4. Etymology of Movement

/ˈmuːvm(ə)nt/

noun

A change of place or position; a progress, change, development.

Until 1872, movement also meant a mental impulse, especially one of desire or aversion; an urge, an inclination; an act of will. Movement was considered the regular route in reasoning.

Movement and emotion were historically, by definition, connected.

How have we come so far in society, only to move so far away from the universal language that transcends all boundaries, our social cohesion: movement; and being moved by it?

Oceans and emotions redolently rise, ruminate, release and recoil. Synchronising movement with environment is a hard wired survival skill: orangutans synchronise their swing between branches with the natural sway of the trees; in much the same way you must coordinate your exit from an escalator to avoid catalysing your collapse.

Moving in synchronicity engages the endogenous opioid system in the brain: it makes us feel more connected, increases trust and is a powerful analgesic against physical pain.

Environment informs emotion; emotion drives behaviour and behaviour becomes consequence.

Good decision making, therefore, cannot exist without emotion regulation.

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“The only way to make sense of change is to plunge into it, move with it and join the dance.” ALAN WATTS

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If you want to change the way you think, then change the way you move.