I love my body for what it can do

For much of my life I had been in opposition to my body. I always felt like I was too big or too heavy. As my perception changed I’d begun to love my body for what it could do.

By Audrie McKenzie Daly

Movingness stands out as a unique movement practice because it offers various forms of movement, such as somatics, yoga and dance, into a new form of practice. Created by Peter Appel, Movingness encourages you to create movement from within your own body. You can explore your body’s natural impulses as you respond to movement patterns without rigid instructions. It is about connecting with the essence of who you are. It’s about allowing your body to move in a way that feels good for you.

I first heard about Movingness at a Donna Farhi weekend workshop. She explained the practice as “coming home to your body”. That sounded so good to me. For much of my life I had been in opposition to my body. As my perception changed I’d begun to love my body for what it could do. Finding a movement practice to love really inhabiting my body was an exciting prospect.

An invitation to feel

When I took my first Movingness class, I noticed how different it was from traditional movement classes. Instead of following prescribed movements or yoga shapes in asana, the practice invited me to feel what is happening inside my body. I was captivated by this internal focus. I became deeply aware of how it feels to move, how my body responds to different positions, and how the movement evolves from the ground up.

You begin by feeling the weight of your body as it rests on the floor, how movement can occur naturally from small internal activations and how this feels in your body. The practice works further into spinal movements and into your limbs, developing movement to bring the body upright. All guided by exploring your internal sensations in response to external instructions.

For me, this approach was both exhilarating and liberating. I wasn’t concerned with how my movements looked or whether I was doing something “right.” Instead, I was fully immersed in what my body needed and wanted at that moment. Movingness gave me permission to explore and move in a way that felt right for me – on that particular day, in that particular moment. 

[In the yoga studio] The program in Finland also included a Movingness workshop. [In nature, above] Audrie traveled 20.000 km to visit Finland, the world’s happiest country. Here, she’s holding paradise in her hand! Well, the small island is actually called Paradise! 

In my own way

Peter Appel’s guidance was a huge part of my experience. His inquisitive mind and open approach to movement made me feel completely at ease. Rather than prescribing exact movements, Peter encouraged us to experience them in our own way. This freedom allowed me to tune into my body more deeply, feeling what was right and what needed adjustment. Over time, I became more attuned to my body’s subtle signals and sensations. I was able to develop a much deeper and more expansive understanding of what my body needed to feel good.

Movingness has become a regular part of my daily routine. Each morning, I take a few moments to stretch, pause, and check in with my body. I’ve learned to listen more carefully to what my body needs – whether it’s a deep stretch, gentle movement, or simply rest. As a yoga teacher, I incorporate Movingness principles into my own classes. I particularly like to use it when working with beginners or older participants who may find traditional yoga poses challenging. Movingness provides an adaptable and intuitive way to unlock movement for those who might feel disconnected from their bodies or unsure of how to begin.

Moving through life

One of the most rewarding aspects of my Movingness journey was the chance to meet Peter in person. After many months of Zoom sessions, early last year I flew nearly 20,000 km from New Zealand to Finland to visit the Movingness HQ. The experience was so great – not just practicing in person but also spending time with Peter exploring some of his favourite filming locations outdoors. I found our online friendship was just as engaging in-person too. I left Finland feeling inspired and grateful for the time we spent together.

Incorporating Movingness into my life has enriched my practice and deepened my connection to myself and those I teach. It’s a practice that is accessible, freeing, and intuitive to the unique needs of each individual. Whether you’re new to movement or have been practicing for years, I highly recommend exploring Movingness. You might just find it changes the way you move through life – both on and off the mat.

Audrie McKenzie Daly

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About Audrie: I am a director of Yoga to Transform. We offer online and in-person (Christchurch, New Zealand) Yoga courses, classes and coaching. Our Spring programs include Empower Your Health Journey for women aged 35+ and 55+. Please contact me directly [email protected] or browse our website for other information: www.yogatotransform.com

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