Rediscovering Movement Through a Baby’s Lens

Have you ever wondered why babies spend so much time on the floor, stretching, reaching, and experimenting with movement? These seemingly simple actions are the building blocks of a strong, flexible, and integrated body and mind. By revisiting these foundational patterns as adults, we can unlock surprising benefits that resonate deeply with our physical, mental, and emotional health.

Why Move Like Babies Again?

Babies don’t just move for fun; their movements are instinctive strategies for survival and development. Every reach, roll, and stretch helps create a robust connection between their muscles, joints, and brain. These early developmental patterns serve as a foundation for:

• Core Strength: Crawling and tummy time build essential core muscles that stabilize the body for more complex movements.
• Joint Mobility: Babies’ repetitive movements lubricate joints and enhance flexibility, preventing stiffness and restrictions.
• Nervous System Development: These movements stimulate the vestibular system, responsible for balance and spatial awareness, and integrate sensory input for better coordination.

As adults, we can revisit these primal patterns to:

• Reconnect with our bodies.
• Release chronic tension.
• Address imbalances caused by modern sedentary lifestyles.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Research highlights how revisiting developmental movement can be transformative:

Relieving Chronic Pain and Tension

• • Studies in somatic therapy and developmental movement indicate that early movement patterns help reset neuromuscular systems and alleviate chronic pain, stiffness, and imbalances. When adults mimic these movements, it often leads to improvements in posture, flexibility, and muscle tone.

Enhancing Neural Plasticity

• • Movement patterns from infancy activate the brain's neural pathways, fostering adaptability and creativity. They engage the sensory and motor cortex, which is essential for lifelong learning and mobility.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

• • Gentle, rhythmic movements, like rocking and stretching, mimic self-soothing techniques babies naturally use. This calms the nervous system, reducing stress hormones and increasing the release of feel-good chemicals like endorphins.

Boosting Overall Mobility

• • Developmental movements improve joint and spine flexibility, counteracting stiffness and immobility from sitting or repetitive tasks. Research on movement therapy shows that these patterns reawaken the body's full range of motion.

Key Benefits for Adults

• Spinal Health: Early movements, like lifting the head or chest from a prone position, mimic exercises recommended by chiropractors to strengthen the spine and improve alignment.
• Improved Breathing: Babies naturally breathe deeply through their diaphragm, which can inspire adults to reclaim this more efficient breathing style.
• Holistic Coordination: Movements like reaching and grasping create a symphony of coordination between the eyes, hands, and core muscles.

The Excitement of Rediscovery

Returning to these movements isn't just about the physical benefits; it’s also a journey into curiosity and play. Imagine yourself as a baby again, moving without judgment or inhibition. These patterns remind us to:

• Let go of perfectionism in movement.
• Celebrate our body's ability to adapt and heal.
• Reawaken the joy and curiosity we may have lost in the busyness of life.

Integration in Daily Life

Incorporating these baby-inspired movements into your routine doesn’t require a big time commitment. They can be seamlessly added to a morning stretch routine or practiced whenever you feel stiff or tense. For instance:

• Try a gentle "tummy time" position to stretch your spine and neck.
• Practice slow-reaching movements to improve coordination and reduce shoulder tension.

MUSIC FOR THE CLASS:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6OHqEtjld5d00J6ptes7tn?si=154d59544a0942d2

JOURNALING:

Reflection on the Journey.

• How did it feel to explore these foundational patterns?
• What emotions or sensations surfaced as you moved through the movements?
• Can you identify areas in your life where you tend to hold tension, and how might these movements help release it?
• How can you carry this sense of play and exploration into your daily life?