Sit, Write, and Move: Using Writing Yoga® to Shape a Happier 2025!
Jan 11, 2025Happy New Year! Does it feel like the beginning of something fabulous? Hope so!
For the school administrators, teachers, and librarians I work with, the New Year doesn’t always mean a fresh start; it often means diving back into the whirlwind of lesson plans, scheduling (all those changes!), and more and more demands.
But this year can be different with the Writing Yoga® Method. At the foundation, is the understanding that happiness matters. When you Sit, Write, and Move, you can leave behind the pressure of traditional resolutions and embrace a mindful, creative path that refreshes your mind and spirit while making a lasting impact on your whole community. Here's what is can look like:
Sit: Pause and Set the Tone
Before you dive into planning out your entire year, take a moment to just sit. Yep, sit down, stop scrolling, and breathe. Sounds simple, right? But how often do we actually give ourselves permission to pause?
Here’s what you can do:
- Find a quiet(ish) spot—your office, the library, or even the parking lot in your car.
- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Inhale for four counts, exhale for six. Repeat.
- As you sit, imagine the kind of year you want to create for yourself and your workplace. Is it a year of collaboration? Joy? Growth? Hold onto that feeling.
Sitting doesn’t just calm your nervous system, it sets the foundation for the big work ahead.
Write: Your Blueprint for the Year
Now that you’ve grounded yourself, it’s time to grab a notebook and start writing. Writing isn’t just about making a list of resolutions; it’s about getting clear on what matters most to you as a leader and how you want to show up for the people you serve.
Here’s a prompt you can try:
“If I could accomplish one thing this year that would make me feel fulfilled what would it be?”
Maybe it’s creating a more nurturing environment, boosting morale, or finally figuring out how to streamline the multitude of systems! Whatever comes to mind, write it down. Let your ideas flow without judgment. You might surprise yourself with what bubbles up.
Move: Action with Intention
Sitting and writing when combined with movement is alchemy! Layer it in anywhere you can. Movement is key to shifting energy, sparking creativity, and having strength to get through difficult days.
Schedule “movement breaks” into your day. Whether it’s a brisk walk around your building, walking up and down the stairs 3 x throughout the day or even just setting a reminder to stand every 20 minutes when doing desk work.
Movement is about taking action on your intentions. It’s one thing to write down goals, but it’s another to put them into motion. Start small, stay consistent, and watch how those little steps add up.
The magic of SWiM is its simplicity. Sit, Write, and Move aren’t just steps, they’re a way to approach the New Year with mindfulness and intention. No pressure to overhaul your life overnight. No guilt if you don’t “stick to the plan.” Just a gentle, sustainable way to lead yourself and your school community into 2025.
So, this year, ditch the unattainable resolutions. Instead, Sit to ground yourself, Write to clarify your vision, and Move to make it happen—one mindful step at a time.
Let me know how it goes!
Want to try the Writing Yoga® Method Online for Free?
If this sounds interesting to you, I would love for you to try my next free session.
It’s the perfect opportunity to explore Writing Yoga® in real time, connect with like-minded individuals, and experience firsthand how guided movement, sitting, and writing can come together to create grounding and clarity.
Whether you’re curious about starting a new practice, need a little reset, or are just looking for a space to pause and reflect, this free session is designed to meet you where you are. I’d love to have you there!
Click here if you’d like to learn more and sign up.
Are you a school administrator looking for an unusual historic retreat this summer for your team?
I have room to work with six school districts at Cedarmere and the Walt Whitman Birthplace on Long Island. We had a wonderful experience with local districts this past summer, and I'm excited that I can help to shift the mindset toward positive change. So please reach out to me if you have any questions, or click here if you’d like to learn more.
Are you a teacher or librarian who wants to test out the Writing Yoga® Method?
Remember to sit, write & move (SWiM!) each day for a calm, creative & more compassionate life.
For more activities and resources, please go to www.WritingYoga.com
Thank you for making the world a calmer, more creative and compassionate place!
Copyright © 2024 Stefanie Maura, All rights reserved.
