Hey mom…is that a lumbar curve?
| January 25, 2013 | Posted by Jean Hoiland under Anatomy, Jean Hoiland, Uncategorized |
This morning my mom shared her “aha” moment from the previous weeks yoga class. Once she mentioned it I realized she had been standing a little taller and practicing tadasana at home. Turned out she finally found her lumbar curve, after decades of it being MIA… and low and behold when I turned her sideways there it was.
A well aligned spine is a beautiful sight, each curve properly in place and in balance. The heart centered over the pelvis.
You may be wondering what the big deal is….well…let me tell you…it is a really big deal. Proper alignment, posture and form are essential for spaciousness, ease and freedom in our bodies. It can be oh so elusive to attain, but once we feel it, we want to shout from the roof top “eureka, I’ve got it”.
It’s kind of like mastering a stick shift. When our gears are out of alignment we are stiff and jerky, sometimes stalling out. Once mastered the ride becomes smooth and exhilarating.
Regaining homeostasis is a liberating feeling. My mom succeeded in undoing decades of patterns and habits and in doing so she looks taller (not easy at 5′ 1″) and younger (she already looks at least 10 years younger than her real age). She no longer appears to be perpetually practicing first position, toes out heels in, clenching her butte-cheeks, locking up her pelvis and reducing her lumbar curve.
She has found space and freedom for movement. Her pelvis has begun to release and her practice is unfolding.
As her daughter I am elated and greedily anticipating at least two more decades of her presence in my life. As a teacher I feel relief that my efforts and persistence are not in vain.
I am hopeful that perhaps my mom’s propensity to fall on her face (literally) has ended. I asked her if she felt more balanced and she responded yes. There is still a long way to go but with this new found freedom she will no doubt feel more confident to pursue more challenging postures.
There may still be hope to free her shoulders and see her in a handstand in the next few years 
Do not burst my bubble…I can hope.
I will not shrink with age…NO WAY!
| January 15, 2013 | Jean Hoiland, Uncategorized, Updates |
The topic of age related shrinking popped up after the 8am Slow Stretch class this morning. It was a small class with an age range of 65 to 79 and height range from 5’ 11” to 5’ tall. Everyone in the class said they had indeed noticed diminishing height with age; the range from 1″-2″.… more
Two great books for 2013
| January 10, 2013 | Uncategorized |
As the new year begins you may find yourself struggling with resolutions, goals and a host of other mind stuff that clutters a sincere desire to be healthy, happy and wise. I have found the two books below to be of great help over the years and it is my hope they will help you… more
Is there a gap in your 6 pack? …diastasis recti what?
| August 29, 2012 | Anatomy, Jean Hoiland |
Diastasis Recti is the separation of the abdominal muscles (specifically the rectus abdominus or 6 pack muscles). It is caused most often by: Weight gain in the abdominal area Growing uterus during pregnancy Doing abdominal exercises incorrectly – NO MORE CRUNCHES! If the issue is not addressed it can lead to back pain. It occurs… more
Is Yoga Worth it?
| August 25, 2012 | Jean Hoiland, Uncategorized |
I was interview by April Chan from Enumclaw Patch today. She wanted to know about my “Go Fund Me” renovation campaign. Most specifically she wanted to know why. She was curious what motivates me. I’m not sure how well I answered her question and have been giving it more thought. What motivates me is pretty… more
