Sometimes the dishwasher is full

And no matter what rearranging occurs, the rest of the dishes need to stay in the sink or on the counter. 

Let it go. 

No more shoving.

You'll be happier with the results.

Cutting off the rage

My friend was in a neighborhood notorious for its crime rate.  You know the area if you live near a city in the US.  It's where local television news crews park to capture drama to help perpetuate the stereotype of the neighborhood and to avoid actual journalistic work.

A work situation had actually brought my friend to the area.  As he was driving back, he  took a look at his map, trying to figure out which way to turn.  Realizing he was in the wrong lane, he swerved quickly over severly cutting off the guy in the next lane.   He almost caused an accident.

And the guy behind him was on his tail.

My friend was nervous, knowing some stories about the neighborhood.

He was even more nervous when he was caught by the light and the guy he cut off pulled up beside him waving his arms.

My friend looked over and rolled his window down to apologize.

But the guy cut him off before my friend could open his mouth.

"Hey!  Hey!" he yelled still waving his arms. "I just want you to know:  no big deal.  I've cut people off by mistake, too.  It's all good.  You have a good day."

My friend was amazed.  He calls it "Reverse Road Rage".

All I know is that it's just one more person practicing being in the moment and feeling empathy.  You aren't alone out there.  Keep up the good work.

I haven't gotten enough exercise

I see them sitting on the couch. 
They're soft and unfocused.
I stare.
Eyeing every movement, every breath.  Inside of me, every cell is 

A L I V E
P E R C H E D
A T   T H E   E D G E
P R E P A R E D
F O C U S E D

I smell every subtle scent, feel every shift in cells surrounding me, taste the target.

If I were a football lineman the quarterback would taste grass, hands still holding the ball.  Basketball: my shots would sift through the net.  Painter: the line would flow, no pause.  Piano: the keys are my fingers.

But I am none of these. 

I am one with everything.

And I am ready. 

POUNCE!!

I feel the screams of terror before they reach my ears.

"MOM!!  You scared the crap out of me!!  What the HECK?!!  Go AWAY!  You need to run or something!

I stalk away. 

I've won.  

Again. 

You feeling strong, my friend?

Ever seen "Elf"?

If not, you'll have to.  Really.  

There's a lot of innocent honesty in Elf's character.  You know?  The kind of honesty that has no agenda.  It's just honest with an undercurrent of caring.

Have you ever just come out and said something without editing it in your head?  I think even people who are known to "not have a filter"  really do have a filter.  Their's just works differently than those who want to be polite.  Generally, they want to shock and that's how their editing software works.

Next time your software kicks in, settle into the moment.  Find your compassion. Tell your agenda-less truth. 

Fibromyalgia, chronic myofascial pain and movement

Weeks ago...okay...sigh...months ago...I posted about movement and fibro, myofascial pain and movement. I promised that I would continue with another article about how to move when you are in constant pain.

Every 'body' is different, so when you've met one thousand people in constant pain, you've probably seen 1,000 different pain experiences.  There is no special secret to releasing pain through movement.  Because every person's situation is unique, the exercise "prescription" is patience, shifts and adjustments.  It takes time...time...time.

But here are a few simple tips to think about when starting to fold movement back into your life (and first read: http://www.stillmover.blogspot.com/2010/02/2-old-weird-tips.html)

1. Feel your body as you begin moving.  Whatever your movement choice is: walking, household chores, aerobics, yoga.  Doesn't matter.  Be aware of your body in movement.  How's it feel as you're moving?  Ten minutes afterward?  The next day?  Take notes so that you can shift and adjust your movements for the next time.

2. As a trainer, form is VITAL.  How is your form in the movement you've chosen? Are you using your abdominal muscles to gently support your spine when moving through household chores? Are you bending your arms at the elbow when you walk to lessen the tension on the shoulders and neck?  Are you centered or are you leaning to one side or the other when moving?  Take your time.  Feel your core centered and balanced over your feet as you move.

3.  Imagine this when you're moving: you have this time to move just for yourself.  Nothing is waiting for you.  Nothing is pressing.  It's just you, moving slowly, with intention, observing your body, breathing.  Take your sweet, loving time.

Adding these three tips to your plan for movement will really help you not only fold movement into your life, but keep you aware when shifts to your plan are needed and when your body has had enough.  Just take your time and listen and do what your body tells you.

It knows.  You know.


The image is from www.poweroverpain.blogspot.com

A short, savory practice

Hold up your hand.  In the air, draw a figure eight with it.  Feel your hand curve the surfaces of the eight.  Is the eight standing up or is it on it's side like an infinity sign?  Is the back of the hand feeling the path or the palm of the hand?  Are you using your left hand or right hand?

Continue moving the hand smoothly through the air, as if nothing else mattered in the world, but relaxing the hand and moving it slowly.  Don't think.  Feel.  As you continue, do you feel your shoulder?  Is it becoming tense?  Can you relax it more?  Can you move your position, continuing the hand movement, and become more relaxed in the shoulder?

Are there parts of the taiji form you practice that are uncomfortable?  Can you shift your body to make them feel less tense?

Try it.

Taiji eases depression...but why?

There was a study published about a year ago about taiji and how it helps the elderly with depression. It was important because depression is pretty tough to "combat" in the elderly due to the lack of response to medication. And of course, here in the west, medication is always the first step. (That was sarcasm. I completely apologize for it. I don't know what came over me.)

The results make taiji an excellent choice for abating depression. Here's the study if you know of really anyone of any age who is dealing with depression:

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/18/tai-chi-eases-depression-in-elderly/?emc=eta1

What I find interesting is that all of the studies from well known institutes never include, discuss, mention the spirit within taiji, at least of which I am aware.

They inform us about the movements (helps balance, stability, strength); educate us on breathing (helps heart rate, increases oxygen levels, helps assimilation and digestion); social stimulation (eases depression, brings sense of control), but not a mention about what the spirit is doing during all of this movement, breathing, socializing.

Are we afraid to add this when it comes to studies and taiji? Is this still too woo-woo for the general western public? Or is it because taiji teachers across the country don't incorporate this vital aspect into their classes so it isn't part of the study?

If you teach taiji, do you incorporate spirit? If not, why? Have you had potential students walk out when spirit in the form was discussed or practiced?

How does that effect your spirit?