How Movement Sparks Creativity & Joy

By: Heather Blanchard

I was online a few weeks ago and saw a fantastic quote from someone that sparked an interest in exploring the lesser known benefits of movement:

“There is something about moving your body in ways that demand your full brain attention that helps you shift. It can give a grounding & calm. It’s a way to remind yourself that you are capable and strong and worthy of play & curiosity.” – Bonnie Weeks

From a very young age, we are taught to express ourselves and communicate with our actions and movements – even before we can talk. As we grow older, we tune into our imagination and creative side through play. When young children move to music, it helps them gain coordination and balance, learn rhythm and express themselves. But as we grow older we tend to move a lot less, and all too often feel guilty when we carve out much needed time to play.

Now I wont bore you with the benefits of exercise you already know, but as someone who’s always been inspired by movement, think it’s interesting to learn how it sparks creativity and decision making. I danced into my 20’s and began teaching yoga and fitness classes after college for extra money. Teaching classes quickly became the outlet I needed to continue to move and create, and tap into the power of building strength in both body and mind. When I’m feeling “stuck” in thoughts, decisions or forward movement, I move. And it turns out, moving can help anyone get “unstuck” and get their creative juices flowing!

In his book titled Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, Dr. John Ratey digs into benefits of exercise far beyond physical performance. He found that exercise increases neuroplasticity and creates new neural connections, which in turn enhances your mood and decision-making abilities. There are also many studies on how simple movement like walking boosts creativity and can open up a flow of ideas. In fact, some of the world’s best-known leaders, artists and entrepreneurs often used movement to stimulate creativity or secure business and political deals.

“Perhaps the greatest purpose of a movement practice is to open up our capacity to have experiences that are profoundly meaningful.” ~ Rafe Kelley

So move to tune in, or tune out, and remember that it doesn’t really matter how you move. All that matters is that you keep moving so your body and mind thrive. We were made to move and play and create.

“Sometimes it’s only in the ecstasy of unrepressed movement that we may enter the stillness of our authentic selves. In such sacred moments, the world seems to be in step.” ~ Alexandra Katehakis

XOXO, Heather B.