Fall Update • Oct. 2017
Sara Goldstein Studio
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News from "Up Here" • Fall Update
Hello Friends,
The end of summer brings about a sense of loss and the challenge of accepting change. For some of us, it’s the excitement of beginning new endeavors or a return to routines. Adjusting to shorter days, busier times, and colder weather can be difficult. But we can appreciate lessons that come with exploring our reactions to these events.
We can be aware of ourselves in the moment and to take time in order to notice and make choices in the face of our reactions. It takes time to adjust to change and we can acknowledge that, and notice how we are adapting moment by moment.
Enjoy!
Sara
Tips
SOFTEN YOUR GAZE
As the days grow shorter, we end up driving on dark roads more often. For some, the glare of the headlights of oncoming cars can be annoying and sometimes stressful. My first reaction is to stare at the oncoming headlights in frustration. This just intensifies the effect. I have noticed that if I soften my gaze and expand my visual field, that the headlights become less disruptive to my vision. I can include them in a broader sense of my surroundings and I don’t tense up as much. I might notice myself take a breath.
ACHES & PAINS
On the first of September, a gorgeous late summer day, as I was making some preparations to go back to work, I noticed a crick in my neck. Right on cue, my neck told me that it was September; time to tense up!. Does it have to be so? What choices do we have when we are faced with an occasional ache or pain? Certainly, if we react in anger and frustration, wishing it weren’t there, we just contribute to the aggravation. Try including the pain in your experience, and acknowledge its existence with curiosity. Of course, if you think it’s something serious, consult a doctor! But everyday aches and pains come and go. And by noticing them in a less reactive way we may discover that our body is sending a message. Having the patience to take time, and observe these things lessens their power over us. LIke the headlights of the oncoming cars, the aches and pains are just a part of a wider landscape. It’s a week later now, and my neck feels fine. I recommend David Gorman’s article, “The Rounder We Go, The Stucker We Get” at learningmethods.com for an interesting exploration of our reactions to pain.
REFLECTING
The leaves will turn, and the winter will come whether we want it to or not. Meanwhile, there are beautiful days, and some less so. And each one gives us opportunities to notice ourselves in the moment, as well as those around us, and to accept them in their seasons of life, just as we can accept the changes in the weather, and ourselves.
Enjoy the new and changing season as it unfolds.
ABOUT THE ALEXANDER TECHINQUE
The Alexander Technique helps us to function in harmony with our natural design and with greater efficiency and ease. Alexander lessons are recognized as a valuable resource to people of all ages, including performing artists, athletes, anyone with chronic or incidental pain or just wishing to improve wellbeing.
Book a Lesson with me, or Learn More on my website.