Did you ever have someone hold onto your shoulders and pull you back while you were trying to run.....and then let go? If so, you probably felt as it you were flying. It's an amazing feeling!
Let's use that template to demonstrate how optimal posture and function should feel. Once we've anchored into that feeling, we'll be able to understand how everything we do is moving us towards or away from health.
The body has an innate brilliance which we sometimes forget to use. How your body responds to each position, movement, and exercise holds an incredible amount of value in guiding you to know whether what you're doing is helping or hurting you, both immediately and long-term.
The most effective and impactful cue is to have what Dr. Andrew Buser refers to in 'The Posturelate' as the "Anti-Gravity Feeling". This is when you feel light, as if you're walking on air. We've likely all experienced it at some point in ours lives. It typically occurs when you give your body the right stimulus which puts your bones in the right place by using the 'right' muscles.
Much of our pain and injuries are a function of compression (rubbing) in between the joints and and discs. When we systematically align the body and engage the deep postural muscles to maintain alignment, this creates distraction (opening) of these areas and allows us to regain natural function and movement. The Anti-Gavity feeling often occurs as a result.
Here are a few questions you can ask yourself after each exercise, workout or visit to your PT, Chiropractor, Massage Therapist, etc. It can be of value to print them out to refer to on a consistent basis. Hopefully this simple tool will help make a lasting and positive impact in how you feel.
Do you feel heavy or light?
Is there a spring in your step or do feel more stuck to the ground when walking?
Is your breathing more labored or easier?
Are you standing naturally taller or feel hunched over?
Do you have more or less energy throughout the day?
Is your pain better or worse?
Are you feeling better or worse overall – both physically and emotionally?
Sometimes the simplest tools are the most effective. I hope that your ability to anchor into your sense of feel provides you with a framework for more optimal health, movement, and natural posture.
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