The Power of Movement in Healing

Melanie Griffiths
Aug 1
2 min read

DIVINE CEO MAGAZINE

I have a big story: I holistically healed from Cancer after being given six months to live – nearly twenty years ago. I bring this up not for accolades, reaction, or sympathy, but to share where I start from with everything I believe in and write about. Cancer was to become a defining piece in my life and direct my path forward. Cancer taught me so much about myself and my relationship with my body. Cancer brought me back to Movement with a jolt. Movement was to become a cornerstone of my healing.

The Importance of Movement

People overlook movement. They think of exercise, fitness, physical activity… then they often have a reaction whether it be driving them forward or retreating away. And from there, they throw themselves at physical activity with great gusto (but often unconsciously) or avoid it altogether, expressing that perhaps fitness is not for them.

We all live in a body. A living, breathing organism with many moving parts: muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, skin, tissue, fascia, and cells. And therefore, we are in motion (of some description) every single day. Our bodies literally need to move to stay well. Without motion, they will likely seize up.

Conscious Movement: The Key to Healing

But it is the act of conscious movement that is the key to healing. It doesn’t matter what the activity is—it’s the mindset you bring to the mat, the dance floor, or the match that counts. It is that clear, focused, open, curious mindset that, when connected with the physical motion, can produce nothing short of magic within the organism.

My Personal Journey with Movement

This is how it was for me in healing from Cancer. I started out with running. My body told me that’s what it wanted to do. I then went into Bellydance, followed by holistic, lyrical movement. Then back to my roots of Jazz dance. At some point, Yoga, Brazilian Samba, and Rollerskating became part of the mix. Each time, it was the presence of mind I brought to the activity that was the game-changer.

Engaging with Your Body

So, how is this working for you? Are you currently moving at all? Are you unconsciously or over-exercising? Or have you already become consciously engaged with your body in physical movement?

Taking Time to Tune In

Maybe take some time to tune in. Ask your body what she wants. If this is a new space for you, move gently into this arena. Perhaps take a walk around the block or your garden, enjoying the sights and smells. Or put some music on that you cannot stay still to and dance like no one’s watching.