Could these ‘magic’ movements change your life?
Discover the new wellness trend that combines choreographed stretches with the power of positive thinking
POSITIVE affirmations have long been recognised as a way to boost mood and build confidence. But wellbeing expert Erin Stutland says she has found a way to make them even more effective – by combining them with movement. From squats to stretches, she believes adding the power of positive thinking to your routine can transform your life.
WHY MOVEMENT MATTERS
When you combine positive affirmations with movement, you plant uplifting thoughts in your mind, become more connected to your body and use your body and voice to create your best life.
Your intentions, for example finding a romantic partner or learning how to say no, will become part of you.
All you need to do is put aside a few minutes each day to perform these moving mantras.
WHAT DO YOU REALLY WANT?
We’re so afraid to trust our true desires we cut ourselves off from them before giving them a chance. Give yourself permission to want things and work with mantras and movement to create those desires.
When setting your desire, be specific. Visualise what you want and imagine how you’ll feel when you get it. THE MANTRA: I let my desire
guide me.
THE MOVE: Stand with your feet a little wider than hip distance apart. Turn your toes out slightly.As you do, let the words, “I let my desire guide me” sink into your mind and heart while thinking of what you want.
Sink into a squat and bring your hands to your heart in prayer position. On the way down, say, “I let”, then say “my desire guide me” as you rise up, stretching your hands above your head. Repeat 16 times.
TUNE OUT YOUR INNER CRITIC
Do you feel you’re holding yourself back? When you tune out your inner critic and tune in to yourself and your desires, you’re more present in the moment.
THE MANTRA: I am tuned in. THE MOVE: Stand with your feet together and hands by your side. To begin, sweep your arms up and touch your palms at the top of your head. Dropping your shoulders, say, “I am tuned”, before gently bending forward until your hands touch your feet.
Keep your back lengthened while you move down, resting your upper body over your legs and keeping knees soft. During this movement, say, “in.” Repeat 16 times.
CHANGE YOUR BELIEFS
Negative beliefs are essentially negative thoughts. But when we think about them repeatedly, they become negative mantras.
Most of these beliefs are formed in childhood – left unchallenged, they’ll continue to cause problems. Shining a light on them will open up a whole new set of possibilities.
THE MANTRA: I let go of the old. THE MOVE: Bring your legs to a plie squat position and bend your arms so your hands are in front of your chest, palms facing out.As you squat, pump your arms in and out, while saying, “I let go of the old.” Your objective is to get your heart rate up a little. Repeat 16 times.
PUSH THROUGH FEAR
As long as you’re evolving and trying new things, fear will be part of it. It’s just part of the human experience. Mantras can help you push through the fear.
THE MANTRA: It’s my time. THE MOVE: Start with your feet together and your hands in prayer pose at your heart. Stand strong.
Step your right leg back into a lunge, bending both knees and bring your arms to your sides.As you step back, say, “It’s my” and as you step your feet together, say “time”. Complete eight reps on both sides.
EMBRACE WHAT IS GREAT
It can be difficult to let go of old habits. One of the key ways you can prepare yourself for change is to live as if it’s already true. If you want more self-confidence, act as though you already have it.
Playing the role makes you attract what you want.
THE MANTRA: I make space for greatness.
THE MOVE: Start with your feet together, hands by your side. Jump your legs out to hip distance apart as you bring your arms above your head, then jump your feet back together and bring your arms down. On the first jump say “I make space for” and on the second jump say “greatness”.
Perform two more jumping jacks without saying anything, then resume repeating the mantra. Repeat this pattern of two jumping jacks with the mantra and two without. For a low impact version, step your legs out to the side. Repeat eight times.
● Extracted by DEBBI MARCO from Mantras In Motion by Erin Stutland (£14.99, Hay House). To order a copy call the Express Bookshop on 01872 562 310 or visit expressbookshop.co.uk