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In a recent podcast episode, Alex Greene sits down with Reneé Tillotson, the visionary behind the Still and Moving Center in Honolulu, to discuss her unique approach to movement, mindfulness, and self-coaching. Reneé's journey from gymnast to movement center founder is not only inspiring but also offers valuable insights into how mindful movement can transform lives. In this episode, she shares her experiences, the founding of her center, the impact of the pandemic, and the principles behind her Academy of Mindful Movement. Here are the key highlights from their conversation.

Early Background and Athletic Beginnings

Reneé Tillotson began her journey in the world of athletics as a gymnast, competing from the age of 11 through college. She talks about how gymnastics taught her body awareness and self-discipline, which laid the foundation for her later ventures into movement and mindfulness. However, after college, her focus shifted to family life, and she found herself becoming a typical sports mom, involved in her children's athletic activities while neglecting her own physical health.

In her mid-40s, Reneé realized the need to re-engage with physical activity for her well-being. She humorously recounts how she joined a senior aerobics class at the YMCA because it was the only one she felt capable of handling at the time. This class marked the beginning of her reawakening to the importance of movement, setting the stage for her discovery of NIA and the subsequent founding of the Still and Moving Center.

Discovery and Passion for NIA

Reneé's introduction to NIA, a holistic movement practice combining dance, martial arts, and healing arts, was a transformative experience. She describes how a substitute teacher introduced her to NIA, which resonated deeply with her and rekindled her passion for movement. Reneé quickly became an enthusiastic participant, attending multiple classes each week and eventually pursuing formal training in NIA.

This newfound passion led her to achieve the highest levels of training in NIA, becoming a second-degree black belt instructor. However, rather than pursuing a path as a NIA teacher trainer, Reneé chose to channel her energy into creating a multidisciplinary movement center. Her dedication to NIA and the joy of movement it brought her are evident in her story, highlighting the profound impact that finding the right movement practice can have on an individual's life.

Founding the Still and Moving Center

The Still and Moving Center was born from Reneé's vision to create a space that integrated moving meditation and mindfulness across various disciplines. Opened in 2011, the center in Honolulu offers a wide range of classes, including hula, aerial arts, martial arts, tai chi, and more. Reneé emphasizes that the center's concept is to provide a hub where people can experience different movement practices that serve as moving meditations.

Reneé's approach is rooted in the idea that movement can be a form of meditation, helping individuals achieve a state of mindfulness and presence. The center's success is a testament to this vision, attracting a diverse community of participants who seek both physical fitness and mental well-being. Her story of founding the center showcases the power of combining passion with purpose, creating a space that nurtures both the body and the mind.

Adapting During the Pandemic

When the pandemic hit in March 2020, the Still and Moving Center had to close its physical doors. However, within five days, they transitioned to an online studio, continuing to offer their classes virtually. Reneé discusses how this rapid adaptation allowed them to gain an international following and maintain the sense of community that is central to their mission.

The shift to online classes also opened up opportunities to collaborate with instructors from around the world, including Alex Greene in Colorado. This period of adaptation demonstrated the resilience and flexibility of the center, highlighting the importance of maintaining a sense of connection and continuity even in challenging times. The success of their online offerings underscores the center's ability to innovate and stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Academy of Mindful Movement

Recognizing the need for certified mindful movement instructors, Reneé launched the Academy of Mindful Movement. This program offers a 40-hour training designed for movement instructors and coaches, helping them integrate mindfulness techniques into their practices. The academy's curriculum focuses on principles such as nonviolence, joy, self-awareness, and attention to body sensations.

Reneé explains that the goal of the academy is to cultivate instructors who can lead mindful movement classes across various disciplines. The training is interactive and inclusive, accommodating diverse movement practices from hula to tennis to aerial arts. By emphasizing mindfulness, the academy aims to promote safe, effective, and joyful movement practices. This initiative reflects Reneé's commitment to spreading the benefits of mindful movement beyond her center and into the broader community.

Mindful Movement and Self-Coaching

One of the key concepts Reneé introduces is self-coaching, which involves being a "body whisperer" and listening to the body's signals. She shares a personal story about her morning sun salutations routine, illustrating how she adjusts her practice based on her body's needs each day. This approach to self-coaching involves not only the body but also the mind and emotions, creating a holistic practice of self-care.

Reneé emphasizes that self-coaching is about observing and responding to the body's cues with respect and understanding. By doing so, individuals can maintain a healthy and sustainable movement practice. This concept is central to her upcoming book, "Mindful Movement, The Art of Self Coaching," which aims to provide readers with tools and insights to develop their own self-coaching practices. Her approach underscores the importance of listening to and honoring the body, fostering a deeper connection to oneself.

Conclusion

Reneé Tillotson's journey from gymnast to founder of the Still and Moving Center is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of mindful movement. Her passion for NIA, the creation of a multidisciplinary movement center, the rapid adaptation to online classes during the pandemic, and the launch of the Academy of Mindful Movement all reflect her dedication to promoting physical and mental well-being through movement. As she continues to develop her work and share her insights through her upcoming book, Reneé's contributions to the field of mindful movement inspire others to explore the joy and healing potential of connecting with their bodies.

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