When spam was ham in a can....

     It took me a long time to embrace modern technology. Three years ago, the only thing I could do on a computer was send and retrieve emails. And even that didn't always go well. Until a few months ago, I didn't even know what spam was. I always thought it was ham in a can. It never did appeal to me, so it made sense when people would use that word with a look of disdain on their face.
    
   I've come a long way, and I am proud to report that I am completely self taught. Which means that I have made a a lot of mistakes along the way. I have unknowingly breached online etiquette, unwittingly looked like a nit wit, and have often appeared downright ridiculous as well as unsophisticated. But, I learned a lot.

    Early in my timid exploration of this form of communication, I was invited to join two online communities. One encouraged participation and dialogue among it's members. I guess the other one didn't, which I discovered after committing an online faux pas by responding to a conversation. Apparently the "conversation" was all one sided, and I was rewarded with a very public, brutal and humiliating verbal attack. Online, of course. My "friend" would never have the nerve to speak to me that way to my face. I was so upset I had to seek professional help. It took a few weeks to realize that I wasn't the one that had the problem, but it still took a while to recover from that. 

    I did recover, and I got back on the horse (or the keyboard) and continued to learn the magic of modern technology. I still make mistakes, and sometimes I make the occasional and unintentional faux pas. I just don't beat myself up over it anymore, nor do I let anyone else do it, either.

    In reality, I really am an old fashioned kind of girl. I prefer face time over screen time. I prefer holding a hand instead of a smartphone. To me the sound of a voice is much sweeter than the sound of a keyboard. Most of all, I prefer a lively conversation rather than the silence of a written response. After all, I can talk faster than I can type, and with a lot less mistakes as well. 

    Besides, I'm also a people person. I love meeting them, talking to them and working with them. It is my life's work. I need to embrace that part of myself just as I continue to embrace this wonderful but often confusing high tech world we live in. 
  
    But, I still do miss the days when spam was ham in a can. Everything just seemed easier back then. 



Be healthy!
Cheryl Ilov, PT, GCFP

Licorice, lollipops,chocolate and health fairs....

    I attended a health and wellness expo last week to promote my business and share the methods I use to help people move better, feel better and get out of pain. I don't participate in many events, but when I do, I always place a lovely basket of high quality dark chocolate at the edge of my table. 

    Just the thought of chocolate brings a smile to my face. And the smell! Is there anything more comforting than the smell of rich, dark chocolate wafting over you? Especially when you're feeling stressed or anxious. As much as I enjoy getting out in front of the public, these big health expos make me incredibly nervous. I'm always afraid of feeling inept, or out of place.

    As I organized my table, I set out my basket of chocolate. The heavenly aroma combined with the pretty wrappings began to work it's magic. A few more deep breaths and I was home free. The other exhibitors were filling the room. One of them walked past me, so I gave her a bright smile and greeted her with a chipper, "Good morning!" She looked derisively at my table, sneered, and said, "Candy.....at a health fair! That hardly seems appropriate." 

    Sheesh! I wanted to educate her on the many benefits of dark chocolate, but she didn't seem interested in friendly conversation. She breezed past me to set up her table, which was across from me. To make matters worse, the nice young lady next to me was pulling out fresh produce and setting it out just a hair's breath away from my chocolate. 

    My nerves started to kick back into overdrive, and the familiar feeling that I didn't belong there threatened to take over. To pass the time and to avoid the condescending looks from my neighbor, I walked the floor to introduce myself to the other exhibitors. After all, if I was going down, I might as well go out in style.  

    I saw all kinds of people representing all kinds of businesses. I also saw bags of chocolate, bowls of licorice, and even a basket of gourmet lollipops. Yes, all at a health fair! Apparently I wasn't the only one who felt it was okay to bring a few treats to the table, so to speak. Maybe I wasn't out of place, and maybe I did belong there. My confidence started to return, along with my sense of humor and my incomparable stubbornness. I was ready for action. 

    It was a terrific event. I ran out of chocolate before the day was over. The gourmet lollipops were gone within a few hours, and so was the licorice. My next door neighbor never did run out of kale. And the lady across from me never ran out of opportunities to scowl as people walked past her with their licorice, lollipops and chocolate. I felt bad for her, because she didn't seem to be having much fun, and she didn't seem particularly happy. A small piece of chocolate might boost her spirits a bit. 

    Remember, everything in moderation. Including chocolate. And kale. It's good for your health!  

                                                                                                         

Be healthy!
Cheryl Ilov, PT, GCFP

The Power of Pilates, and why it works....

     The Pilates Method is famous for developing long, lean muscular bodies while improving flexibility, posture and core strength. This remarkable method created by it's founder, Joseph H. Pilates, helps you stretch, strengthen and re-shape your entire body. Pilates also helps you recover quickly from injuries and prevent future injuries. The six basic principles specific to Pilates incorporate the ability to pay close attention to yourself while you simultaneously activate your core muscles, elongate your spine and precisely moving through each exercise. Here's a closer look at these principles. 

        Concentration 
    Concentration truly embodies the mind/body connection that is the key to Pilates and why it makes it so effective and powerful. In Pilates, we move slowly and carefully, paying attention to each detail of every movement. It's more challenging than you may think when you begin, but eventually it becomes easier and will transfer over to all of your physical activities.    
    
         Control
    With Pilates, it is important to be in control of every part of your body, during every aspect of the movement. If you don't know exactly what you're doing at each moment in time, your movement will have no purpose. This type of "control" is not rigid or forced; instead, it is finding a way to move easily and gracefully, even with challenging movements.

         Centering
    In Pilates, finding your center means isolating and activating your lower abdominal muscles. It is the starting place of Pilates, from where every movement develops, and is often referred to as the "girdle of strength." Once you understand how to engage your center, it will change the quality of your movement for life. It will improve your posture, flatten your stomach, and give you a strong support for your low back.

        Flowing movement
    Flowing movement is a close companion to centering. Each movement flows outward from a strong center and is smooth and continues. No movement is abrupt or jerky, but transitions seamlessly into the next part of the movement or exercise. Each movement moves fluidly from one position to another, like a well choreographed dance, without stress or strain.

        Precision
    Precision is a close companion to control, and I consider it a form of "physical fine tuning." Working carefully with the precision of each movement recruits individual muscle fibers and the nerve fibers that communicate with them. Smaller muscles are now able to help your bigger, stronger, bulkier muscles. As a result, your smaller, weaker  muscles develop strength and your bigger muscles get longer, leaner, less bulky and more flexible. Pretty amazing, isn't it?

        Breathing
    In Pilates, the breathing is a major part of the ease and the flow of each exercise. The rhythm of the breath is smooth, even, flowing and natural; it is never forced. The exhale occurs during the most challenging part of the exercise to help engage the core muscles, elongate the spine and lengthen the limbs. This breathing pattern helps you complete the exercises effortlessly and gracefully. 
       
    These six basic principles and level of awareness, self attention and concentration can be applied to any exercise regime or physical activity. Give it a try, and let me know how it works out for you. You may be surprised at how good you look and feel!

Be healthy!
Cheryl Ilov, PT, GCFP

                     

A trip to Target and a lesson about "stuff"....

    The other day I decided to make a quick run to Target to pick up a few things that I really needed. I figured it wouldn't take long, especially since I didn't need much. I grabbed what I needed and stepped up to the checkout counter. There was only one customer ahead of me so I knew I would soon be out the door and on my way home. 

    Her basket was full of small items, and the cashier meticulously turned each one over in his hands a few times before he scanned it. This was going to take longer than I thought, but that's okay. I have a lot of patience and I'm pretty good at entertaining myself. I played Ninja mind games, I played with shifting my weight, and I looked at a few magazines. Good grief, this was taking forever! 

    I was tired, my feet hurt, and I worried about getting home to let my dogs out. They are Italian Greyhounds, and they are notorious for being lackadaisical about their house training, especially when they've been left alone too long. They aren't malicious about it; it's just not high on their list of priorities. Finally, the cashier pulled off the sales receipt and handed it to the customer. She looked at it and said, "This isn't right. You overcharged me." Uh-oh.

    It took a few moments for him to realize his mistake. He put in a call for his supervisor. While we all waited for her to arrive, he smiled at me and said, "Miss, this is going to take a few minutes." No kidding. He was a gentleman, and I wasn't angry with him, especially after he called me "miss." But I had already waited long enough, and I politely replied, "It's okay; I'll come back another time. I really don't need all of this stuff right now, anyway." 

    The minute I said those words, I realized how true they were. There was nothing in my cart that I did need, except for the box of dog treats. After all, I had to give my little darlings something to keep them busy while I cleaned up after them. Everything else was just "stuff" that was getting in the way of my getting home, putting my feet up, and playing with my dogs. What was I thinking?

    I already have enough "stuff" in my life, and you probably do as well. The last thing we need is to collect more. Instead, perhaps we could focus on getting rid of the "stuff" we already have that may be getting in our way. Sometimes clearing out the clutter helps us gain clarity. I'm going to remember that the next time I feel the need to pick up a few things, and I'll think about what it is that I really do need instead.
    

Be healthy!
Cheryl Ilov, PT, GCFP 

The Feldenkrais Method(R) and the power of "no"....

    I learned a lot during the four years of my Feldenkrais Training. However, the most valuable thing I learned was from one of my favorite teachers when he veered off course during a group discussion. He did that a lot. He told us a story about an incident that happened when he was a guest teacher at another training program. I love stories, so I settled on my mat in that semi comatose Felden-fog that I would get during training segments.

    He told us that after the first few days of teaching he was aware of some grumbling and the undercurrents of a rebellion brewing. He gathered the class together for a 'family talk" and to give everyone a change to express their concerns. He went around the circle and listened to their complaints, most of them which were directed at him personally. 

    My teacher, the ultimate professional, patiently listened as the complaints against him grew exponentially as they went around the circle. It was as if each student was trying to out do the previous one, and the list of infractions took on a life of it's own. Finally, they got to the end of the circle. My teacher said, "Okay, but I'm not sure everybody had a chance to say everything they wanted to, so let's go around the circle again."  The students really ripped into him the second time.  He thanked them for their feedback. You have to know this guy. I just love him!

    The rest of the two week training went without any further mutinous activity. The students even seemed to warm up to him, but it did take awhile.  At the end of the training, the students told him how much they enjoyed having him as their teacher, how much they learned from him, and asked him to come back for another segment. He just looked at them and said, "No! Forget you!"   

    Okay, that's not exactly what he said, but you get the point. It certainly was enough to jar me out of my dream like state. I bolted up to a sitting position and just sat there, in jaw dropping, eye blinking stunned astonishment. He continued, "Why would I subject myself to that kind of abuse after the way you disrespected me? I don't need this stuff in my life." (Once again, I did some family friendly editing).

    Light bulbs flashed in my brain as a smile slowly came to my face. What a concept! Saying no, setting boundaries, and making decisions based on what you want to do rather than what someone else wants you to do. Did I mention that I love this guy? 

   From that moment on, anytime I was in a situation that wasn't working for me, I remembered that story. I would smile as I imagined myself repeating my teacher's exact words before I simply said, "No." 
    
    At graduation, I hugged my teacher and reminded him of that story and told him that the most valuable thing I learned in the four years was that magic phrase and the power of "no." He hugged me back and said, "Isn't it interesting how we all get what we need from Feldenkrais, and at the precise time that we need it?" That's just one of the many things that I love about Feldenkrais. I just love this Method, and I still love my teacher. I also love the freedom that I have from that one little lesson, the silly little story that taught me the power of "no."   

Be healthy!
Cheryl Ilov, PT, GCFP
    

Child's play....

    I went on vacation last week. I know, this doesn't sound like earth shattering news or a life altering event, but it was for me. I haven't had a vacation in six years. The reasons aren't important. Let's just say that personal responsibilities were a priority. During that time I had to leave my practice for weeks on end. Afterward, all my time, energy and effort was directed into rebuilding my practice. If you're self employed, you know what I mean.

    Vacations were a distant memory, and I wondered if I would ever see a beach again. Then my youngest sister invited us to go on vacation with her and her family. I hesitated, but she said, "Aww, come on! You really need it." It sounded like a good idea, but I worried about being away from work for that long. I'm so used to continuous hard work, sitting on a beach for a week seemed like the epitome of self indulgence. I was afraid I'd be bored.
 
   I wasn't bored, I was busy doing something that I hadn't done in a long time. I played, and I played all day long, like I did when I was a kid, with no goal or objective in sight. I played everywhere, and I played with everyone, including my niece, nephew, sister, brother-in-law and my husband. I even tried playing with a sand crab, but he wouldn't cooperate. Party pooper. No wonder why they call them crabs.

    We played in the ocean, in the pool, on the beach and in the sand. We played Ninja games and paddle board. I stopped playing when it came time for football and volleyball. That's where I draw a line in the sand, so to speak. I'm just not that kind of athlete. I challenged my niece and sister to a cartwheel competition. My niece taught me how to do a round-off, and I practiced handsprings in the sand. I failed miserably, but that's not the point.

    On the other hand, maybe that is the point. Like most of us, I had forgotten how to play. We lose that part of ourselves and our spirit of playfulness in the world of adult responsibilities. My sister was right. I really needed that vacation. Not only was it fun, relaxing, but a huge learning experience for me.

    During that week, I learned how to play again, without any goal or objective, but for the sheer joy of movement and self discovery. I learned that I still don't have to play football and volleyball to be a good playmate. I learned that sand crabs have really funny faces, but they make rotten playmates. I also learned that it's important to listen to a younger sibling, because sometimes they are smarter than you think and they know you better than you know yourself.

    I'm looking forward to the next vacation. But, in the meantime, my handsprings can use some work. Ooops, I mean play.

Be healthy, and playful!
Cheryl Ilov, PT, GCFP

A moose on the loose....

    I heard a frightening story a few days ago about a local woman hiking in the mountains with her dogs. They rounded a corner and surprised a moose with two calves. The moose charged, head-butted the hiker, knocked her to the ground and stomped her. Yikes! The woman is okay and the dogs are fine. There's no further update of the moose, but I'm sure she's forgotten all about it by now.

    Two years ago my husband and I tried to hike that exact same trail. It was early in the season, and the place was abandoned. My husband was excited because there wasn't another soul in sight. I was nervous for the exact same reason. There might not be any other people in the area, but I couldn't say the same about the wildlife. Especially the bears.

    I allowed my husband to talk me into a short hike. My unease escalated as we made our toward the trail head. I wondered out loud about bears wandering around with their cubs. The silence in the wilderness was deafening. Soon we came across a large sign at the base of the trail educating hikers about the slim possibility of coming across a bear, and what to do if that happened.

    Somewhat reassured, we continued toward the trail when we heard a loud crash. I froze like a deer in the headlights. My husband looked over my head toward the sound and whispered, "Holy (expletive)! It's a moose!" In all our years of hiking the Rocky Mountains, we have never seen a moose. Awestruck, we watched the huge animal as he ate a tree.

    It was one of those moments where you are completely one with nature. You feel honored, humbled and overwhelmed to be in the presence of such a creature. He was only about 25 feet away from us and my husband whispered again, "He doesn't even see us!" We stood in quiet reverence as the moose continued to eat, effortlessly snapping branches that were as large as a man's arm.

    Finally, he turned his head and looked at us. Excited, my husband whispered, "He sees us! He's checking us out now!" Uneasily, I asked, "Mike? Do moose charge?" Dead silence. Finally, he answered very slowly, "I....don't....know." That was good enough for me. We slowly stared walking backwards. Then we turned and ran like hell back to the car, realizing the folly of trying to out run a moose. I kept waiting to hear the pounding of hooves behind us, but apparently the tree was more interesting than two bumbling hikers on a trail. And to think I was afraid of bears.

    There are a few life's lessons in these two stories. First of all, life is full of surprises. It's also full of adventures. You never know who or what you're going to come across when you venture out into unknown territory. Sometimes you get knocked down and trampled on, but it's important to get back up again. Sometimes you need to go out on a limb, as long as no one is eating it and you can keep yourself safe. Also, what you are most afraid of might not be the actual threat. But, you'll never know unless you step out of your comfort zone.

Be healthy!
Cheryl Ilov, PT, GCFP