“Blessed are those who are flexible, for they shall not get bent out of shape!” – beautifully said by a foster mother of 8 from the documentary “The Horse Whisperer”
Hi Everyone,
A great metaphor, isn’t it? Perhaps something we can all work on, in mind and in body.
You may have heard me say that one of the primary objectives is not to seek perfect symmetry (which is anatomically impossible because we are not platonic ideal), but to develop the capacity to dissipate shock or jarring also referred to as kinetic energy.
In my previous letter, I shared a few examples of an ideal day from a movement perspective. Pandiculating was one of them – what does it mean and why is it so important?
Pandiculating, also known as “Instinctive Stretching” is a full body reach and stretch often signalled by yawning, a natural way of maintaining healthy myo (muscle) fascial (connective tissue) integrity.
Many animals, especially cats, do it so beautifully.
When elastic integrity is lost, the capacity to maintain tensional balance and dissipate stress strain and shock is significantly compromised and the risk of premature aging and injury is imminent.
Tension integrity is at the heart of all my movement cycles and pandiculating is one of the main features by way of oppositional reaching and lengthening.
So, if you want to feel springy this spring, yawn reach and stretch every day and join me for a personalised session in Island Bay.
Classes are held at Jhana Millers Gallery every Saturday at 9am and fortnightly Fridays at 7:30am in Island Bay.
Alternatively, you may choose to participate from the comfort of your own home.
For bookings, txt 021 269 5741
Yours in health and movement,
Fem.
“The pandiculating cat”