Free movements in yoga

Free movements in Saltdean Yoga class

Our bodies are much wiser than our brains. They constantly send us valuable information through intentions, gut feelings, butterflies in our tummy, tightness in the chest or throat, feelings of exhaustion or energy, and much more. Our bodies are incredibly smart. Yet, because they communicate through feelings, which are often quieter than our thoughts, we might not always listen to them. We tend to believe we know what's best for us intellectually, but that's not always the case.

What's beautiful about the information our body sends us is that it is true. While our thinking brain is influenced and conditioned by many external factors, it can be dangerous to rely on it exclusively. We often lose connection with our bodies because everything around us is so loud, and our brains are drawn to certain things that we think are good for us. Our bodies continue to send signals, but we don’t always listen.

If you feel disconnected from your body and don’t even know it anymore, practising free, somatic movements might sound terrifying. When you first try, you might feel terrible, ashamed, angry with yourself, or experience any range of emotions. That's okay. Take your time and honour those feelings—it's part of the practice. If you feel terrified in a situation, take it slowly and don’t force your body into it.

If you don’t feel like doing anything, close your eyes, let your body rest, and just listen to my voice. Take it all in and observe the feelings and information that come up. Do this with kindness and honour your body’s wishes. The last thing I want is for you to force yourself into a somatic and free movement.

If moving your body freely feels terrifying, ask yourself why. Why does it feel so bad?

Why is Free Movement Important in Yoga?

Yoga is about uniting your mind, body, and spirit. How can we achieve this unity if we lack a true connection to our body? If we only see the outside of our body and do what we’re told, we miss the deeper connection. True liberation of our soul through yoga is only possible if we allow our body to be free as wel

It is so important to gain that connection with your body back and one way to do so is through free movements. You can practice it in my yoga classes in Saltdean but also in the comfort of your home. In your bedroom, where no one is watching, you can move freely in a quiet room or put on some music and move your body in dance-like movements. In our yoga classes, I give you an invitation a few times during the class to close your eyes and let your body be your guide for the next few breaths. Let your body tell you what feels nice. Trust that feeling and lean into it.

Free movement helps you connect with your feelings both energetically and physically, shifting your focus from your mind to your body. The beauty of free movement is that it allows you to release mental chatter and truly experience your body's sensations, granting yourself the freedom to move in alignment with your soul's rhythm.

In my yoga class in Saltdean, I always invite you to practice gentle, free movements. It's up to you to take this invitation—nothing is forced. I hope that you leave each class with a bit more consciousness about your body, even if that means noticing a block in it.

If you have any questions about free movements or wish to share how free movements make you feel, please reach out. I’d love to chat with you.

To check out my yoga classes in Saltdean Lido, visit the Class page.

Viki xxx