Lessons From My Body

Since my 20’s I have been interested in connecting to a deeper part of myself. I have attended dozens of seminars and read dozens of books on self-transformation and cultivating a spiritual practice. The Bodhi Tree Bookstore, on Melrose, was my second home for most of my 20’s and 30’s.

What the last eight years has taught me is that I need look no further than my own body for the connection I am seeking. All the books and mental reflection are great, but there is something beyond the mind that only the body can teach us. Every transformation I have achieved has been as a result of my body sending me messages that something about what I am currently doing is not right for me.
 
What becomes possible when you slow down, listen, and engage with the messages the body is sending?

• I learned, thru all my digestive trouble last Fall, that eating cheese does not make my digestive system happy; I quit eating it!
• I learned that focusing on range of motion in my joints and functional movement keeps my body stable and happy, rather than focusing on traditional strength exercises.
• I learned to SLOW down when I move.
• I learned to SLOW down when choosing foods, instead of going for the habitual, quick foods.
• I learned, thru my Melt training, that I have WAY MORE control over my wellness than I used to think.
• I learned, thru my recent bout of plantar fasciitis, to respond immediately to the messages of my body for a quick recovery, rather than thinking it will go away on its own.
• I learned to surround myself with wise, talented, body practitioners and call on them when I’m in need.
• I learned that spending time attending to my body’s messages results in having more energy/time for the things and people I love.

My experience as a body-conscious person has shown me that when we slow down, listen to and heed the messages of our body we thrive with ease and grace, not just survive our daily responsibilities and commitments. I believe in radical self-care for achieving optimal/sustainable health and I believe it begins with the decision to allow the body to direct our daily practices.

Foot Pain Anyone?

As we age all types of foot pain become common. Plantar Fasciitis is one common foot pain, which affects more women than men. I have spent the last month diligently ministering to my left foot to overcome plantar fasciitis. I am thrilled to report that it is 95% gone!! Those who have been afflicted with plantar fasciitis know what a painful, pesky syndrome it is. I am honestly surprised that I have escaped being affected by it until now, given that I am on my feet a lot and I have a history of hip instability; two things that can cause plantar fasciitis. Katy Bowman, a biomechanist and huge advocate for foot health, defines plantar fasciitis as inflammation of the tissue around the heel from overuse/strain. 
 
What are the best remedies for treating plantar fasciitis? I gathered information from Sue Hitzmann and Katy Bowman to help me put a healing protocol together. 
 
Here is my recipe for overcoming plantar fasciitis:

• Ice when the condition is in the acute stage
• Melt full foot treatment every morning
• Exercise the toes; pick up the soft MELT® ball with your toes
• Melt the calves every morning and evening
• Stretch the calves/ankles every morning and evening
• MELT® mini foot treatment before bed
• Wear shoes with a flexible sole and a back; no flip flops or slide on shoes
• Walk mindfully; put weight on the big toe when you step and roll thru the foot

In addition to my self-treatments, I had two cranio-sacral sessions, a week apart, targeting my hips and feet. Whether you prefer a chiropractor, cranio-sacral therapist, or any other deep body-worker, it is important to have someone adjust/balance out your hips. If you only address the feet and ignore the connection with the hips, your healing will be much slower.
 
Lastly, pay attention to your footwear. Improper shoes definitely play a role in all types of foot pain. Avoid shoes that slide on, flip-flops, shoes with a stiff sole. I now only wear flip-flops when I go for a pedicure, never for long periods of walking/standing. Show your feet some love and your knees and hips will thank you!!