In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Week 2024, the theme “Movement for Mental Health” takes center stage. As we explore the profound impact of movement on mental well-being, we turn to the inspiring journey of MQ Ambassador, athlete, LGBTQ advocate, and author Amazin LeThi. Join us as we delve into the transformative power of movement in promoting mental health.
**Moving Through Childhood**
Amazin LeThi’s relationship with movement began at a tender age, around five years old, when she discovered the exhilarating effects of physical activity. Despite facing adversity and discrimination in team sports due to her Asian identity, Amazin found solace and empowerment in movement. She recalls how engaging in weight training at the age of six marked the beginning of a lifelong journey of self-discovery and resilience. Movement became a source of confidence, self-worth, and inner strength for her, shaping her understanding of the profound connection between physical and mental health.
**Movement is Mental Wellness**
Amazin emphasizes the intrinsic link between movement and mental wellness, highlighting the transformative power of physical activity in combating feelings of depression and anxiety. Drawing parallels between physical posture and mental state, she underscores the profound impact of movement on mood and emotional well-being. By embracing practices like yin yoga and breathwork, Amazin advocates for mindfulness and self-awareness as essential tools in nurturing mental health through movement.
**Celebrate the Little Wins**
In the pursuit of mental well-being, Amazin emphasizes the importance of celebrating small victories along the way. From simply getting out of bed to taking the stairs instead of the lift, each moment of movement becomes a cause for celebration and gratitude. By acknowledging and appreciating the incremental progress made through movement, individuals can cultivate a sense of accomplishment and motivation in their mental health journey.
**Imagining Lessons Learned**
Reflecting on her personal experiences, Amazin recognizes the profound lessons learned through movement. The synergy between mind, body, and spirit becomes evident as she navigates the challenges of mental health with resilience and determination. By harnessing the power of imagination and physical movement, Amazin finds solace and strength, emphasizing the pivotal role of movement in her ongoing journey towards holistic well-being.
**Movement Begins With Stopping**
Amidst the global pandemic, the significance of movement takes on a new dimension as individuals adapt to new routines and restrictions. Amazin shares how nature and simple acts of movement, such as spending time outdoors with her dog, have become vital sources of grounding and joy during uncertain times. Embracing the notion that movement often begins with stillness and introspection, she encourages individuals to prioritize self-care and mindfulness in their daily lives.
As we navigate the complexities of mental health and well-being, Amazin’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of movement. From childhood resilience to adult self-discovery, movement has been a constant companion in her journey towards mental wellness. This Mental Health Awareness Week, let us embrace the theme “Movement for Mental Health” and recognize the profound impact of physical activity on our emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being.
Thank you to Amazin LeThi for sharing her inspiring journey and shedding light on the importance of movement in promoting mental health. Let us continue to move, thrive, and celebrate the power of movement in nurturing our minds, bodies, and souls.
