ARC of Motion

What Does My Body Need To Be To Survive?

What Does My Body Need To Be To Flourish?

Survival is instinctual. We need food, water, shelter, and safety. Yet what this means—and how we achieve it—varies from person to person. Survival is shaped by our circumstances, and what our physical body must do to survive differs just as widely. Some of us may need strength and resilience to endure, while others may need to shrink, adapt, or move unnoticed through life.

But flourishing is different. Flourishing invites us to dig deeper, to move beyond survival and ask what nurtures both our inner and outer worlds. To flourish, we might need meaningful connections, creative outlets, freedom, or a sense of purpose.

When viewed through the lens of character development, these questions take on a new dimension. What does your character need to survive? How do they adapt to their circumstances? And what do they truly need to flourish? Do they even know the difference?

For example, a character who needs to be strong to survive might develop a hardened exterior or physical prowess, while one who survives by staying unnoticed might cultivate stillness, adaptability, or restraint. In contrast, flourishing might require them to challenge these survival mechanisms—seeking connection, embracing vulnerability, or discovering joy.

This duality reflects a universal truth: our survival strategies often shape us, but flourishing requires growth and, sometimes, the courage to evolve beyond those strategies. 

Exploring these questions deepens our understanding of not only the characters we create but also ourselves. The more aware we become of the forces shaping us, the more intentionally we can choose how we navigate the world.

As you reflect on these questions, consider: What does my body need to be to survive? What does it need to be to flourish? How do you shape yourself, and what do you demand of your physical body to navigate the world? I’d love to hear your thoughts—share your reflections in the comments or get in touch directly—I’m curious about how these ideas resonate with you.