My selfish reasons for building the Good Movement Training

Continuing my series about good movement (catch up on week 1 and week 2), what’s holding us back, and how to draw it, it’s story time again . . . 

In a climate of conflict

If you’ll recall, 2016 was hotly contested election year. By August, the internet was a buzz with bickering, name calling, arguing, and conflict. And some of the mainstream media outlets seemed to only fuel the hate fires like it was their job.

The world felt loud and the social interactions within it uncomfortable.

It was for sure my Enneagram nine tendencies coming out in me that morning, but in my reflection, I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen.

What would happen if we applied the same stockmanship principles of good movement not to cattle but to humans?

If we could communicate effectively enough with one cow that her movement drew the whole herd into moving with her, could the same be true for humans?

Could one interaction led with kindness and resulting in constructive conversation draw more kindness and constructive conversation?

If good movement draws good movement in cattle, was it possible that the same is true for humans?

My conclusion was – not only is this principle applicable to humans, but also absolutely necessary.

 

Can’t we all just get along?

As a type nine, I do not handle conflict well. Any sort of perceived or legitimate conflict elicits a visceral reaction in me. I immediately turn into a stressed sweaty mess with a gut ache, and a strong desire to scream, “Can’t we all just get along?!”

So, my reason for thinking that good movement is not only applicable to humans but also absolutely necessary, and adopting it as my life’s purpose is definitely selfish.

But, while it is true that I selfishly want everyone to adopt this principle, there’s also a much more altruistic side to my reasoning: the incredible benefits that are by-products of good movement.

Speaking in terms of livestock, when you focus on gaining good movement from your animals every time you interact with them, in effect you’re eliminating meaningless stress on the animals (and you too). And what results isn’t just time and labor-saving herd moves that go more quickly and efficiently, with minimal effort, but also overall improved herd health and increased performance. 

When we focus on good movement with fellow humans, we eliminate meaningless stress on them (and us). Communication becomes more effortless and conversations more constructive. Performance increases. Our relationships improve. We all move forward.

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