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

When the dog bites....

    I was driving home from work on Friday and just turned into my neighborhood when I saw a little white dog run across the street a few blocks ahead of me. As a devout dogaholic and previous owner of a doggie rescue, I immediately went on high alert. The dog looked lost as he randomly ran in the street.

    When I got closer, I saw an SUV along the side of the road looking toward the dog. I pulled up in front of the vehicle, hoping that the precious little dog was their pet. The SUV pulled up beside me. There was a young couple inside (about my age), and they asked me if that was my dog.

    "No," I answered, "Isn't it yours?" It wasn't. We all looked in the direction the dog had run and wistfully in the direction of our homes. I sighed and unbuckled my seat belt. "It's okay," I told them, "I'll help the little guy." They sure looked relieved and grateful as they drove off to start their weekend.

    The mailman just happened to pull up along the curb. He watched me get out of my car and asked, "Is that your dog?"  I answered, "No, but I'll see if I can help him, poor thing." The mailman looked relieved and continued on, happy to finish his route and start his weekend.

    I was on my own, just me and the sweet little dog. I sat down on the sidewalk, in spite of the fact that I was wearing my favorite white capri pants. I spoke to him, softly and quietly, to reassure him that I was here to help him get home so he could start his weekend. He slowly began walking toward me, and I continued to speak soft words of reassurance.

    All of a sudden an older woman (about my age) came across the yard and started calling the dog. It that instant that helpless little dog turned into Cujo. I'm not kidding. He started barking, snarling and running in a huge circle around me. Shocked at the sudden transformation, I asked the woman if he was her dog. "Yes," she replied, "And don't walk away from him; he might try to bite you."

    Well, that's a fine howdy do and thanks for your concern. Sheesh! I stood there, immobilized, while the woman ran around in circles, chasing her dog and trying to get him in the house. The situation went from being strange to absurd as the two of them ran around in circles in the hot sun. In the meantime, the circle was getting smaller. And tighter. And the psychotic little beast was getting closer.

    Finally, her daughter pulled up and opened her car door. The woman assured me that the dog would get in the car because he thought he was going to go for a ride. Geez, I thought my Italian Greyhounds were high maintenance. He ran up to the car and just before he jumped in, I sighed with relief and turned to walk away. My bad. At that moment, he saw his opening. He changed direction, lunged at me and bit me on the ankle. That's how I started my weekend.

    There are a lot of important lessons in this story. First of all, just because you think someone needs your help, they may not agree. Next, if you find yourself in a ridiculous situation, you may want to think twice before you turn your back on it. You never know who may be nipping at your heels. Another thing is that size doesn't matter. A nip where the Achille's tendon attaches can hurt. I guess we all have our Achille's heel, and my devout passion for dogs is one of mine, although I wouldn't have it any other way. Finally, and the most important point, is that I'm glad he's not my dog.

Giovanni and Chocolate Guido....they may be high maintenance, but they sure are sweet!

Be healthy!
Cheryl Ilov, PT, GCFP

A strictly forbidden learning experience....

    My journey into the world of martial arts has been interesting, as well as educational, to say the least. I have often been the lone female in a testosterone filled environment, but I've gotten used to it. I've even learned to enjoy it, but that's probably because I'm a natural born flirt.

    However, I love training with other women, and I am fortunate to be in a school where there are several other women who train. Women seem to have a natural ability and spirit, which is something my Sensei told me during the three years that it took him to get me on the mat. I didn't believe him then, but I certainly do now. I just wish more women would train in some form of martial art, but I know how intimidating it is to walk into a male dominated Dojo. .

    Which is why I began teaching self defense classes for women only. It's a lot less intimidating for women to enter a safe and fun environment, learn from another woman who's been around the block a few times, and also knows her way around the mat. It's an idea that came to me early in my training, and something that developed through the years.

    During the course of my training, I became acquainted with a group of men that practice an art that is different from mine but has similar roots. I've been invited to their seminars and workshops and have attended several of them. Even though I was from another discipline, I was always invited, and they continue to update me on upcoming events.

    Since they always keep me in their circle I sent them my information regarding my women's self defense classes. I thought they might be interested in what I was doing, and I'm sure they know plenty of ladies who would like to learn a few things to protect themselves. I received a terse response from one of their instructors.

    He told me, "Well, we don't have any women students, and I do teach men and women." I giggled. If they have no women in their school, how could he possibly teach them? And, if they did have women in their school, why would those women need of a basic self defense class? That's just silly. Then I wondered why they didn't have any women in their school.

    He informed me that the lineage of our arts are different. Of course, I've always known that. So has he. He concluded by telling me that while he has the utmost respect for my art, he must follow directives which strictly forbid cross training between us. Yikes! I wish I had known that before I took their training seminars. If I had known I was engaging in an activity that was strictly forbidden, I would have enjoyed it more. It would have been even more fun, and I would have felt a little naughty.

    I guess the flow of information is a one way street. How disappointing. Even more disappointing is the women who may have benefited from just a few classes who will now never receive this information. I understand that he was trying to protect his territory. But, he doesn't understand is that I am trying to protect women. Or at least teach them how to protect themselves.

    The ability to learn how to defend yourself should be easily and appropriately available to everyone, regardless of their age, gender, level of ability and personal belief system. We should be encouraging those who are vulnerable to find their power and strength, not holding them back because some one's ego got in the way.  Hmmm, maybe that's the reason there aren't any women in their school.

    Opportunities to learn are everywhere. Each one should be supported and celebrated rather than discouraged or tossed aside. No learning opportunity should never be strictly forbidden, for anyone, but especially to those who can benefit the most.    

 

Be healthy, and keep learning!
Cheryl Ilov, PT, GCFP