Move for Our Living Planet

A brief history and a glimpse of the path forward

This experiment began with a question: How are we to practice in times like these? I’ve been grappling with this question and also answering it by moving and breathing with awareness everyday for years. 

On April 28th, 2019, I felt the inspiration to do 350 sun salutations a week for 12 weeks as both a meditation practice and a form of activism, as a way of looking inward and reaching outward (more). I had done initiatives like this before to raise awareness and money for various causes, but this time my endeavor felt much more daunting. An average of 50 sun salutations per day for 84 days felt like a lot. However, I felt compelled to follow the inspiration so I set my intention and began. On July 20th, 2019, 4,200 sun salutations later, I completed that journey. 

My experiment continued through my own personal practice and with a handful of friends completing their own mindful movement challenges. Seeing others “carry the torch” and/ or support and be inspired by this experiment in other ways enlivened me and deepened my resolve to continue it.

Mindful Movement Ceremonies

Since October 25th 2019, I’ve been recording the time I spend each day engaged in Mindful Movement as part of completing one-hour mindful movement ceremonies. Each mindful movement ceremony follows a specific form, which I call the spiral of mindful movement, and takes place over a period of one or two days. For each ceremony that I’ve completed so far, I’ve supported the planting of a mangrove tree and engaged in other ocean conservation efforts.

The Path Forward

Inspired by Paul Salopek’s decade-long experiment in slow journalism, I decided to extend my experiment in mindful movement conservation to 10 years. I feel deeply inspired by the work ahead.

I envision a diversity of conservation campaigns and projects; stories to educate and inspire; initiatives to build community; offerings to advocate for mindful movement, and lots of connections with people who share a powerful commitment to “the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible.” And, I see all of this happening in service to our living planet. 

I will also continue to practice yoga and other forms of mindful movement everyday as an act of conservation and to build community with others that feel inspired to do the same. 

If you want to get involved, please reach out. We can do so much more together. 

Thank you for your interest.  

I wish you mindful movement,

Michael Hannum