At some point in our lives, we have been admonished by others, and frequently by our own selves, to “stand up straight”. Like me,  you may have even agreed to a postural assessment that revealed a surprising variety of twists and turns in your spine.  Many of my students are earnestly searching for the sure solution to this lifelong struggle.

“What is good posture?” This  question opens the chapter for Lesson 1 In Moshe Feldenkrais’ book Awareness Through Movement. Moshe wrote that we try “standing up straight” in various ways, yet we cannot maintain those positions without continuous effort. “Good” posture is often a constant struggle, and one in which we experience frequent failure.

Moshe noted “the word ‘straight’ is misleading because it doesn’t give us details that can help. Additionally, the geometric idea of straight is a static notion, as we humans have incredible dynamic potential. He noted, “From the dynamic point of view, every stable posture is one of a series of positions that constitute a movement.” Hence, posture is constantly changing because it is inherently dynamic. Anyone who has suffered the discomfort of a tweaky back muscle inherently recognizes this.

When our skeletons are enabled to participate as a supportive frame in gravity, our muscles are then freed to work with less effort. Energy requirements are reduced. Can you imagine attaining, and then maintaining, elegant posture that is both easy and effortless? Truly, it is possible!

Click here to view Feldenkrais practitioner Rich Goldsand helping three students “rewire” for movement improvement, including posture. Learn more about the Feldenkrais Method and find classes and practitioners at www.feldenkrais.com .

“Movement is life. Life is a process. Improve the quality of the process and you improve the quality of life itself.” ~Moshe Feldenkrais

This concept of “movement is life” is a foundational principle of The Feldenkrais Method. Moshe’s profound statement also notes that movement is a process, and every process requires time. However, the stress of our everyday lives causes us to shift attention constantly. How impatient we become with process, wanting things to fall into place quickly and come together more expediently. Again and again we learn that rushing the process results in less-than-optimal outcomes, unintended consequences. My grandmother would say, “If something is worth doing, it is worth doing well.” In our time-compress lives, “do-overs” can be frustrating and costly.

The focus of Awareness Through Movement lessons requires diligent attention in slowing movement so that we sharpen the perception of what exactly it is we are doing. Only then are we better able to organize our unlimited potential for improvement. Who do you know that is searching for a method of personal discovery to “improve the quality of life itself”? Read about a Viet Nam veteran’s experience with Feldenkrais Method by clicking here.

Dr. Laura DeFina, CEO of internationally-recognized Cooper Institute in Dallas, TX, recently noted that Alzheimer’s and dementia are diseases that are chronic and progressive which ultimately “steal who we are”. Although enormous amounts of funding are funneled into research and care, DeFina says prevention is within the power of every individual.

She shared about a recent gathering of the Dallas chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association where a group of experts presented a wide array of information on self-care. Topics included stress management, exercise, nutrition, and quality sleep, all which are known to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and other related conditions. Among the findings presented was data from a 2013 Cooper Institute study indicating “higher fitness levels at mid-life had a 36% lower risk for developing Alzheimer’s and related disorders, on an average 20 years later than those with lower fitness levels”.

DeFina also noted the increasing evidence that persistent, moderate intensity physical activity enhances both brain volume and cognition. These recent findings demonstrate that physical activity not only helps when these diseases begin, but can have enduring benefits when started earlier in life.

To read the full article, click here .

This entertaining and brief post by Australian Feldenkrais practitioner Michael Cann is both delightful and informative, http://bit.ly/1FPxc4o .

Ida plays golf daily and holds the course record for the most holes-in-one: 11. She is now 102 years old. The hallmarks of her longevity? Watch this short video by Dustin Cohen (dustincohen.com), https://vimeo.com/117588730 .

What does “being a good kid” have to do with aging well? It can have quite an effect. Dr. Len Kravitz, University of New Mexico, has examined the commonalities behind the longevity associated with people living in the world’s four “Blue Zones”. One of the most compelling:  meaningful social networks. People who have successfully created greater social relationships have better general health, mental health, and vitality. Dr. Kravitz adds that “social integration is associated with decreased C-reactive protein, a risk factor for coronary artery disease. You can scan Dr. Kravitz’s comments here to learn more about the complex aspects of growing older.

A Quick Thought…

I teach anatomy at a massage therapy school and occasionally receive pertinent pieces and related magazines in my faculty mailbox. Yesterday I read a brief article, “In the Work Place: How to Deal With Emotionally Charged Situations” by Christine Pemberton. She shared from “The Four Agreements”, a highly recommended book about “harmonious living with respect and acceptance”. Four foundational principles include:

1. Always do your best. Knowing “best” can change with circumstances and physical state.
2. Never make assumptions.
3. Be impeccable with your word.
4. Do not take anything personally.

Pemberton said honoring these four principles can lead to open communication and respect. That’s certainly solid advice and great wisdom for living.

(From “Dermascope”, August 2013, p 109)