My experiment began with a question: How are we to practice in times like these? On April 28th, 2019, I felt the inspiration to do 350 sun salutations a week for 12 weeks as both a moving meditation practice and a form of activism, as a way of looking inward and reaching outward, as a way of wrestling with and answering the above question (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,” support, and be inspired by this experiment enlivened me and deepened my resolve to continue it.
Mindful Movement Ceremonies
Since October 2019, I’ve been recording the time I spend each day practicing Yoga and other forms of mindful movement as part of completing one-hour mindful movement ceremonies. My aim is that each and every Mindful Movement Ceremony I complete is directly connected to an act of conservation. So far I’ve supported the planting of 3,730 mangrove trees and 28 corals while removing 47kg of ocean-bound plastics and supporting over 33 ocean conservation campaigns.
There are countless ways to directly link one’s mindful movement practice to conservation. If you feel inspired, find a way that works for you. Start with something that you care deeply about and make a commitment to practice and act.
The Path Forward
Inspired by journalist Paul Salopek’s 24,000-mile odyssey, which is a decade-long experiment in what he calls “slow journalism”, I decided to make my experiment in mindful movement conservation a decade-long too. I feel deeply inspired by the work ahead.
I’m almost 6 years into this experiment and feel like I’m just getting started. 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 a more beautiful world. And, I see all of this happening in service to our living planet.
For those who would like to join me, Move for Our Living Planet is an invitation to move toward a living world together as a community.
Thank you for your interest.
I wish you mindful movement,
Mindful Movement Advocate / Founder, Move for Our Living Planet
Please be sure to check out the intentions behind my experiment; the practice section, which outlines the structure of a mindful movement conservation practice; how I view mindful movement; the inspirations behind my experiment; and my key principles for mindful movement.
Photo: Michael Hannum, Iceland
Move for Our Living Planet 