How Feeling My Body Made Me Want To Dance

Since I can remember, I’ve explored a wide range of athletic pursuits, each drawing me closer to a deeper connection with my body. From gymnastics to yoga, drum corps to ecstatic dance, and running to meditation, I’ve learned to listen to my body’s wisdom. Through it all, one truth has remained constant: my body is wise. The more I experienced, the more I felt, and the more I longed to feel. I shifted from overanalyzing and under-feeling to fully witnessing and experiencing life.

Healing my body over the years has brought pure joy back into my life: the ability to express through movement. When I discovered chiropractic, it was like a spark had been reignited within me. I never knew how important movement of the spine was to the entire system. I’ll never forget the words a colleague spoke to me when he witnessed my movements as I set up to adjust:

“It’s like watching art in motion.”

Movement isn’t just physical; it weaves through every aspect of life, like an interpretative dance. Dancing and flowing with the present moment. Feeling it. Really feeling it. Like living in a never-ending musical, where each moment is alive with rhythm and energy.

This might seem unusual to some, but dance is part of our DNA. We are meant to feel. Movement and sensation are how we learn, grow, and connect with the world around us.

Movement is more than physical; it's a bridge to our spiritual selves. When we allow ourselves to move freely, we open doors to parts of ourselves that words cannot reach. Dance, yoga, running, or simply swaying to the rhythm of our breath connects us to something greater—a universal flow that pulses through everything.

For me, movement became a way to process emotions I didn't even know were buried within. It wasn’t always graceful—there were tears on the yoga mat, frustration pounding on the pavement, and catharsis in ecstatic dance. But each step, each stretch, each leap brought me closer to myself. It was as if my body was saying,

“This is how we heal; this is how we return home."

In a world that often prioritizes productivity over presence, it’s easy to lose touch with our innate rhythms. We’re encouraged to sit still, to "push through," to numb discomfort. But what if we leaned into the discomfort instead? What if we let it move through us, as nature intended? Just as rivers carve through stone to create breathtaking canyons, our movements shape our inner landscapes, revealing beauty where we once saw only struggle.

Dance is primal, a universal language spoken long before words were formed. Ancient cultures danced to celebrate, to grieve, to connect with the divine. Indigenous tribes around the world, for example, have long used dance as a way to honor their connection to nature, their ancestors, and the spirit world. For many tribes, dance was integral to rituals that marked significant life events, such as births, marriages, and deaths, as well as seasonal transitions. These dances were not merely performances but sacred acts of storytelling and spiritual communion, allowing participants to express gratitude, seek guidance, and maintain harmony within their communities and with the earth.

This wisdom lives within us still, waiting to be rediscovered. Each step, each sway, each heartbeat can become a prayer, a conversation with the universe.

If you’ve been feeling disconnected—from your body, your emotions, your spirit—consider movement as your guide. You don’t need choreography or a fancy studio. Start where you are. Put on your favorite song and let your body respond. Stretch your arms skyward in the morning light. Walk barefoot on the earth. Listen to your breath and follow its rhythm. Allow yourself to feel without judgment, without expectation.

As you well know by now, movement is essential to our well-being, not just physically but mentally and emotionally, too. Scientific research consistently highlights the benefits of movement across various domains of health, reinforcing its importance in daily life. Here are some key benefits:

1. Boosts Brain Health

Movement enhances cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that support memory, focus, and learning. Activities like dancing or yoga, which require coordination, balance, and mindfulness, have been shown to improve neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and grow. (Chiropractic adjustments support this process as well, further strengthening the mind-body connection.) Regular movement is even linked to reducing the risk of cognitive decline and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Enhances Emotional Well-Being

Movement stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s “feel-good” chemicals, which help reduce stress and improve mood. Regular physical activity has been found to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Practices like ecstatic dance or rhythmic movement are particularly powerful for processing emotions and fostering a sense of connection with the self and others.

3. Supports Physical Health

Movement strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. It also enhances flexibility, bone density, and muscle strength, reducing the risk of injury and chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Even simple, low-impact movement like walking can improve longevity and overall health.

4. Regulates the Nervous System

Gentle, intentional movement such as yoga or tai chi activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping the body shift out of “fight or flight” mode into “rest and digest.” This can lower cortisol levels, reduce inflammation, and promote better sleep.

5. Encourages Emotional Release

Our bodies often hold onto emotional stress, sometimes without us even realizing it. Movement—especially expressive practices like dance or somatic exercises—can help release stored tension and create space for healing.

6. Builds Resilience and Body Awareness

Movement helps you tune into your body’s signals and needs, creating a sense of embodiment. This can improve self-awareness, confidence, and your ability to respond to life’s challenges. Consistent movement practices build resilience—not just in the body but in the mind.

7. Fosters Social Connection

Group activities like team sports, dance classes, or community yoga sessions can create a sense of belonging and connection. Humans are social creatures, and shared movement has been shown to enhance bonding and collective well-being.

Healing through movement is not about perfection; it’s about presence. It’s about trusting that your body holds the wisdom to navigate life’s challenges, joys, and mysteries. When we honor this wisdom, we honor the sacredness of our existence.

So dance, not because you’ve mastered the steps but because you are alive. Move, not to impress but to express. Let your body remind you of its innate wisdom. Let it guide you home to yourself.

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[Inspired by Lady Gaga and her music that feels life to the depths of all there is. Pop some on and tell me you can't feel that.]