There are dozens – actually, probably thousands – of inspiring quotes about change. The only constant is change. Be the change you want to see in the world. You never step into the same river twice.

And as cliche as some of these words might seem today, in the age of an endless flow of memes and inspirational quotes posted across our digital feeds, I think they still make sense. When we strip away the baggage and banality of how historic figures and revolutionaries have been co-opted by cheap merchandising, there is beauty in their quotes and words.

So, why do I focus on movement in my practice and my offering?

Because – to me – movement is the embodiment of change. And when justice-seeking, rights-respecting, identity-celebrating groups and networks drive social movement, then change moves toward the beautiful, liberated, joyful, queer-feminist world I want to live in.

Moving our bodies in any and all ways that support and celebrate our different abilities brings our awareness into the present moment. Don’t get me wrong, daydreaming and allowing the mind to wander and unfocus are beautiful, healthy things to do! But (and) there are also moments in our organising work that are well-served by people paying attention and being mentally present.

Awareness of our physical selves precedes mental presence. Or vice versa – chicken, egg. Both are really important.

Much social change work has become more and more virtual and sedentary in the past decade, and even more so since the COVID-19 pandemic started. But even before this, I was always the meeting facilitator who included ample bio-breaks, guided stretching and breathing exercises, convinced able-bodied colleagues to run around the conference room table for at least 3 minutes. And not only because of the promise of increased productivity that respiratory health and endorphins bring, but mostly because movement makes a human being feel good.

One of my deepest desires is for people to feel good.

When we feel good we listen with more generosity, absorb new information and challenging ideas with curiosity (rather than fear), are open to debate and constructive feedback. And I think these are great qualities and feelings to move into our revolutionary work.

And to top it off, I’m sitting here typing this blog entry on my laptop, trying to wrap it up quickly so I can stretch the stiffness out of my body. Or just lie down on the floor and observe the movement of my lungs and belly. Movement. It is at the core of what, why and how we are in the world. And I look forward to moving with you.