Here, now, within your space -Mindfulness

A routine morning walk, and a new perspective emerges.

The power of being in the moment and focusing on the here and now. 

I had quite the reality check with this recently. To provide you a little bit of background -a few months ago I started walking regularly in the morning in these chilly temperatures. I take the time to bundle up warmly and venture out to take a 20-minute walk on the icy road.

The walk itself has been therapeutic and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it with the exception of the cold temperature. 

Recently on a much warmer day I started out for my regular walk and glanced up at the end of the road - suddenly I stopped. It looked like such a far distance to walk -it was overwhelming, and I paused for a moment and contemplated turning around and going back home. 

However, I chose to stay and be curious. I thought I’ve been taking this walk for months now it’s simply 20 minutes 10 minutes down the road and 10 minutes back.   Why was this morning so different?

I realized that because of the chilly temperatures and iciness; I was previously focusing on where my feet were and huddling up inside my layers of clothing. as a result I was focusing just on 20 to 30 feet in front of me. I was simply enjoying nature and being lost in my thoughts- and then before I knew it the walk was over and I was back home.

This morning the weather was so much nicer my footing was more grounded I looked at the end of the road and it was daunting.

Lesson learned – there is so much value when we focus on the here and now and enjoy what we’re going through.. and stop stressing over what is ahead.

We can appreciate what we can focus on, touch and change. Taking those mindful small steps will get us exactly where we need to go. We will surely set ourselves up for repeated cycles of failure if we look too far down the road for too long – as it simply seems too overwhelming.

Study on Obesity rates with Children

WNY Health Coaches making strides with family’s to create Healthy Habits for life by starting with one Healthy Choice at a time.

What is Mindful Movement Really?

As a licensed massage therapist specializing in chronic pain for almost 20 years I felt there was a need to bring a form of yoga to many of my clients. Massage therapy is beneficial for many, especially those dealing with chronic pain.  However, what I’m able to offer as a massage therapist in a session, is short term.

… retain / regain movement function typically lost with aging and chronic pain.

I’ve been suggesting yoga to my clients who are typically between the ages of 40 and 75, equally male and female.  Most of them are dealing with some form of chronic pain including frozen shoulder, scoliosis, neuropathy, disc herniations, migraines and joint replacements to name a few. 

The response from my clients when I’ve suggested trying yoga has been… “there’s no way I can do yoga, I’m not flexible, my body doesn’t move like that”.

 I decided to focus on developing a type of “Mindful Movement” program that was inspired by some basic yoga poses.  The intent is to assist my clients on improving the quality of their lives by sharing ways to move daily to manage some of their chronic pain when they’re not in a massage session with me.

• Participants are diverse in age, gender and abilities.  Use of the chairs has been an important aspect for some, especially as we have been focusing on balance and stability. 

• Each session begins slowly with mindful breath work. 

• We then moved into a series of movements to warm up joints and various muscle groups to increase movement and flexibility. 

• A flow of a standing yoga poses, with chair modifications for those in need is where we pull our movements together. 

• Sessions end with additional breath work and a short meditation.   The overall focus is on being mindful of posture, movements and intention of activity, emphasizing how beneficial even gentle movement can be daily.

What people are saying:

-my shoulder pain is 75% better immediately after class and continuing on.  

-thank you for the session this morning, it lifted me physically and my spirits.

-this is exactly the movement I was looking for, not too little, not too intense.

-as you know I have always been resistant to going to yoga classes for many reasons. however, you have made your class such a safe place to practice yoga regardless of ability.

Daily Walking Positive Impacts

Make it a habit - pick a scheduled time of day (morning, afternoon evening) and a set amount of time (starting with 10, 15 or 20 minutes) and GO!

Your health and overall wellness will benefit in a variety of areas.

• stimulates digestion

• improves brain clarity

• promotes development of regular sleep habits

• bolsters creativity and problem solving ability

• conditions full body muscles and strengthens bones

• increases endorphins and benefits daily mood

• lowers blood pressure

• decreases stress and anxiety

• enhances mindfulness and a connection to nature

• supports a healthy metabolism

Here, now, within your space -Mindfulness

A routine morning walk, and a new perspective emerges.

The power of being in the moment and focusing on the here and now. 

I had quite the reality check with this recently. To provide you a little bit of background -a few months ago I started walking regularly in the morning in these frigid temperatures. I take the time to bundle up warmly and venture out to take a 20-minute walk on the icy road.

The walk itself has been therapeutic and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it with the exception of the frigid cold temperature. 

Recently on a much warmer day I started out for my regular walk and glanced up at the end of the road - suddenly I stopped. It looked like such a far distance to walk -it was overwhelming, and I paused for a moment and contemplated turning around and going back home. 

However, I chose to stay and be curious. I thought I’ve been taking this walk for months now it’s simply 20 minutes 10 minutes down the road and 10 minutes back.   Why was this morning so different?

I realized that because of the usual frigid temperatures and iciness; I was previously focusing on where my feet were and huddling up inside my layers of clothing. as a result I was focusing just on 20 to 30 feet in front of me. I was simply enjoying nature and being lost in my thoughts- and then before I knew it the walk was over and I was back home.

This morning the weather was so much nicer my footing was more grounded I looked at the end of the road and it was daunting.

Lesson learned – there is so much value when we focus on the here and now and enjoy what we’re going through.. and stop stressing over what is ahead.

We can appreciate what we can focus on, touch and change. Taking those mindful small steps will get us exactly where we need to go. We will surely set ourselves up for repeated cycles of failure if we look too far down the road for too long – as it simply seems too overwhelming.

As you age, what will be most important to you?

Moving and gently stretching our joints with intention is something we all need… Although it’s so difficult to take the time and have the discipline to do it on our own.  

Moving around, free of chronic pain and movement restrictions?

I focus on supporting my clients to move mindfully and create mobility where stiff achiness generally resides. This can be addressed through any or all of these -Mindful Movement sessions, Massage Therapy and Health Coaching or Wellness Classes.

Let me help you bring some healthy mobility back into your life!

Mindful Movement is available in person or remotely 4 times a week -offering you an opportunity to be guided through a serious of movements which will enhance your mobility and minimized the impact of most arthritis associated with aging.

Massage Therapy is available by appointment.

Tailored to You personal health coaching is by appointment; schedule your introductory 20 Minute session today.

Wellness Classes including Wegmans Grocery Shopping Tours are offered monthly, Healthy 101 and Healthy Habits are offered through out the year.

#movementcreatesmovement #abodyinmotionstaysinmotion #justmove

Ever wonder why after sitting for awhile, you are at first a bit stiff and achy, and then slowly you begin to move more freely? Our bodies are designed with a built in mechanism to create a lubricant to enable us to continue to move. Its called synovial fluid. The body creates this substance in our joint cavities while our bodies are moving..