Posture Question

Body: 

All,

I've gotten pretty good about maintaining the posture while standing and sitting. (At least, I'm more conscious of what I'm doing or not doing and how I feel.) My question is how do you all maintain it while doing everyday stuff: gardening, housework, carrying children, etc., basically living. For example, I know that Christine has talked about the importance of maintaining the posture while she gardens. But, my question is how do you do that?

Holly

Hi Holly!

Great question! For me it's easiest to describe it as continually "pulling myself into the posture" everytime I get up from kneeling down, pick something up, etc. Just keep pulling yourself into it. The key is really the head/neck/shoulders. Alexander called the head the "primary control", and it really is true that the rest of the body follows what the head does. We can keep our head in this position whether we are sitting, standing, kneeling or crouching down. When I start walking, then I really try to accentuate the "navel over the pubic bone." Curiously, this does not push my stomach out, but seems to stretch me taller.

Anybody else?

Christine

It also makes my abdominal area stretch more vertically - that is why I make the observation, "standing tall."

I am on a weight loss regiment (eating what I want, but less and spacking the time I eat. I notice my abdomnial area is not as "poofy" and looking head on in a mirror (horrors), I notice "thin." Sideways is a different story (have to find humor with that one) but even there, it is "shrinking."

They say the more overweight one is, the likelihood of prolapse(s) if one is predisposed to it. That extra weight may be a contributing factor, I would think - just because of the force exerted by the extra adipose tissues. Once the posture is assumed, I am not too sure if that would apply.

Sybille

YOu know I've found a similar thing with my pregnant belly. I think I am really aware of my abs since they are being tested right now. I find when I am walking in the posture, contracting my buttocks, that my abs are engaed even though I am not trying to. It's a different feeling than when I would consciously try to suck in my abs. I think it might be that tension that Christine talksa bout.

Jane, I'm going to be following your progress. We've talked about having another baby and I'm so curious as to how the pregancy, and especially delivery will affect the prolapse. Thank you for your willingness to share things.

Holly

Thanks for the responses. Like Christine said, I've been trying to get back into the posture after doing most anything. Everytime I sit down or stand up, or bend over or whatever. I just wanted to be sure there wasn't something else I should be doing.

I don't know who it was who had posted some weeks ago about the Maya Abdominal Massage, but I got the book that was mentioned and have been doing it in addition to the "first-aid" and the movement program outlined in Christine's book. I really think the massage in combination with maintaining the posture has really helped. It seems to be a good combination.

The main thing I'm realizing is that the awareness factor is so important. Driving while maintaining the posture isn't very easy, but once out of the car, it's important to go back into it, etc.

I'm so glad we have a place where people understand us!

Holly

Thank you so much Holly, Jane, Pam, Sybille, Kelly and ALL OTHERS!!! The importance of this project takes my breath away sometimes....All love to you....