Here is a variation on my favorite abdominal exercise. It appears that the traditional crunches are not that beneficial, but that we need to find ways to strengthen the long and the deeper abdominal muscles. I am seeing a real change in strength and posture from doing these. Of course, as always, make sure this […]
A New Year: meditation invitation
January 2, 2015 by
This is a good time to take another look at meditation, give it another try: Here is an excerpt from the Shambala Magazine that might help, part of an interview with three well-known meditation teachers. See Interview below. If you like using a variety of guided meditations, starting January 15 the Winter Feast for the Soul […]
Holiday de-stress
November 24, 2014 by
Let Be, Let Go, Let In –Three Steps to Meet Holiday Stress This article was originally published in the ISIS Scrolls in December 2010. Are you approaching this holiday season with mixed feelings? Do you worry about balancing obligations and expectations with enjoying time with family and friends? Are you overworked and feeling stressed? If […]
Chi Gong- breath and movement
November 3, 2014 by
Recently I took a wonderful workshop combining chi gong, calligraphy and just plain loosening up, to bring more movement and creativity into my art work. I wanted to introduce you to a profound way to relax in just seconds that our presenter, Pearl Huang taught us. And I was lucky enough to find a video […]
Medications for chronic pain
October 13, 2014 by
I have been reluctant to write about medications, as a social worker I do not have medical training. But a recent video about opioid medication (below) and an inservice from my hospice doc, as well as the video I posted recently gave me enough input. This topic is especially important, as fewer doctors are willing […]
Breathing to relax
October 7, 2014 by
This week I have received several prompts about the importance of breathing for stress relief. My yoga teacher takes time at the beginning of class to allow us to lie down, settle and breathe. The goal is to lengthen the out-breath, which calms the body (a scientific fact). What I like about her approach is […]
Are you sensory sensitive?
September 30, 2014 by
Are you sensitive to light, noise, touch and medications in addition to having chronic pain such as fibromyalgia, or wide spread pain, moving pain (have you had pain in a number of different parts of your body over several years)? Dr. Dan Clauw, the Director of the Chronic Pain & Fatigue Center at the University of […]
Stop for Beauty
September 17, 2014 by
What stops you during your day to take a few breaths, and really look, or hear or smell something? For me it’s been yellow roses lately, beckoning to me right before I walk down the stairs. How often do you allow yourself to just stop when you notice something beautiful, or delicious, or touching? My […]
Driving comfortably
September 9, 2014 by
Having done a bit of driving lately, and adjusting to my husband’s “new” car, I was reminded to write about a favorite topic: getting comfortable and preventing pain while driving. My main premise: no matter how fancy the seats, they were probably not designed for you. I invite you to bring in additional props to […]
Pacing- a guest post
September 6, 2014 by
Here is an excellent article by fellow chronic pain blogger at The Princess in the Tower. It is such an important topic and gave me new ways to think about pacing. Please continue reading the even more important second part on her website, and check out her Facebook page. She offers information about chronic pain […]