Mindful Movement for Bio Psycho Social Spiritual Well-Being
In this episode of the podcast, we’re talking about the Bio Psycho Social Spiritual model and Mindful Movement. I believe this framework can help us understand the full potential of Mindful Movement and the (sometimes unexpected) benefits we gain from practicing. Listen in, and hear why Mindful Movement deserves to be a priority if you’re looking to increase your well-being.
Episode Details:
The Bio Psycho Social Spiritual (BPSS) model represents a holistic approach to human health, which was originally proposed in the field of medicine as a an alternative to more reductionist ways of thinking. The BPSS points out interconnections between different aspects of human experience, and how all of these factors contribute to overall wellness.
When you think about this model, you start to realize how often we are asked to compartmentalize different parts of ourselves because we’re interacting with an institution or system that’s more equipped to deal with one or two facets of the BPSS, but not all of them. So, where do we get to be seen and celebrated as whole selves?
The Bio Psycho Social Spiritual Lens and Mindful Movement
It is interesting to look at Mindful Movement through the BPSS lens, because it is rare to find resources that address our full humanity in the way that Mindful Movement classes can.
And, this framework gives us the opportunity to appreciate what these practices have to offer beyond the physical benefits. Practices like Yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi, and Somatics can contribute to our mental health, help us form important social bonds, and create spaces where we can reflect on what’s meaningful to us.
Biological: In a Mindful Movement class, we are obviously affecting our biology by moving the body! We will likely notice physical benefits like reduced tension, fewer aches and pains, and a more balanced nervous system. A simple movement practice might even help with issues like insomnia or high blood pressure.
Psychological: When we incorporate Mindfulness principles into a movement class, we engage the psychological domain of the model. Students learn how to observe thoughts with a non-judgmental attitude, how to decrease emotional reactivity, and how to reframe limiting beliefs. This process also encourages greater compassion for self and others.
Social: The Social aspect of the model reminds us that our well-being is not just dependent on this individual experience of being a body and a psyche. We are also affected by what’s outside of us in our social connections and the conditions of our society and culture. Being in a supportive Mindful Movement class environment encourages connections between the participants and teacher, decreases social isolation, and instills a sense of common humanity and belonging.
Spiritual: Mindfulness teachings woven into movement offer wisdom perspectives like interdependence and impermanence, and create a container for students to explore and make sense of their lives. We get the chance to be available to something sacred (however we might experience or describe that).
As you’ll hear in the episode, the key to really touching on all four domains of the Bio Psycho Social Spiritual model is the intentional combination of movement and mindfulness.
Give it a listen, and be inspired to include your whole self in your practice!
Resources & Links from this episode:
- If you found this topic interesting, check out Episode 62 – Benefits of Mindful Movement (You Probably Haven’t Heard About) and Episode 37 with Yoga Therapist Kristine Weber, where we talked about the BPSS model, chronic pain, and the CDC’s response to the opioid crisis.
- This blog post by Stephanie Bryan, PhD has an idea-provoking list of activities that address multiple facets of the BPSS.
- And, “Are We Ready for a True Biopsychosocial–Spiritual Model?” offers a more scholarly perspective on the inclusion of the Spiritual domain in the BPSS framework.
This episode was based on a newsletter that I wrote for my Teacher Trainings Interest List. If you’d like to receive training updates and thoughtful articles like this (1-2 times per month), you can join the list HERE.
Inspired to share movement-based mindfulness practices with others? Take a look at my Mindful Movement Teacher Training! The next round of this live online training program begins in October.
