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WOW! Look at her go! Remember how good it felt to watch Simone Biles (take a look) do her amazing gymnastic feats? When we see someone else dancing, running or making that amazing catch, our muscles fire off tiny little mini movements as if we were doing the activity ourselves. This happens because we have mirror neurons. Studies have shown that watching a video of a pro is as effective as practicing to learn a new move in sports. Knowing this is incredibly useful because it works just as well all by our lonesomes: in our mind when we can imagine doing something we don't know how to do. And here's where it gets exciting.....We can use what we see in our minds to change how we move. In fact, we need to be able to imagine a new movement before we can duplicate it.  I had an amazing experience with my imagination and what those mirror neurons could tell me.
About 10 years ago I was having some weird discomfort in my left leg. Now, I had both of my hips replaced in the 1980's due to a childhood hip disorder (Yay! Out of pain and into life!). So anyway, since I had this "feeling" in my leg, I was playing around with one of Irene Dowd's exercises from"Taking Root to Fly." Since I wanted to experience walking without that not-good feeling, I lay on my back, quieted my mind and did her visualization of seeing someone else doing exactly what I wanted to do. The next step was to put my body image into or next to theirs and start to feel my muscles firing just a little. Normally this would continue to develop over time till I was standing and moving the way I wanted. Instead, what happened was that the only way my image of my body could move in the easy gait I was looking for was when two husky men held me up so my leg didn't take any weight. "How strange!" I thought. And here's the important part: I trusted what my mind had given me, and so I made an appointment with my hip doctor. The Xray showed that the replacement in my femur had come loose. There was no stability to be had. So my surgeon (who wasn't a husky man, but a tiny woman--and nursing at that) opened me up, easily slipped the old prosthesis out, and gave me a solid new replacement. The next time I did the Dowd visioning exercise, I was able to use it to improve my gait with the new hip! Of course, I also got PT and Aston-Patterning to continue my rehab....and then this: "Your healing is remarkable!" said my surgeon on my first post-op visit. And your healing can be remarkable too! It's never too late to change old movement patterns into something better, easier, more comfortable and even stronger. If it's time for you to take some action, make a phone assessment appointment and let's talk. Or come to one of my monthly Easy Healthy Movement classes. and find out what all the fuss is about. Because I want your body.....to feel fine!
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 "Better the devil you know than the devil you don't know." Anon Really?? Well, you know the frame of mind that came up with that saying! On the other hand, who, in their heart of hearts, wants to feel less than great? If you knew you had a choice or choices? If you were allowed to find your own pace, and make it your own, I expect most people would be delighted to know they weren't wedded to that old companion: pain, dis-comfort, dis-ease. Imagine: What would your world be like if you knew you wouldn't have to figure it out on your own....if you could actually move easier with some help, and the time and some fun? Real change does take decision, commitment, practice and some amount of discomfort. But what if it doesn't have to be a slog? I'm all for fun. I've been on the long road to health and vitality and I've gathered a few (quite a few) tools for the journey. One of them is lending my courage when you can't find your own. So if it's time for you to get to know the devil you don't know, let's connect. Because..... I want your body.....to feel fine! Valerie  Did you know?
Most people don't realize that if our guts can't move well (and it's stunning how much they move around and we just can't feel it), then any part of the body: neck, back, feet, etc., won't like it. Our skeleton gets reeled in like a fish on a line when our innards are inhibited (Shy? maybe, but more likely bound by adhesions). If you've had surgery or been knocked around or even had infections in your gut, it will heal with adhesions (small, medium and big scars); and they can get confused and go everywhere. What to do?
...and another thing.....Most people are unaware how much our thoughts are affected by what's happening in our guts. After all there are 10x more kinds of microbes that inhabit us than our own cells. Fortunately most of them are friendly and make our brains happy. What to do?
Get a copy of my free booklet here and try just one thing related to your gut. Let me know what happens.....  When we are dealing with chronic pain, it's a slippery slope to those ancient feelings that we didn't get a chance to deal with....Despair can set in. Once we were very young. Things happened that were out of our control. We couldn't know things would get better. Often our well meaning adults weren't able to be there when we needed to be comforted and assured. But we can remind ourselves things are different now. Here are 5 surprisingly easy ways out:
1. Breathe. Inhale deeply to a count of 6 Pause at the top for 3 (hover, don't hold) Exhale completely 6, Pause 3 Repeat this 10 times. You are controlling your breath, slowing it down, exercising under-used lung space and giving your body a chance to be fed and dump the junk. Add a person: Do this together and the first one to laugh gets to enjoy it even more. 2. Smile. First thing in the morning. For no reason. It doesn't matter if you feel like smiling, the muscles in your face are connected to your emotions, and this will lift you up. Add a person: Smile a genuine smile (not a grimace) someone you know...or don't know and see what happens.... 3. Have a good cry. If you feel bad, consider crying, roaring, moaning, shivering, yawning, laughing till you're out of breath. This doesn't have to take long, and it clears up your mind for better things to think about. Add a person: ...that will be delighted that you're clearing out the old gunk. Set a time limit (use a timer) and honor it so your subconscious knows it will end. Sometimes we need to drop down and let our feet touch the bottom of the pool before we shoot up. 4. Get physical: If you're not moving, walk, run, swim, play hopscotch, get outside. Add a person: Go on a moving date. Make a moving date. Even reaching for the phone to make a call counts. If you are over-doing it, lie down flat on the floor for 5 minutes. Your body will rest and your mind will have a new perspective. Add a person: This can be fun! Look at clouds, pretend to look at clouds; what do you see? 5. Learn something. Pick up a book, knitting needles, a screwdriver (the kind that works on wood). Add a person: Ask a friend how they do something you're curious about, and try it. Even 15 minutes of stretching your brain (while it can be uncomfortable at the time) will refresh you. See? You've already gotten to look at things from a little different angle. Download my free booklet "16 Tips for Increasing Your Mojo" for more ideas. Or call me @ 503-709-9983 and let's talk about you.  "I'm bad about exercise....I can't get motivated..." Do these sound familiar? We are made to move, and the less we move, the quicker we move into feeling bad in lots of ways: physically, mentally and emotionally. Life's consequences can sneak up on us as we age. Suddenly you discover you can't do something you've always done......mine was kneeling. Through all the years I taught children, I sat on my knees. I just didn't think about it. And then, a bunch of years after I'd quit teaching, I couldn't. I'd always had a tweak or two in my knees. But I didn't realize what was happening with them. I went to PT and got exercises to strengthen the muscles around my knees. It helped. But what really helped was learning about the route that the weight of my step was taking as it flowed down my legs and rebounded back up. My route was definitely leading to a crash landing! There's a saying in Aston-Patterning: "The body has a sensitive dependence on initial conditions." One example of this is that if your foot, with its many joints, can touch the ground in a new and better way, then everything above it will respond in a bigger, and better way. To take this in the direction of can't-get-motivated, if you experience a way that allows you to move with less pain, and you know how to re-create that experience, then the good feeling in your body will influence the hunger in your mind-set to continue. That's why getting individual attention to address the many ways your history is affecting your movement is so useful. This includes hands-on bodywork to change tissues that are stuck in the old pattern, and movement re-education with review to help you remember how good it feels to move in the new way.   Today's blog is from Natalie Ledwell of Mind Movies, a life-change method using state of the art tools. "What in the world is the difference between an INTENTION and a GOAL?" The answer is quite simple (and crucial to your success when it comes to achieving both). Let me explain: Before you ever set any goals - be it in your finances, business, career, relationships or fitness - you always want to start by setting a clear intention FIRST. You see, your intention is really the big overarching "why" behind any goals you set for yourself. It's like a long-term vision that you have for your future… an energetic statement that describes what success looks and feels like in that particular area of your life. Once you've done that, your next step is to then create clear goals - specific, concrete, measurable milestones that are aligned with your intention. When you set goals without first setting a clear intention, here's what can happen: - You might set goals that are kind of all over the place, and experience a lack of meaning or direction - You may get discouraged or perhaps even give up when the going gets tough, because you don't feel super connected to the future you're trying to create - Or you may achieve some results, but not the ones that make you feel truly happy and fulfilled But, when you're guided by a clear intention, and you then set goals that are aligned with that intention, all of the forces of the Universe can align to make even the most impossible, possible. HERE'S AN EXAMPLE: Let’s say that the area of your life that you want to impact is your health… your body… your level of physical fitness. Perhaps you want to lose weight and enjoy a more toned, fit body. An example of a powerful intention for this area of your life could be: I live my life in radiant health, filled with all of the boundless energy and vitality I need to enjoy my life and time with my loved ones to the fullest. Can you feel the energy that this intention carries? It's positive, uplifting, empowering and inspiring and it describes the future you want to step into! Once you have this clear intention, you'd then create goals that will help you make it a reality. For example: To reach a specific target weight by a certain date- To run your first Fun Run by a certain date- To complete a 30-day juice cleanse by a certain date (Notice how each goal has "by a certain date" attached to it? Make sure your goals are specific and measurable, so you know exactly what you are shooting for and how close you are to achieving it!) Once you have 1) a clear intention and 2) specific measurable goals laid out, your next steps are to: 3) Visualize yourself achieving your goals on a daily basis (even a few minutes each day is very effective!), and finally to... 4) Start taking daily actions, no matter how big or small, towards making your goals happen! Combine all 4 of these powerful steps and you'll be surprised how quickly you'll be able to create positive, lasting change in any area of life that you choose :) Here's to living a life you love, Natalie Ledwell Mind Movies  What are some of your goals this year?
Post them here on my Mojo Recovery Facebook page and share them with the Mojo Recovery community. Can you see your body moving to support these goals? Do you need a little help getting out of pain and into "Your Country"?  "That's the thing about pain. It demands to be felt." Anon Pain can be a good thing. Especially if you listen early. Can you imagine what it would have been like if you had learned to listen to your body's messages (discomfort, pain, "urg") when they were just whispering, and then took the action your body wanted? Some people might think that they wouldn't get anything done, wouldn't get strong, etc. But it's not true. Pain can be weakness leaving, as they say in the Marines. Paying attention to the kind of pain and taking appropriate action can be liberating. In fact, whenever we are grow anything: muscle or brain, there is pain. It's why we feel achy after a good workout and crabby learning how to use that new software. It literally hurts to grow. This is good pain. Muscles grow stronger by itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny tears in the fascia to make room for more tissue, then they heal. That's why it's important to rest after a hard workout, and why interval training is so effective. The same thing happens to our brain when we literally lift a dendrite off of it's favorite receptor site where it's all snuggled in and ask it to grow and move to a budding, rather off-putting receptor site. So whatever you're growing, remember to give yourself time to recover. Have some fun. Take a nap. Go for a walk. Do some sitting arcing. This YouTube tutorial is for recovering from an insult....but "sitting arcing" is a tool for all kinds of recovery. Would you like to talk about what's possible for you?   I was just watching this video of Kumari Suraj, "the Queen of Waacking Nuevo"
It's dynamic, a combination of strength and wild hand and arm movements. Very cool! Compare that with swing dance, lots of core strength, the middle doesn't move much. Lots of control to make those quick turns and flips. Then look at 60's go-go dancing, even the Watusi, etc. We were letting go of things in the 60's and 70's and our bodies expressed that letting go of old restrictions, and unfortunately, core strength. This takes me to an Aston-Kinetics concept about using a Path of Action. There are 3 basic ways that we express through this. The Path of Ease--that would be characterized by the go-go dance. The Path of Effort--think Frankenstein's stiff-legged walk. Then there is the Optimal Path of Action. This combines ease and effort in a balanced, communicative way. Watch any professional athlete or dancer and you'll see variations of this beautiful partnership. Each path has it's uses: If you have a chronically tight area, discover the path of ease. If you have a chronically low functioning area, discover the path of effort. Then learn balance by combining them into an optimal path of action. Walking well is a great example of the balance of ease and effort. The leg that you are weight-bearing on. the standing leg, is working, it's efforting. It's holding your whole body weight. The leg that's swinging through gets to take the path of ease. Now how are you doing? If you're feeling pain, stiffness or less energy, you can bet there's an imbalance somewhere in some Path of Action. Before you dance upright, you learn to walk....If you're curious about walking more easily check out this video from Judith Aston. If you think you might be ready to take the next step contact me and let's talk. about how I can help you.  "We have all known the long loneliness,
and we have found that the answer is community." Dorothy Day This weekend we said good-bye to the "old Circle Healthcare" building. The day before this photo, the water pipes broke. The front door lock quit working. Our wonderful building was breathing hard. Those who could come, gathered in the large waiting room amid the flotsam and jetsam of the moving sale. And like any funeral, people gathered around the food. We wrote on the walls: wishes for the 5 stories of apartment dwellers who will be living in the new building. One child with a marker in her hand said, "You mean we can write on the walls?!?" Yeah! We asked 2 questions: What will you miss most? and what will you not miss? To a person the answer to the first question was "the people," the unique atmosphere of friendliness, "home" and respect that was fostered for all of our nearly 27 years. People nodded when someone said they had never been in a work environment as people-centered as ours. And they laughed when folks mentioned those not-so-peaceful exchanges. And what would they not miss? Some people: not a thing. Those of us who took care of the building were unanimous that cleaning up poop in the parking lot was the worst. I have a friend who's been homeless all the years I've known him. I don't mean to sound like a politician, especially this election year, but I will work for the day when people don't have to look for the corner of a parking lot to take care of human needs. On a lighter note, I handed out the water pistols and twizzlers I always had on hand to keep my co-workers amused. We had some great skirmishes! A colleague and friend for 30+ years, Dr. Jan Corwin, wrote later: "It was just what we needed, and not too much of what we needed, as I know as emotionally slammed as I feel tonight, that if it had been a real sob fest, I might never have gotten up again." Now about you. Think about your life: your body, your relationships, your habits, your environment. We are always leaving something. So what are you leaving? Some things are easier to move on from than others. Is there something big as a house that requires leaving? If there is, just consider it. Define it. Get the lay of it. Moving on isn't just "poof!" It's a series of decisions and actions....but more about that later. There's nothing like doing little things to take care of your body, after all, it's the only one you've got! But who knew how handy it can be all around the house!
9 Reasons to Use Epsom Salt (Try out the stress relief method TONIGHT) by TheAlternativeDaily.com Epsom salt is a mineral compound comprised of magnesium and sulfate, and gets its named from a saline spring at Epsom in Surrey, England. Epsom salt has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a number of ailments and also has many beauty, gardening and household uses. Both magnesium and sulfate are readily absorbed into the skin which makes the health benefits readily accessible. Over 325 enzymes in the body are regulated by magnesium which also helps reduce inflammation, alleviates hardening of the arteries and improves muscle and nerve function. Sulfates improve the rate at which nutrients are absorbed and help to flush out toxins. Here are just a few of the many wonderful benefits of Epsom salts we uncovered: Ease Stress If you are stressed, you may be deficient in magnesium and you may have elevated adrenaline. When Epsom salt is dissolved in warm water it is absorbed through the skin and can naturally replenish lost magnesium. This magnesium helps the body produce serotonin, which is a mood elevating chemical in the brain. Magnesium also increases energy and stamina by encouraging the production of ATP – the energy powerhouse of the cell. Bathing in Epsom salt three times a week can help increase your energy, improve your mood and reduce the negative impacts of elevated adrenaline. Use 2 cups of Epsom salt in each full bath. Eliminate Toxins The sulphates in Epsom salt draw heavy metals and other toxins from cells which can ease muscle pain and improve cellular function. Adding Epsom salt to your bathwater pulls salt out of your body along with harmful toxins. Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak for at least 10 minutes for detoxification. Relieve Pain and Cramps in Muscles If you have sore muscles, migraine headaches or bronchial asthma, you may want to try an Epsom salt bath. It can relieve both pain and inflammation. If you are on your feet all day you may want to soak them in warm Epsom salt. It can also help neutralize foot odor. For Beauty Try the following beauty treatments that use Epsom salt: Exfoliating Facial Cleanser - Mix a small handful of Epsom salt with a tablespoon of coconut oil and rub on your face. Rinse and pat dry. Blackhead Remover - Add a teaspoon of salt and 3 drops of iodine into half a cup of boiling water. Apply mixture to blackheads using a cotton ball. Skin Mask - For normal to oily skin, mix 1 tablespoon of cognac, 1 organic egg, 1/4 cup of nonfat dry milk, the juice of one lemon and half a teaspoon of Epsom salt together. Dampen your skin and place the mixture on your face – avoiding the eye area. Allow the mask to harden and set for about ten minutes – rinse and pat dry. Home and Garden Use Epsom salt around your home and garden: Clean Bathroom Tiles - Get those dim and dirty tiles in your bathroom clean by mixing equal parts of Epsom salt with liquid dish detergent. Scrub tiles with the mixture and rinse well. Fertilize Plants – Plants need nutrients including magnesium and sulfur in order to grow their best. Sprinkling Epsom salt once a week on houseplants, flowers and vegetables will provide them with nutrients they need to thrive. Greener Grass – Magnesium is necessary for seed germination and is vital for the production of chlorophyll which plants use to change sunlight into food and helps the soil absorb phosphorus and nitrogen. Sulfur also contributes to chlorophyll production and, as mentioned above, makes nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium found in fertilizers more effective. To help your grass be as healthy as it can, apply 3 pounds of Epsom Salts for every 1,250 square feet of lawn using a spreader. You can also dilute it in water and apply with a sprayer. Enjoy all of these benefits of inexpensive old-school Epsom Salt! -The Alternative Daily Thanks to Fit over 40 for turning me on to this! |
About MeI'm Valerie Lyon, the Mojo Recovery Therapist. Archives
October 2018
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