the movement
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Image: I am walking uphill past an art installation on the walls that flank one of the ancient streets of Cappadocia, Turkey.
What helps you to Rock Steady?
Greetings Humans, Merhaba! (hello in Turkish)
We’ve been in Ankara for almost a month and I’m grateful to share that I am still rocking steady. Seismic change (like moving across the planet) comes with lots of unknowns and can feel scary and sad. Those emotions were large and in charge as we closed up our Alexandira, Virginia life and headed to Turkey.
During the last dance fitness class I took at the Alexandria YMCA, my teacher played Aretha Franklin’s Rock Steady as part of our cool down. I knew in my bones this was the universe gifting me a mantra to carry for the next several months; Rock Steady no matter what.
When faced with the sadness of leaving the folks I love, I asked them to move with me. We took walks. We gathered in groups and practiced chair yoga. We danced. We splashed in the pool. On the very last day we hugged and kissed my sister goodbye. I asked the family to pick up their handkerchiefs (what you use to wipe tears and sweat) and dance on the sidewalk with us, to wave those little cotton cloths as flags of joy flying in the face of sorrow. They danced us down their DC street and we were off on our way. I am forever grateful. The dancing and handkerchief cheering did not make the pain of separation disappear, but it did make it bearable. It gave me a rhythm to which I keep putting one foot in front of the other.
I’ve been walking the hilly terrain of my new city. I’ve been participating in group fitness classes offered at my local gym (all taught in Turkish - a great way to learn the language!). I’ve been dancing in my kitchen and breathing on my yoga mat. Conscious breath, mindful movement, mantra, and mediation are a recipe for me to regulate my nervous system. That is what I mean by Rock Steady.
I know I am not the only one walking through situations that can trigger fear and sorrow. I’m curious what helps you Rock Steady?
In my Yoga Therapy program, we learned evidence based practices to regulate our nervous system. These yoga techniques (breath, movement, and meditation) promote overall wellbeing, especially in the face of acute or chronic stress. Unfortunately all too often acute and chronic stress shows up as distress, even disease in the GI tract. In the month of November, together we will be exploring practices to promote positive health for the gastrointestinal (GI) system.
Curious how to support a heathy digestive system? Join us whenever the time is right for you with themovementlove.com OnDemand library of practices.
Below Image: This screenshot is from the YouTube link to Aretha Franklin - Rock Steady (Official Lyric Video)
This groove-a-licious three minute song was released in October 1971, from Aretha Franklin’s album, Young, Gifted and Black. I’ve included a link here for you to experience it for yourself. If you feel moved to, the lyrics are included so you can sing a long!
Side note: joyful singing is also helpful for the GI tract!
November 2025
Image: Our DC family use their handkerchiefs to dance us off on the road to Ankara.