Make Every Move a Meditation: Mindful Movement for Mental Health, Well-Being, and Insight

by Nita Sweeny

“Let me say it simply. Someone should have written this book a long time ago.” — Shinzen Young , meditation teacher, neuroscience research consultant, founder of Unified Mindfulness, author of  Meditation in the Zone and  The Science of Enlightenment

Award-winning Finalist in the “ Diet & Exercise” category of the 2022 International Book Awards 

#1 New Release in Sports Health & Safety, Other Eastern Religions & Sacred Texts, Cycling, Sports Psychology, Walking, Theravada Buddhism, and Meditation

Transform movement and meditation into the powerful practice of mindful movement Exercise can be meditation. 

What do you think of when you hear the word meditation? A quiet room filled with monks? An Instagram influencer? What about moving meditation? Yoga? Tai Chi?

For too long, meditation in books has focused on specific periods of meditation, rather than mediation through fitness or daily activities. What if lifting weights, dancing with your love, or walking across a room counted? What if you could use exercise as meditation? What if you could make every move a meditation? Let's combine the two. 

In Make Every Move a Meditation, award-winning author, meditation leader, and mental health advocate Nita Sweeney shows us fitness can be mindfulness. She teaches us how to bring meditation and mindfulness into any activity by incorporating centuries-old techniques.

Studies show that both exercise and meditation reduce anxiety, stabilize blood pressure, improve mood and cognition, and lead to a deeper self-relationship and wisdom. Movement is medicine, and meditation is medicine.

Inside you'll learn to:

* Turn exercise into a meditation tool
* Make any activity a mindful practice
* Enjoy the benefits of meditation while getting fit

If you like meditation books and best sellers such as Think Like a Monk, Practicing Mindfulness, or Breath, you’ll love Make Every Move a Meditation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Self Help, Meditation, Audiobook

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2022

Reviews

[Shel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful book about meditation and movement with plenty of insight, practices, and examples written clearly. Sweeney's authorial voice is knowledgable, vulnerable, comforting, compassionate, and inspires confidence. A great follow up to Depression Hates and Moving Target.

[Alex Ast · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fine meditation book. The author shares some interesting insights as to how to apply mindfulness off the cushion, but this wasn't covered as in depth as I would have hoped for. She makes a fair argument that one can have equally meditative experiences working out or playing sports or hiking in the woods though. Much of the book just talks about the fundamentals but often uses repetitive language and examples which made the book a slog to get through even though I skipped some parts that were boring.

[Randi-Lee Bowslaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the age of instant gratification, the idea of taking time to meditate quietly can be daunting. By using movement that you are already doing (sports, walking, etc.), it can be easier to add meditation into your life.

As a 200-hour yoga teacher, I have read many books about meditation. Many of them were dry, giving the history of meditation, and written for those that already meditate (don’t get me wrong, there is value in these books). Nita Sweeney writes for both new meditators and new to movement meditators.

She begins by explaining why you should implement movement into your meditation. There is great value in both movement and meditation. By putting them together, you can reap bigger rewards – just read the book to find out!

What I really liked about the book were the actionable steps. Nita not only explains how to use movement for meditation she gives instructions to practice before moving on.

Writing for the world of self-indulgence and sharing personal stories makes this one of the most captivating meditation books that I have read.

[Mary McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter Ruth Anne was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder this past summer. In order to recover speech fluency and volume, her speech therapist had her read aloud for at least 15 minutes a day at home and in the office when she had appointments. Ruth Anne 'just happened' upon Nita Sweeney's book when she searched Amazon for books about running. When you read and/or listen to Nita's book you will feel as though a dear friend and mentor/teacher/guide is supporting you as you face life's challenging moments. Compassion, wisdom, warmth and wit infuse every page of Nita's book. I appreciated her incredible ability to be vulnerable to touch the hearts and souls of the readers as she universalizes the human condition we all share. As I go about my day, I hear Nita's voice echo from the pages to make this or that my object of meditation, to get still and breathe exploring how to untangle my emotions with the wonderful visuals she offers and to make every move an opportunity for meditation to diminish suffering and increase equanimity and joy in my life.

[Clint Lovell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to run and enjoy the benefits of meditation, but until I picked up this insightful book, I had never tried combining the two. Nita’s humble and often humorous accounts make this a relatable read packed with great tips for bringing new awareness to any movement form. What struck me was her deep knowledge of meditation, which is reflected in the many stories, sources, and references she has gained through her years of practice. This is one of those books where the learnings will last a lifetime. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to get more from meditation, exercise, and life.

[Casseroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really nice book. I love the different meditations and examples presented. I’ve done some of these just from working out in the gym so it was nice to see the listed benefits for that. I recommend this book.

[Sam With Veggies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. So many good bits of info! I’ve found I can immediately implement so many tips and I’ve also found I can relate so many things the author mentioned to current practises. All in all I really appreciated this book. Came at a perfect time in my life

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've struggled incorporating meditation into my life. This book changed my perspective, both in what meditation is, and in how it can fit into my lifestyle.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. Approachable information about meditation off the cushion.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't think you can meditate? After reading this book, you'll think again.

[Amy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes me want to get out of my recliner and move!