character can be addressed or challenged through a physical activity. Almost immediately after a person has begun to take form of action in their life, they begin to see results and changes happening.The beauty of movement therapy is that any fitness discipline can be utilised so long as it challenges the person appropriately in that which is lacking in their life. If you want to experience a shift in your life, you need to begin to move The trouble often occurs when a person undergoing therapy is stuck in the ‘talking phase’ having become comfortable discussing their discomfort. Hopefully there comes a time when this person wants to see and feel a change in their life through the awareness they have gained from talking and they now need to take action to create the change they desire. This is where an appropriate movement outlet is necessary. Table of emotional themes and corrresponding actions to take

1. Inflexibility/stubbornness-Try stretching e.g Yoga/Pilates or a quiet slow martial art like Tai chi, to anchor patience and tolerance for self and others.
2. Feeling stuck/unmotivated/stagnantwalking, running, cycling, anything that will break the monotony of inertia.
3. Lacking assertiveness/fear of confrontation, low confidence-try a boxing, Tae Bo for assertiveness, Yoga postures that require focused eye contact.
4. Depressed/uninspired/sad-Opening chest postures in Yoga, comforting postures like hugging the knees to chest/body, nurturing rounded postures, rocking like a ball or even jumping up and down to stimulate endorphin release and well being.
5. Busy mind-try slow exercises like focusing postures in Yoga or a martial art, or rhythmic exercise like running, walking to keep one focus.
6. Un-centred-try balancing postures in Yoga or simple balance exercises to anchor patience, re-centring.
7. Rage/victimhood/bullying-any fighting martial art or sport done alone or with a trainer.

The truth is that anyone can achieve anything they want to, given the right drive, guidance, diligence and application to the task ahead and this is made clear through an exercise discipline. You begin to realise that the only limitation is in the mind.
From an early age, before language development, babies are taught fundamental principles through movement. Babies are rocked for comfort; they roll from side to side to explore their concept of space in the world. Research has shown that emotions and thoughts develop along with how a child learns to crawl, stand, and walk. At each stage a level of emotional maturity is reached in order to propel the child forward. The baby must choose to overcome any unfamiliar territory within its body muscle development, by taking that first action towards its goal. This creates one’s personal drive and achievement, moving toward what we want.
In certain African cultures young men and women undergo movement initiations, such as spirit walks or trance dancing to define their emotional maturity. Spiritual scholars undergo a pilgrimage in order to adopt the lessons endured along their journey. An American study showed that children born through the birth canal had a higher personal drive later on than children born through caesarean due to having to engage certain muscles in order to move through into life.
The world best-seller book and Movie ‘The Secret’ states that the universe supports action and equally, it supports non-action or in-activity. So if you want a change, then make it, begin to move and shape your ideal life.

For more information, please contact: Natalie Macrides Pantos
Mobile: +256 781 582521.
Email: nemetona@ovation.co.za