{"id":231,"date":"2025-11-10T15:50:52","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T20:50:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opentextbooks.concordia.ca\/contemplative-pedagogy\/?post_type=chapter&p=231"},"modified":"2026-02-04T15:14:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T20:14:19","slug":"movement-meditation","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/opentextbooks.concordia.ca\/contemplative-pedagogy\/chapter\/movement-meditation\/","title":{"raw":"Movement meditation","rendered":"Movement meditation"},"content":{"raw":"

Anne Archambault<\/h4>\r\n
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\r\n\r\nCategory \/ branch (in the tree of contemplative practices<\/a>):<\/strong> Movement\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\n[iframe src=\"\r\nhttps:\/\/concordia.yuja.com\/V\/Video?v=1242504&node=7083934&a=106172772\" width=80%]\r\n

Click to download a transcript of the video (PDF)<\/a><\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\nI\u2019m a kinesthetic learner myself and have always learned best through experiential learning and movement. The idea of incorporating gentle movement into the classroom emerged from observing the physical toll that prolonged sitting and screen-based learning can take on students. I\u2019ve experienced firsthand how intentional movement can enhance focus and support emotional well-being.\r\n\r\nAlthough I integrate various forms of group work and student participation during class, I\u2019ve found that taking a moment to care for the body\u2014the vehicle of our learning\u2014has been beneficial for most students. These short movement sequences are designed not only to release physical tension, but also to invite a sense of lightness, embodiment, and connection within the learning environment.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
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Cultural & historical origins<\/h1>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nThis practice draws on principles from yoga, expressive arts, and somatic movement education, which have roots in ancient Indian as well as modern Western somatic therapies. The approach here is secular and adaptable to your level of comfort with movement practice.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
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What to be aware of<\/h1>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nUse invitational language (\"if it feels comfortable, I am inviting you\u2026\u201d) rather than directive cues.\r\n