As with everything on this blog, I am not telling anyone else what to do. I'm merely sharing my own experiences in exploration of human health. Think. Learn. Be your own teacher.
If you live in the Asheville area, you are lucky for a wide variety of reasons. One of them is that Synchronicity Wellness has gotten in the habit of hosting monthly "Paleo Potlucks" which are announced on the "Paleo Asheville" facebook page. At these events, I've met some wonderful people and had some truly amazing food. No wonder some folks call paleo eating "the foodie's diet"!
I have also greatly enjoyed the various talks given at these potlucks. Each speaker has brought to the group a whole new perspective on a different subject. It's really cool to see how this "paleo thing" is encompassing so much more that just the classic diet and exercise stuff!
In October I got to give a talk at one of the potlucks regarding natural human gait.
The "lecture" is about 12 minutes, followed by a lengthy and somewhat funny Q&A/ discussion.
To watch the video click here:
If you watch, please let me know what you think.
If you'd like some additional resources, including loads of shoe options that I consider healthy for our feet and Books for runners... Click here:
A simple exercise I have used with considerable success to regain a gentle, natural human stride is what I like to call...
The “Sobriety Test” Exercise:
Teaching Your Brain to See with Your Feet
by Mo Goldstein, happy human
Expect this to be a joyful, but possibly very slow process. Different people learn at different speeds. Approach this as if you are gardening. You cannot force a plant to bloom. As such, do not force your feet or brain to adapt too quickly. Let this be a short time you take every morning to experience the sensation you brain has been hungry for since childhood.
1. Start completely barefoot on a flat, hard, smooth surface such as a wood or stone floor.
2. Stand for a moment and gently shift your weight from foot to foot without lifting either foot off the ground.
3. While looking forward (not down) with a soft gaze, begin lifting each foot very slightly, then gently placing it onto the ground as you lift the other foot.
4. Gently place one foot just barely in front of the other foot, then WAIT for the front foot to “invite” your weight onto it. This will involve some gentle contraction of the Gluteal and hamstring muscles in the back leg.
5. As you shift your weight to the forward foot, gently lift the back foot without “pushing off”.
6. Repeat at a slow, gentle pace. If you are “thumping”, slow down.
7. Try the same movement walking backwards. Notice the sensations in your feet.
After some time, you may wish to experiment with some different textures: rough surfaced concrete, dirt, etc… eventually even gravel. Do not rush this. With patience you can avoid possible injury as you slowly regain a very gentle and joyful gait. In time the muscles, tendons, and bones of the feet will become stronger as your brain-foot connection becomes “smarter”.
OK, now go outside and play!
Much love, -Mo the human
Thanks, Mo... for being you. :) Enjoyed watching/listening.
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