Gravity: Friend or Foe?
Our bodies are designed to function.
That function includes walking, running, jumping, twisting and climbing. We are born with a blueprint that allows us to successfully bear our own weight, stand upright and rely on joints that have a range of motion. Because of this we can lift a box, pick up our children or run a marathon.
Most of us take gravity for granted. I often hear people express gratitude for the air we breathe, but what about what keeps us planted on the ground? Without gravity our lives would look very different. Watching astronauts walk on the moon is unlike any kind of movement we see on this planet. The moon has a different gravity.
Our bodies are designed specifically to thrive in this particular gravity on this planet.
They do so by creating muscle balance between the left and right side of the body and from front to back. In this way we're able to move without toppling over to one side or the other or falling backwards or forwards.
Our bodies adapt to our own life circumstances.
That's the good news and the bad news. Wouldn't it be wonderful if our bodies maintained symmetry throughout our whole lives?
That's not the case. Our bodies are more like soft sculptures designed by the way we live our lives.
Over time we establish habits of movement. Often in these movement patterns, some muscles get used and some don't. Frequently one side or one area of the body will begin to take on the movement responsibilities for another part.
Our bodies will get creative in order to keep us functioning. Eventually, these innovations cause muscle imbalances.
Muscles are attached to bones. As the muscles lose their equality from right to left and their balance from front to back, they shift the placement of our bones.
This results in a body that has its own unique subtle twists and turns. Additionally, the body still needs to negotiate the pressure of gravity in order to stand, walk and do whatever else you're asking it to do.
Over time, symptoms of discomfort and pain can begin to arise.
Gravity can be a friend. The following exercises are terrific for relieving tension and rely on gravity to get the job done.
1. The Static Back exercise is a delicious way to spend up to 60 minutes relaxing. You can also benefit from just 5 minutes of being in the static back position. You don't need to be in pain to enjoy the great gifts of this exercise.
In the Static Back position, the floor naturally aligns your hip and shoulder joints. Gravity does its part by placing even pressure on all joints to help unwind any twists or turns you may have.
Here's how you do it:
1. Lie on floor with your lower legs propped up on a chair or couch that is the approximate height of your knees. Place your hips directly beneath your knees. This means you have a 90 degree angle at the back of your knees and the front of your hips.
2. Let legs, back and shoulders relax. If it's comfortable, position your arms out to the side at a 45 degree angle.
3. Breathe into your belly, allowing your stomach to rise when you inhale, and to fall when you exhale. Let the low back sink into the floor.
4. Relax from 5 to 60 minutes.
You can enjoy this exercise more than once a day. I know people who incorporate 20 minutes of static back into their lunch breaks. It can be extremely rejuvenating.
2. Once you come back to standing or sitting, continue to relax as much as you can. Let the weight of gravity fall through you to feel more grounded and solid.
Does this sound difficult?
One of the easiest ways to notice tension is in our breath.
3. Soften your belly to let breath drop down into the abdomen area. As you inhale let your belly gently expand, when you exhale it will naturally contract. Treat yourself to an extended exhale by surrendering to gravity. Release tight shoulders as you breathe out. A complete exhale creates the space for a full inhale.
Holding unnecessary tension in our bodies can eat up our energy, leaving us feeling fatigued and overwhelmed.
These simple exercises can bring much needed relief to tense and strained bodies. It is natural to have times of stress. The key is to recognize when we're working against ourselves and to do what we can to regain a more comfortable and relaxed body and frame of mind.
Sending you the best for your well-being.
Kaiopa Stage
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