Our bodies are our sacred vessels, and just like we tend to our spiritual health, we must also nurture the physical. It is essential to recognize that our well-being is intertwined with how we care for ourselves, physically and mentally. For those of us living with chronic pain, autoimmune flares, or simply navigating the demands of neurodivergent or motherhood-filled days, traditional workouts can feel harsh and inaccessible. The pressure to conform to standard exercise routines can often lead to frustration and a feeling of inadequacy.
That’s why I’ve built a gentle movement flow using simple tools—5 lb weights, an 8 lb kettlebell, a wall, and the floor—that pairs beautifully with daily meditation or grounding rituals. This flow is designed to promote mindfulness and ease, allowing the body to move in a way that feels nourishing rather than punitive. Each exercise serves as an opportunity to reconnect with our bodies and honor what they can do, even on challenging days.
These exercises can be done at your own pace, which is crucial in fostering a sense of empowerment and autonomy over your own body. Feel free to pause, modify, or skip anything that doesn’t serve you today. It’s important to listen to your body and respect its limits. Remember, this is your practice, your way. It’s about finding joy in movement and embracing a holistic approach to wellness—one that honors your unique journey and needs. By integrating these gentle movements with contemplation and grounding techniques, you can create a comprehensive routine that nurtures both body and spirit, helping you to thrive amidst life’s challenges.
🧘♀️ Begin with Breath & Intention (5 minutes)
Before you move, sit or lie down comfortably in a quiet space where you will not be disturbed. Close your eyes gently, allowing your body to begin to relax. Place one hand on your heart, feeling the rhythm of your heartbeat, and the other on your belly to witness the rise and fall of your breath. As you take a deep, intentional breath in for 4 counts, visualize the air filling your lungs, embracing a sense of calmness. Hold that breath for 4 counts, letting the stillness envelop you, and then exhale slowly for 6 counts, releasing any tension or stress. Allow this cycle of breath to repeat 3–5 times, creating a rhythm that helps to settle your nervous system and cultivate a serene state within. Feel the tranquility wash over you with each breath, grounding you in the present moment.
Optional mantra:
“I move in alignment with love, strength, and softness.”
🏋️♀️ Gentle Weighted Movements (10–15 minutes)
Tools: Two 5 lb dumbbells and an 8 lb kettlebell
Repeat each movement for 8–10 slow reps. Rest as needed.
💪 Seated or Standing Dumbbell Movements
- Overhead Press (5 lbs):
Keep a soft bend in the knees or sit in a sturdy chair. Raise the weights overhead slowly, then lower back to shoulder height. Strengthens shoulders without strain. - Bicep Curls:
Palms face forward. Curl the weights toward your chest, squeezing gently. Keep your elbows tucked in. - Front Raises:
Raise one dumbbell at a time straight in front of you, shoulder height max. Great for posture and core awareness.
🌀 Kettlebell Grounding
- Kettlebell Deadlift (8 lbs):
Stand with feet hip-width apart. Hold the kettlebell with both hands. Hinge at the hips, lower the weight slowly, then rise. Keep your back neutral. - Kettlebell Halos:
Holding the kettlebell by the horns, slowly circle it around your head in a halo motion. Engages arms and shoulders while connecting breath with movement.
🧱 Wall Palette Series (5–10 minutes)
Using the wall for support gives you added stability, especially if balance is a challenge.
- Wall Angels:
Stand with your back and arms flat against the wall in a “goal post” shape. Slowly raise your arms up and back down, maintaining contact with the wall. Great for posture and shoulder mobility. - Wall Sit (Hold 10–30 seconds):
Slide down into a seated position against the wall, knees over ankles. Engage your core. Breathe into the challenge. - Calf Stretches:
Press your toes into the wall, heel on the floor. Lean forward gently to stretch the calf.
🧘♂️ Grounding Floor Work (10–15 minutes)
Have a soft mat or towel under you for comfort.
- Bridge Pose (Glute Activation):
Lie on your back, knees bent. Press into your feet to lift your hips, then lower slowly. Optional: hold a dumbbell on your hips for extra challenge. - Cat-Cow Stretch:
On hands and knees, arch your back (cat), then dip your belly (cow). Link breath to motion. - Spinal Twists:
Lying on your back, hug one knee into your chest and gently guide it across your body. Repeat on both sides. Deeply grounding.
🧘♀️ End with Stillness: Meditation or Body Scan (5–10 minutes)
Return to a comfortable seat or lie down. Let your body soften completely. Tune into your breath or perform a body scan, starting at your toes and working up to your crown.
Optional visualization:
Imagine golden light flowing through your body, nurturing each muscle and joint with healing energy.
Optional affirmation:
“I am strong in softness. I am grounded in grace. I honor my body as it is today.”
🌸 Final Thoughts
You don’t need to “go hard” to create meaningful change in your body. Gentle movement isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. It’s listening when your body whispers instead of waiting until it screams, allowing you to forge a deeper connection with your physical self. Incorporating small, mindful actions into your day can transform your relationship with movement, fostering a sense of ease and joy rather than struggle. Use this daily or as needed, savoring the moments where you can express gratitude for your body’s ability to move in any way, however subtle. Remember, even five minutes of intentional movement is a blessing, and those brief instances can cumulatively lead to significant shifts in your well-being and energy levels, proving that every little bit counts in your journey toward holistic health.
Much love and many blessings,
Mrs. B
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