This Week We're Talking About Joyful Movement
Because joyful movement isn't about performance. It's about connection—to your body, to the moment, and to the world around you. It makes you feel ALIVE!
The Delight Of Mindful Paddling
There's something magical about dipping your toes in the water, a little piece of joy that nature gifts us.
Recently, on a beach in Portugal, I couldn’t resist the allure of removing my shoes and stepping into the water. It was sublime – a moment of reconnection with the earth and sea. The feeling of the cold water (and it was Atlantic cold!) rushing over my feet, leaving me feeling grounded and connected to the ocean. Just a few minutes paddling in the shallows can be a complete reboot.
Do you call it paddling (UK) or wading (USA)? Although Maggie and I speak different languages on this, we agree it is simplicity at its finest. We are talking about walking barefoot through shallow water, whether at the beach, in a lake, or even through a welcoming fountain or stream. This delightful activity bridges childhood joy and adult mindfulness, offering a simple means to feel calm, happy, and invigorated.
Why does stepping into water uplift our spirits so remarkably? Your other senses are stimulated if you’re standing at the beach (the feel of the breeze, the sound of the waves, etc) but the real impact comes from the water itself—a unique, grounding embrace that refreshes both body and mind.
Walking in water is more than just pleasant; it's beneficial. Studies suggest that consistent water walking can lower blood pressure and improve balance and muscle function. Soaking your feet can also help improve circulation, deliver stress relief and purify the skin. We often say to start with the feet because when they relax, the entire body follows suit.
Maggie finds her sanctuary in the repetitive pace of paddling along the shore—a natural massage for the feet, stimulating venous and lymphatic flow, washing away fatigue and stress. We both delight in removing our shoes and savouring a soothing paddle.
May your summer be filled with joyful movement and tranquil moments by the water.
P.S. Share your paddling/wading experiences with us—we love hearing how others find joy and connection in these simple joyful moves.
Each month has its own energy and special quality to celebrate...
This month is our gateway to summer and in some creative accounting way, seems to give us more time for the things we love…including the magic of midsummer, longer days and the opportunity to take all of our favourite activities outside.
This week we're talking about Joyful Movement...
Why We Love to Swing Our Arms When We Walk
Have you ever noticed how natural it feels to swing your arms when you walk? That’s no accident—your body is doing something smart.
Swinging our arms isn’t just a quirky habit; it’s something our bodies do instinctively to help us move more efficiently. When you walk, the opposite arm swings with the opposite leg—this cross-pattern motion helps with balance, momentum, and even energy conservation. In fact, research shows that this natural arm swing can reduce the energy cost of walking by as much as 12%. It’s your body’s built-in rhythm, quietly making movement smoother and more fluid.
But there's more. Arm swinging isn't just mechanical—it’s also emotional. Letting your arms move freely can make a walk feel more open, more expressive, and more joyful. It invites the whole body into the rhythm of the movement, turning a simple walk into a moving meditation.
Want to encourage that joyful arm swing? Here are a few simple tips:
🌿 Free your hands – Try not to carry bags, phones, or even water bottles if you can help it. When your hands are free, your arms can move naturally and evenly.
🧘 Unclench and relax – Keep a soft bend in your elbows, shoulders relaxed, and hands loose. No need to force the swing—just let it happen.
🚶♀️ Walk tall – Stand upright without stiffening. A strong but gentle posture allows your torso to rotate slightly with each step, which naturally fuels arm movement.
🎵 Find your rhythm – Whether it's the beat of music or the sounds of nature, tuning into a rhythm helps your whole body sync up—and makes the walk feel more alive.
The next time you step outside, walk like your whole body wants to be part of it. Let your arms move with intention - loose, natural, maybe even a little playful. See what happens when you let movement feel good instead of just good for you.
Because joyful movement isn't about performance. It's about connection—to your body, to the moment, and to the world around you.
