Be Healthy Now

I’m in Seattle, studying Skinner Releasing. A group of 10 to 20 people come together every summer in Seattle to deepen our relationship to the work.

Skinner Releasing has at it’s foundation the use of imagery to powerfully affect the way we sense our bodies and the way we move.

I still remember the first time I was introduced to this work. It was in San Francisco. I left the dance studio feeling like I was walking on air.

Hanging out with my Mom in Ft. Myers. She lives alone in a gated community, with golf course and swimming pools. My Mom is 85. I was worried that she might not be able to take care of herself anymore. I’m not sure what it’s called, but all the folks I met over 80 all seemed to be wasting away. There’s a kind of concentration camp look to them all.

It was fun hanging around with them. They were mostly physically active, playing golf, swimming, and lots of book reading. I was surprised at how much we had in common! I would rather be doing yoga, but in general, the activities were very similar.
And the conversation was very similar. Gossip, books they were reading, meals they were cooking, what they had done so far today, the weather. Relatives.

And even though my mom’s hands look mangled, it’s amazing what she can still do. It seems like she can pretty much do most things you have to do in a day. Her lifting capacities are diminished, but she can still cook, clean, wash dishes, put things away and take them out. And her mind is still doing well, as it was for most of the people I met. Being in warm weather is helpful for the joints, and the heart also does better in warm rather than cold weather.

No Trader Joes here, no Whole Foods. I was shocked! I think it’s the next generation that is into these food chains. Most of the people here are still basic meat and potatoes kind of folks.

I’ve been here about 6 days. And I’m just getting into a routine. I leave in 2 more days. Going somewhere for less than 2 weeks doesn’t really allow me to dig in and really experience a place. But life does require most of us to be “home”. I saw a sign in front of a church that said “ Home is where Mom is”. I could totally relate.

What I’m leaving with is a sense of how important diet is to one’s health. And how much massage can keep me flexible and healthy. How important weight training is. And the routines I do to keep my feet and hands flexible.

Thank god for accountants. I don’t know what life would be like having to do taxes every year. It seems like such a torturous process.

I was thrilled to be able to work with Stephanie Skura last Sunday at Performance Works NW. I was amazed that there were four of us in the room who had been involved in the arts scene in New York City from ’71 to ’80.

So much of my work now is about coming home – being in my body, trusting my body, allowing my body to rest and receive. It’s so easy to get caught up in doing.

My big challenge is trying to get to bed earlier. I’m noticing that I get a second wind around 10:00 PM. From an Ayurvedic perspective, this is a common experience that needs to be overcome. It’s time to go to bed then.
It’s now 11pm, so I better follow my own advice. Nighty night!

Last night I was reading another article in the New York Times about the economic chaos going on in the world. I could feel myself getting anxious, and depressed. I do what I often do when I feel myself going into a funk – I called a friend. I’m lucky to have some amazing friends. She reminded me that my life purpose is helping people and that this is what I should be focusing on.

Anything that causes anxiety might not be a good thing to continue doing. There’s not much I, or most of you, can do about what’s going on in the world. I want to encourage you to spend time in silence and with loved ones. It’s a great time to remind each other of what’s really important. Stay away from people, places and things that cause you turmoil.

The news right now is breeding fear. The truth is that your life is probably a lot like mine. I have money in the stock market and I chose to leave it there. That’s the only decision I really have to make – get in or get out. Once that’s done, my life is pretty much the same this week as it was weeks ago.

The financial markets are in chaos, but our economy hasn’t really changed much. That is an important distinction.

You can consider this a horrible thing, or you can look at it as an opportunity. This is a time for us to focus on the way we want our lives to play out. I’m part of an incredible community. We take care of one another. Reach out to your community.

I was at a meeting on Sunday about the unraveling that’s happening. There was a woman there who was beaming as she spoke about what’s happening. Someone commented on how, when a hurricane happens, the eye of the storm is amazingly still. How can you maintain that sense of equanimity and peace amidst the chaos?

This is an opportunity to stand for what really matters to you. Living in fear has big consequences to our physical and mental health. We are the change we yearn for.

For me, it includes supporting local merchants and farms, maybe even growing your own herbs, fruits and vegetables. If you do believe things are going to get worse, stock up. The local markets usually only have food for 72 hours worth of shopping – and that’s when there’s not a panic. So, having canned foods, preferably organic, and water stocked up is a great idea.

I can’t tell if the government knows something we don’t, or if they are trying to stir up more fear, but there was a commercial on the radio last night talking about stocking up on food for an emergency. For more info, go to www.ready.gov.

I’ve been back in the video studio and recently uploaded several new massage tool and exercise equipment instructional videos for you on You Tube:

• TheraCane Trigger Point Massager
• Yamuna Body Rolling Red Ball
• Thumper Mini Pro 2 Massager

My aim with these videos reaches beyond basic instruction to helping you learn how to listen to the clues your body gives you. The more insight you have into your body, the better you are able to make these tools work for you.

After viewing these videos, please feel free to add your comments on my blog.