Stepping Out

Our
topic in this newsletter will be “Stepping Out.” There are a number of
ways to think of stepping out, so let’s start with the physical.

I’ve noticed the popularity of the “10,000 steps a
day” movement (10,000 steps is about 5 miles). We are being encouraged
in the name of improving our health and reducing the risk of disease to
be aware of how many steps we take each day. As we all know, physical
activity contributes to muscle, bone and joint health, helps us feel
better and gives us more energy. According to the Rand Corporation,
every mile you cover, whether walking or running, saves society an
average of 24 cents in medical and other costs! It’s a fun practice, so
here are a few tips:

*Take it one step at a time. Start at a level that is appropriate
for you.

*Warm up with some dynamic joint mobility exercises.
If you choose to stretch, do it afterwards.

*Wear reflective
gear if you are out in the dark.

*Use a PEDOMETER—it’ll make the 10,000 step practice even more
fun. For years people have given me pedometers to use and I have never
been impressed with them. They didn’t work and were too complicated.
Recently my friend and fellow stepping enthusiast, Brian, showed me the
one he was using and I was very impressed—easy and reliable. I have
gotten one and have given several as gifts (in fact, I’ve turned my 69
year old aunt into a stepping maniac). If you want to know more about
pedometers e-mail me.

*Treat yourself to some technique lessons. If you haven’t taken
running/walking/yoga classes or workshops with me, join me for one in
2008 or find a coach in your area. It’ll be well worth your while, I
promise!

As you might recall, I “stepped out” in 2007 to
deepen my Yoga teacher toolbox by continuing with my Shadow Yoga
Advanced Studies and Teacher Training. After 15 months it has come to
its conclusion. It has been a wonderful, challenging experience
fostering both professional and personal growth. I am grateful and give
thanks to my teacher Mark Horner for his guidance, as well as to the
other students I shared this time with for providing me with
encouragement and a safe and supportive space in which to practice.

On both a professional and personal note, I took
another “step” I’d like to share with you. Over the past few years I
have realized that not everyone is interested in taking a yoga class!
OK…..I know, I know, it sometimes takes a while for me, the eternal
optimist, to catch on. I felt there were many people I could serve who I
would not see in a yoga class and I began looking for a way to bring
movement principles to that community. Bear with me, please, as I share
with you part of my journey.

In the early 1980’s when I first began working in
the health and fitness field, I worked for years with chiropractors and
physical therapists who were interested in joint mobility and the
function of the nervous system. I became more muscularly oriented in my
approach in the early 90’s and must admit I forgot the importance of the
central nervous system. In the last few years, as I have mentioned in
many newsletters, I have gotten back to basics, and the central nervous
system and joint mobility are BASIC. No matter what I teach, be it yoga,
running, swimming, strength training or golf, I am always concerned
with proper, efficient biomechanics, which always starts with your
nervous system and your joints. But how to bring these teachings to
people who I would not see in my classes? In the first part of 2007 I
found what I was looking for. It’s called Z-Health and my teacher is Dr.
Eric Cobb. Those of you who were at my Yoga/Running Retreat this past
June got a sample of Z-Health. It’s exciting material to learn and teach
and I am glad to be once again working with basics. I have seen great
improvements in my own body as well as improvements in my students. I
will be talking more about Z-Health in future newsletters as well as
teaching Z-Health classes and workshops. I continue to evolve and learn
to serve in deeper ways and wanted to give you a glimpse of what I am
currently involved with.

Some of you are already aware of another “step” I’ve
taken in that I’ve relocated to San Diego. It was a difficult decision
to leave northern California because I felt so well supported and
appreciated by the community I served. When I first moved to California
in 1976 I moved to San Diego and also did my Master’s Degree there in
the 80’s. San Diego has always felt like a home base, and when I felt
like I wanted a smaller, less congested place to live closer to the
ocean, San Diego was a logical choice. I would like to send deep,
heartfelt thanks to all my northern California Ohlone, Silliman and
private students for allowing me to join you for so many years in the
dance of life—-you are incredible partners!

As 2007 winds down I ask you all for a “report
card.” In other words, are you finding these newsletters to be helpful?
Do I choose topics that are of interest to you and communicate clearly?
What would you like me to write about in the months ahead? I always
appreciate your questions and that you forward the newsletters along to
your family and friends.

Finally, as we step into 2008, I encourage you to
put yourself on your own “to do” list. Think about some of the topics we
discussed all year in these newsletters and see what feels right to
implement as you continue growing healthier. Remember that your history
does not determine your future. Experience and feelings can be useful,
so acknowledge them but don’t let them stop you from where you have
decided to go.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to provide
you, through these Joyinmovement newsletters, various stepping stones
(tools and resources) for living a healthy life.  See you in 2008!

Joyfully yours,

shelli