Raise the Flag

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The Beach
I am so thankful to live near the beach. I grew up around the beach, love to travel to other beaches and am enamored by the beauty and energy from the beach, birds, wildlife and water.  It gets very crazy around Clearwater Beach and the surrounding beaches especially during spring break.  I put my patient hat on and am thankful that so many people are enjoying this beautiful treasure!

Recently, I went south to Indian Rocks Beach, home of the original Crabby Bill's restaurant.  Throughout many of the beaches, we now have bright yellow flags on each side of the street to hold while crossing Gulf Blvd.  Although I thought it was for my entertainment purposes to be able to wave a flag, it's so the out of towners, spring breakers, and locals can see clearly when someone is crossing the street.  You never know who may get caught up watching a half naked person (I'm talking about people in bathing suits!) walk on the side of the road and cause a wreck.

Wave the Flag Proud and Strong
It's not every day you get to wave a flag. In fact, it's not every month either. I thought it was a treat and felt somewhat freeing! Try it! Just visualize waving a flag.  I also see it as an exercise, like I do many things in everyday life.  As you're waving the flag, if you hold your arm higher (as if you are raising your hand confidently to answer a question in class) it will be more challenging.  A larger flag will be harder. Wave your flag like a crazy eight.  While doing the crazy eight motion engage the core, feel the rotation, internal and external, from the shoulder (keep the shoulder blades down, please), use the triceps, back and chest.  Look both ways and cross the street, confidently while waving your flag. I bet everyone else will want to try it! Make sure to use the other arm when you cross back!

Take these precious times in life to pay attention to your strengths (from left to right side, front/back, top/bottom), strengthen your body and play with yourself.  The next time you get the opportunity to wave a flag, go for it!


Body and Mind Enrichment. A unique way of exercising your body and mind!

Awareness

Use this new year like a clean slate. We're starting fresh, right?? Be alert and aware of your body from the inside out. When you see a 1/2 of a glass of water is your first thought that it's half full or half empty? When you put on clothes in the morning, do you always step with the same leg first to put your skirt, shorts, pants, etc. on. When you step up stairs, do you always step with the same leg. When standing, do you have more weight on one foot or side of the body? When seated, do you have more weight on one hip or 'cheek' more than another? Check if you carrry a bag, purse or items in the same hand or shoulder. How are your shoes - snug, old, worn out? Position your ear ontop of your shoulders.

All of these every day movements and positions play an integral part of our posture which affects so much! Look at yourself in a full length mirror in your birthday suit. The more you look on a regular basis, the more you'll learn! Look from the feet, ankles, knees, hips, waist, shoulders, neck - is one side higher than another? do you have a natural tendency to angle your head (maybe in the direction that you hold your phone??) Don't foget to look in the rear view mirror! I have included a video on finding your connection to the transverse abdominis. Please use that as an important took to building your core. Throughout the day, tap into your body!


Body and Mind Enrichment. A unique way of exercising your body and mind! www.bodyandmindenrichment.org