stiffness, getting the oxygen flowing throughout the body, and setting the tone for the day. This is not the time to rigorously stretch or exercise, but just gently move in reaching, bending, folding, circling motions that activate all the limbs and joints.
Similarly, if your day entails a lot of sitting, I recommend to get up and move every hour. Even a walk to another room for a glass of water or to use the restroom is helpful and important for balance and mobility of body, mind, and spirit. That also helps establish a rhythm and presence of movement in the daily flow, which then makes it easier to shift into a time of dedicated physical activity.
Again, the most suitable time for more extensive movement may vary from person to person and day to day; but, in general, it is best when well-rested, hydrated, and nourished, but not full or heavily digesting. I also suggest selecting a time that is calm or calming for you, and/or at high-strung times when there is excess emotion and energy needing to balance and burn.
At the heart of all of it, though, is getting in the right mindset. That is the real key for each individual. To reach that mindset, I find it is essential to set aside 'should,' 'have to,' and 'not enough' mentalities. Trying to move from a place where 'I'm not good enough, thin enough, fit enough, healthy enough, attractive enough, active enough,' or from a place where 'I should' or 'have to' because 'they say,' tends to create resistance at the subtlest level, which makes it extremely difficult to move - like trudging upstream through mud or trying to shift, shove, or lift a mountain.
It is much more inviting to move to and from a place of self-care. Time to move is time for you. 'I'm giving myself some time to move, to be with myself, listen to myself, discover more about myself, and feel good for myself.' Part of that gift and mindset is finding movement that naturally appeals to you. It might be a walk in nature listening to the birds or music on your headphones. It may be athletic exercise, dance, swimming, biking, gardening...Whatever it is, it is yours. When it is yours, it becomes something you look forward to. And when you look forward to it, it becomes sustainable.
I wish you all the best in exploring your freedom to move, and I am here if you would like personal assistance in finding your best time and way.
Hello Erica.
Thank you for your question. It touches close to home for me. I resonate with your experience of energy dropping, and I love the efficacy with which movement can lift it.
Gentleness is key here.
Our bodies bear innate wisdom for preserving, replenishing, and healing themselves. When the energy flow shifts into low, the body is understanding the need to conserve, and it is sending a natural cue to the mind and intelligence to heed. So, it is genuinely not the time to push oneself to exercise, for doing so can easily lead to overexertion and exhaust your reserve energy even further.
Instead, I recommend light meditative movement with careful breathing to slowly but surely raise your energy. Specific moves and technique are not required, for it is the quality of movement that is essentially revitalizing.
One easy way to get into this is to turn on slow gentle music, close your eyes, and let it move you. Listen and honor the way your body feels to move. It may be as simple as rocking or swaying back and forth. Be mindful of the fresh air filling your lungs as you inhale through your nose and exhale deeply. Nothing is to be rushed or forced. Just easefully breathe in new vital energy and exhale fatigue and inertia as you softly shift your weight from side to side.
I suggest allowing the movement to start with just your feet first, and then gradually move up through your body. Envision it like a tank filling, from bottom to top. As you do, be sure each part of your body receives time and attention to move. (e.g. bend your knees, circle your hips, wave through your spine, spread your arms, wiggle your fingers, roll your shoulders, turn your head side to side and around and 'round, etc.) You can incorporate stretching naturally by bending over to touch your toes or reaching up to the sky, with or without rising on the balls of your feet. Raise your arms and legs, one by one, bending, straightening, and extending to their fullest, like you're expanding your way out of a box. Most importantly, listen to your own body, feel where it feels stiff, and simply bring some movement to it as you consciously breathe.
This gentle, organic, self-expressive way of moving with the body's flow is highly effective for resetting energy. Once you've given yourself that little lift and jumpstart, you may even find yourself feeling ready for that other mild exercise you intended, after all. If not, no worries. It's safe to listen, trust, and honor your body's inherent healing wisdom.
I hope this helps, and I wish you happy moving!
“I have really bad knees. One has been replaced. It makes it hard to exercise and feel good about it. Is there something I can do that won’t include pounding on my joints?” ~ Casey (CA)
Hi Casey.
I had surgery on both of my knees when I was 16 and still have issues with them to this day. So, I understand your pain, predicament, and question through direct experience.
Several knee-friendly forms of exercise come to mind in response. Floor barre is one that I practice, teach, and recommend. It is fabulous for flexibility and muscle toning. It is also free from harsh impact on the joints, as it all takes place while laying on a mat. Aqua fitness or water aerobics are also excellent low-impact, low-resistance options for stretching, strengthening, and cardio-vascular health. Tai-chi and healing dance similarly offer a range of exercise benefits, for body, mind, and spirit, without knee strain, pain, or pressure.
I hope at least one of these suggestions suits you, and that you will feel the pleasure of pain-free movement soon!
“What’s the best time to get up and move? Is it different for everyone? Any tips on how to get in the right mindset?” ~ Emily (NY)
Hi Emily.
Thank you for your questions. I love how they address the underlying spirit and individuality of movement.
In my experience, the best time to move may not only vary from person to person, but possibly even from day to day.
Still, there are also some general times and factors that can offer consistency. For example, taking a minute or two to stretch when getting out of bed in the morning is very helpful for waking, relieving stiffness, getting the oxygen flowing throughout the body, and setting the tone for the day. This is not the time to rigorously stretch or exercise, but just gently move in reaching, bending, folding, circling motions that activate all the limbs and joints.
Similarly, if your day entails a lot of sitting, I recommend to get up and move every hour. Even a walk to another room for a glass of water or to use the restroom is helpful and important for balance and mobility of body, mind, and spirit. That also helps establish a rhythm and presence of movement in the daily flow, which then makes it easier to shift into a time of dedicated physical activity.
Again, the most suitable time for more extensive movement may vary from person to person and day to day; but, in general, it is best when well-rested, hydrated, and nourished, but not full or heavily digesting. I also suggest selecting a time that is calm or calming for you, and/or at high-strung times when there is excess emotion and energy needing to balance and burn.
At the heart of all of it, though, is getting in the right mindset. That is the real key for each individual. To reach that mindset, I find it is essential to set aside 'should,' 'have to,' and 'not enough' mentalities. Trying to move from a place where 'I'm not good enough, thin enough, fit enough, healthy enough, attractive enough, active enough,' or from a place where 'I should' or 'have to' because 'they say,' tends to create resistance at the subtlest level, which makes it extremely difficult to move - like trudging upstream through mud or trying to shift, shove, or lift a mountain.
It is much more inviting to move to and from a place of self-care. Time to move is time for you. 'I'm giving myself some time to move, to be with myself, listen to myself, discover more about myself, and feel good for myself.' Part of that gift and mindset is finding movement that naturally appeals to you. It might be a walk in nature listening to the birds or music on your headphones. It may be athletic exercise, dance, swimming, biking, gardening...Whatever it is, it is yours. When it is yours, it becomes something you look forward to. And when you look forward to it, it becomes sustainable.
I wish you all the best in exploring your freedom to move, and I am here if you would like personal assistance in finding your best time and way.
CONTACT GIGI
For help "finding your own movement" or getting started again, Gigi is inviting SANCTUARY readers to receive a FREE phone, Skype, or Zoom consultation and/or a 30-minute, virtual, private introductory session for ONLY $25! |
"I have developed a unique assortment of innovative, spiritual, healing arts and dance services that I offer in a safe, serene, supportive atmosphere…with plenty of online options. I invite you to contact me so that I may be able to carefully serve you." ~ Gigi Oppenheimer |
