Movement and the Search for Meaning - Dan Armstrong - Episode 84

I’m fascinated by the reasons we each have for moving. Why we move. And it felt the right time to open up the conversation with some of those that we know and who listen to the podcast about their experiences with movement and what it has brought to them. Personally past experiences with movement and observation of others journey I have noticed that we move in whatever form our bodies are innately drawn to and it is my personal belief that is because our body is wanting to express something more than our mind/ego can comprehend or the conventions of sport and competition allow. There comes a time in the experiences Chris and I have listened to when a specific event evolves the idea of movement and physicality from sport and striving towards navigating what we are, who we are and why. So I am saying that movement gives us meaning and a mechanism to process our past lived experiences to make sense of them and organise them in our body and mind to support us in the future. Where sport is about competition and the media narrative is often about crushing it or you are less than so you need to do more. Movement is about connection and when we connect the dots there unfolds an infinite opportunity irrespective of age and ability. The body feels seen, heard and safe, and that is an environment for growth. So I am saying do what attracts you, it may never have been in your mind before but by listening in to our body and its needs there is something to glean for progress. It may not be what you think it is. But the idea that we will glean what we can glean when we are ready to glean what we are ready to glean. Be curious, ask questions, enjoy the expression and know that the more we express the more our capacity for learning and growth will occur. Kicking off the series is our conversation with Dan Armstrong who I met whilst cold sea swimming and connected with over a hot warm drink afterwards. I listened as he expressed his practice of running, sea swimming, structure, simple rules to live by and the freedom that occurred at a time of a family experience that does happen and turns our perspective and why upside down. I thank Dan for his time in conversation, and the time spent with him over the last few years. As with all of these conversations the what, the activity is not the main draw. It is the principles, experience of someone else and the meaning, the ‘why’ that is the guide. Enjoy, share and let us know if you have an experience that you feel would be beneficial to share.