Spring Renewal

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PHOTO CREDIT: TIM GOUW

PHOTO CREDIT: TIM GOUW

It always takes some effort to reverse the inertia of winter. But, this year, the resistance may be more emotional than physical. Living with months & months of disturbing news and political uncertainty makes it challenging to get out of the funk and on with your life. This isn’t just about your attitude. When your body’s carrying a load of angst, worry, and discord, even the momentum of springtime can’t budge the logjam. Why not let your basic anatomy get it moving again? Here’s how:

Close your eyes and locate your tight, stuck places. Now, let your body reclaim its natural range of motion as you slide your shoulders up & down, back and forth, and around in circles. Let your jaw open and shut, move side-to-side, forward and back. Let your spine curl and uncurl, bend and twist from side to side. You get the drift. Slowly and respectfully, move your body parts through/under the tension. Release the old and free the way for the “joie du printemps”.

Get Centered

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PHOTO CREDIT: KALEN EMSLEY

PHOTO CREDIT: KALEN EMSLEY

Like any physical mass, your body has a center of gravity. It’s slightly below your navel in the center of your pelvis. As martial arts practitioners know, being aware and moving from the center is the key to both agility and stability. Tuning in to your COG several times a day will also help you get out of your head and into the present moment. Here’s how:

To get centered: Place your hands over your center of gravity. Hum softly, directing the sound to your belly under your hands. Let the sound resonate here for three full exhales to awaken the area. Now bring direct the movement of the next three inhales into your lower belly to expand your awareness.

Remember your COG often over the next few weeks. This will establish a powerful, personal reference point whenever you need to get focused and feel centered. Speaking and acting from your center infuses everything you do with confidence and reliability. Try it out in different situations and see how it changes your sense of self and effectiveness in the world.