Lessons Learned

At a closing summer BBQ last weekend I had the chance to reconnect with an old friend for a bit. He is a martial arts instructor here in Flagstaff.

Our conversation eventually turned toward principals of teaching and the life lessons we learn from our teachers. Not just in the discipline of a specific study, but life. If you listen closely, everyone you interact with can become a teacher of sort. One lesson or another, profound or not, learning is a life long process. And we must not forget our teachers.

Early in life we are introduced our most important teachers, our Mother and Father, brothers and sisters, and this continues on until we no longer know these people; through death or separation. The lessons we are to learn are fundamental; about relationships, love, kindness, gratitude...

In my high school days I met a great man by the name of Dennis Deike. He was a bit like the gas station attendant from the Way of the Peaceful Warrior. He was a hard ass peace maker, retired Viet Nam vet, gone Buddhist, Christian, scientist, linguist. The lessons I was taught by Deike about humanity will never be replaced. He used a lot of reverse psychology in his teachings, and would piss me off, then close his house to visitors and take a nap, while the lessons brewed, what a jerk!

In my junior year of high school, I told him I was thinking about getting into massage therapy. He said I would never make it, and it was a very stupid idea. Now, every time I make a stride in my career, I thank him for his blessing, and throw him the bird, just as he'd like it!

As we grow into adults the lessons of old remain, so long as we remember and pay tribute to our teachers.

More recently I have been gifted the opportunity to sit with a few folks who again have had great influence in my life. Erik Dalton and Kim Miller. Thanks for every life lesson as well as the bodywork lessons...

Til next time...

In the Presence of Greatness

At a recent Myoskeletal Alignment workshop in Tucson, AZ, I had the opportunity to work with and get to know Mr. Jim Asher. Jim and Erik Dalton have been friends since the early days at the Rolf Institute. What a pleasure it was to be in the company of these two great minds.

Jim started with Ida Rolf in 1971, and was with her until her death. He was one of the original instructors at the Rolf Institute and assisted Ida in advanced trainings as Rolfing (R) was born.

While in Tucson, Jim helped in assisting the Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques (R) course on Neck, Low Back, and Shoulder Pain. We were able to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Jim....what an interesting fellow.

My understanding is that Jim offers one of the most dynamic cranio-sacral classes in the world, love to study with him some day as well...until then, thanks Jim!

Flagstaff Massage

So in the video posted here, notice the general improvement that occurs after applying Myoskeletal Muscle Spindle techniques.

First test, this runner has limited range of motion, second test better, and third all the way!

I feel that the limited ROM is initiated by a tight line, psoas and rectus femoris, potentially hip capsule adhesions as well. So we stretch it to defeat Davis's Law. Then a quick few minutes of manual muscle spindle stim work.....Enjoy!

updated viddy

Back Pain in the Shower

When experiencing acute low back pain be cautious in the shower! Try this simple technique while rinsing your hair.

Stand facing the shower head rather than hyper extending your low back to let the water run down the back side. This may lead to a bit more work if you have long hair, but it will save you back!