During college at West Point, and then in the Army, physical fitness was a mark of respect, credibility and quite literally an evaluation. My value measured by a stopwatch. Sit-ups. Push-ups. Run. 

 

At first, I thrived in this system. I prided myself on max scores but had no idea the lasting negative impact it would have on my mind and body. 

 

For many seasons, I measured up and felt secure in the standard that defined my identity as an Officer and Soldier. In the process I repressed the skill of listening to my body that ran counter to the high intensity, as hard and fast as I could go — all the time.  

 

I didn’t know how to nourish my body, regulate my nervous system, or feel empowered to have agency over my movement patterns. I injured my knee running during unit PT — an overuse injury that never healed and lingers to this day — 12 years later. 

 

The amazing Jamie Terry @jamieplaysoutside, began to tug at the threads weaving my movement story together during Yoga Teacher Training a few years back. Her questions and gentle prodding opened my heart, mind and body to a new way of moving. One that doesn’t require high intensity to be good. One that invites noticing, listening and making individual choices. I discovered a way of moving that felt empowering and kind all at once. 

 

Now I hold space for others to discover their own agency and playfulness in movement.  I guide classes through intentional, full range of motion in their joints to nourish the body from the inside out.  We squeeze out cellular waste and increase blood flow to oxygenate and revive the body. I invite creative challenges in a playful way — not with a hierarchy of success and evaluation (the old Army way). I know understand the importance of rest and offer it as a gift to receive — not a punishment to fear.