Joyful Movement – March 2025 Wellness Meeting Recap
- Huguette Marsicano
- Mar 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 28
Our first Wellness Meeting was a joyful, inspiring gathering of women committed to improving their well-being—one small habit at a time. We focused on Joyful Movement and the idea that movement doesn’t have to be structured or intense to be effective.
Curious what we explored and how to bring more joyful movement into your day? Keep reading for highlights and helpful resources!
💡 Key Takeaways
Movement is life. Every culture throughout history has recognized that regular, natural movement supports longevity, energy, and clarity.
You’re already moving. Whether you stretch while your coffee brews or walk while on the phone, you’re practicing movement.
Nature moves with ease. Like rivers, wind, and trees, our bodies are meant to move regularly and gently throughout the day.
Mini habits work. Small, sustainable actions (like standing up during calls or balancing while brushing your teeth) are more effective than overwhelming fitness goals.
You don’t need fancy routines. Joyful movement happens when you dance in the kitchen, stretch at your desk, or walk to the mailbox with intention.
🌀 Group Inspiration
Participants shared creative ways they incorporate joyful movement into daily life—some favorites:
Doing a short stretch while waiting for toast or the kettle to boil
Taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator whenever possible
Shoulder rolls and gentle neck stretches while at red lights
Dancing for 2 minutes in the morning to a favorite song
Doing leg lifts or balance exercises while brushing teeth
Walking while taking phone calls, inside or outside
Squatting or stretching during commercial breaks
Practicing simple yoga poses in between household tasks
Using a standing desk or a high counter for part of the workday
Pausing to do ankle circles while sitting at the computer
Turning grocery trips into mindful walking by parking a little farther away
The beauty of these ideas? They don’t require special equipment, time blocks, or gym memberships—just a little awareness and a willingness to move. And when movement is joyful and effortless, it’s easier to make it a natural part of daily life.
🎯 Monthly Mini Habit
Each attendee was invited to pick one tiny movement habit to implement for the next 30 days.
Want to join in? Choose one simple movement you can repeat daily—and notice how it shifts your energy!
💫 Gentle Movement, Right Here in Our Community
If you're inspired to keep moving in a way that’s easy on the body and nourishing for the soul, check out the weekly yoga class at the Olalla Grange. Led by longtime teacher Dee DeMars, it’s a welcoming space for all levels and a beautiful way to bring gentle, mindful movement into your week.
🧘♀️ Thursdays at 10 AM | Olalla Grange
Drop-in, no experience needed!
🌿 Curious about Olalla’s Wellness Initiative?
Find upcoming dates, themes, and more on our Wellness Initiative page.
Joyful Movement Wellness Resource Roundup
Here are some gentle tools and resources to explore the power of natural, everyday movement:
📖 Books
The Joy of Movement by Kelly McGonigal — A science-based, heart-filled look at how movement lifts mood and builds resilience.
Move Your DNA by Katy Bowman — Learn how micro-movements can reshape how you feel and function.
Atomic Habits by James Clear — Not movement-focused, but the best book for building small, lasting habits.
Mini Habits: Smaller Habits, Bigger Results by Stephen Guise — A Worldwide Bestseller in 17 Languages! Lasting Change For Early Quitters, Burnouts, The Unmotivated, And Everyone Else, Too.
📰 Articles — Inspiration & Insight
This article explores the concept of gentle movement, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and being present during activities like yoga, Pilates, and walking. It highlights how these practices can enhance mental and physical well-being.
Published by the Mayo Clinic, this piece discusses the benefits of gentle movements found in practices like tai chi, Pilates, and yoga. It explains how these activities can improve flexibility and reduce the risk of falls, particularly in older adults.
This article delves into how gentle movement practices, such as walking, yoga, and tai chi, can improve mental health by reducing stress and enhancing self-esteem. It emphasizes that movement doesn't have to be intense to be beneficial.
This article highlights the social and community benefits of physical activity, emphasizing how engaging in movement can foster new friendships and create a sense of community. It underscores the importance of social well-being as a component of overall wellness.
This article from Kripalu highlights how gentle yoga can relieve stress, increase flexibility, calm the mind, and strengthen the body. It's particularly accessible for individuals who may find more vigorous styles challenging, making it suitable for those seeking a relaxing and supportive practice.
🎧 Podcasts & Videos
The Power of Movement – TEDx Talk by Wendy Suzuki
🧘♀️ Gentle Movement Apps & Tools
Seven – 7 Minute Workout App (fun & manageable for busy days)
StretchIt (great for guided flexibility routines)
Yoga with Adriene (free, beginner-friendly, and joyful)
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