Move Your Body: A Radical Act of Self-Love

Redefining Self-Care with Mindful Movement

Self-care. It’s a buzzword we throw around in memes and Instagram posts.

But what does it truly mean to care for ourselves?

For many of us, especially in today’s fast-paced culture of consumerism, self-care has become another task on our never-ending to-do list. We schedule massages, bubble baths, and “me time” like we schedule meetings, often feeling more stressed about fitting it all in than actually relaxed by it.

What if self-care wasn’t another chore but a radical act of self-love? What if it wasn’t about escaping our lives but fully embodying them?

Breaking Barriers with Yoga: More Than Just Exercise

My favorite form of self-care is movement – not forcing or punishing yourself with a grueling workout to “get in shape,” but an intentional, mindful movement like yoga. Yoga isn’t just exercise; it’s a practice of connecting with your body, listening to its knowing, and honoring the wisdom you can only find from within. Yoga is a way to move through emotions and release them, all while creating a deeper sense of care and awareness for your SELF.

Pay attention to your mind right now. You might already be thinking: “I’m not flexible enough,” “I don’t have time,” “I’m not a ‘yoga person.'”  

Babe, I’ve been there. The excuses are endless. That’s your ego trying to protect you from the unknown depths of yourself. And your mind/ ego doesn’t want you to explore further than the predictable routine that’s gotten you through until now.

Yoga: Your Path to Internal Peace and Self-Discovery

What if you tell your mind to fuck off and try something new?

Yoga isn’t about achieving some impossible ideal. It’s not about contorting yourself into pretzel-like poses or having the “right” yoga body. It’s about showing up for yourself, wherever you are, and moving in a way that feels good.

Some days, that might mean working through a vigorous vinyasa flow to challenge yourself physically and mentally. Other days, it might mean gentle stretches and restorative poses, allowing your body to release deeply held tension. Some days, it might mean lying on your mat, finding your breath, and simply being with yourself. The point is, there’s no right or wrong way to do it. The only requirement is that you show up for yourself.

When I started practicing yoga, I wanted the physical benefits. I’m not going to lie. I wanted to be stronger and more fit. Sometimes, we get caught up in this thinking – why spend time on ourselves if it isn’t for a tangible outcome?!?

What I discovered was profound. Yoga has become a way to connect with my inner self, to quiet the chatter in my mind, and to create a sense of peace I’d never experienced.

It’s the moments on the mat when I’m moving my body intentionally, feeling my breath, that I truly feel alive. I use that time to connect to my emotions and something larger than myself – which is the essence of self-care. It’s not about escaping your life but fully inhabiting it. It’s learning to be with all the joys and sorrows, ups and downs – not avoiding them.

I invite you to move your fucking body. Not because you “should,” but because you deserve all the best things. Yoga is a movement that brings you back home – to yourself.

Your body is a vessel that carries the essence of you. It is to be cherished. Movement is medicine, a pathway to healing and wholeness. Self-care is a way for you to let your joy radiate from the inside out.

Are you looking for ways to sit comfortably amidst discomfort? This year, we are taking a deep dive into self-care strategies. I’ll help you find what you need to feel more comfortable in your everyday life. Sign up for my monthly email newsletter to learn more.

Rachel Gordon, MA, MEd, is a registered psychotherapist at Humble Warrior Therapy in the Denver Metro Area of Colorado.