Is Your Body Craving Movement?
What I’ve Learned From Three Years of Sunrise Steps
Yesterday morning during the sunrise walk, I reflected on the times that I’ve craved a change in my morning habits and routine. Usually, it is linked to some form of transition time. When stress has been building up and tension is felt in the body. It’s during those times that I practice 30-day personal “experiments” in habits and routines to “test drive” new habits.
This is exactly what happened three years ago when at a potluck dinner with parents from my daughter’s school, I voiced what I thought was a crazy idea.
“I was craving movement, outdoors, in community, at 6 am.”
And no, I do not believe that going outside at 6 am is for everyone. It works for me, it fits my lifestyle, my rhythm, and my chronotype (I’m a morning person!).
That simple conversation three years ago, was the start of the sunrise morning walks. The journey has evolved into what it is today.
Here are some reflections of what this journey has taught me:
The body craves movement and space to explore.
The mind craves stillness and quiet, away from screens.
Moments in nature and the rhythm of the seasons impact our nervous system more deeply than we realise.
The cold, dark, heavy mornings of winter, have their own hidden rewards.
Steps can become effortless when you find the joy of movement.
Accountability will make you explore paths that you wouldn’t explore on your own, will encourage you to show up on the challenging days, and will enrich the journey.
And best of all, shared sunrise walks turn acquaintances into friends.
If you are craving a shift, I invite you to reflect:
What kind of movement is your body craving today?
PS. I’ll be leading a mindful morning walk at 9 am on Friday May 16. Let me know if you are interested in joining us and I’ll send the details.