Our meeting of March 10 in Parkville had about 14 folks present. Once again Arlene took notes and they are available for viewing. Jerry mentioned that his daughter, Jerri, might have some yoga advice for us. She offers the following:
" ... there are ways of walking meditatively that might be helpful...bringing awareness to all the toes, inner and outer heel, noticing the shift of weight from heel to ball of foot and toes: This type of 'paying attention' tones the nervous system and is especially toning to 'proprioception,' which is the peripheral nervous system's way of sending messages back to the brain. Taking time to walk slowly and mindfully can improve balance, posture, and foot problems as well as provide an overall calming to the nervous system and mind.
In addition, lots of leg, hip and lower back (and therefore walking) problems begin in the feet. Rolling a tennis ball under the arch of the foot (can be done sitting in a chair) might be helpful.
Perhaps most importantly, taking time to sit tall or lie down and focus on breathing improves nervous system and cardiovascular health. Counting to 6 as you inhale and counting to 9 as you exhale is a very calming breath. If a 9-count exhale feels too long, shorten it to 8 or 7--the point being that a longer EXHALE calms the nerves."
Our next meeting will be from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday, June 9, in the Mill Creek Dining Room adjacent to the cafeteria in level B2 of St. Lukes Hospital in Kansas City. More on that later.
Notes from the Nov. 18 meeting are available at:
http://www.wizardofkansas.com/vf/Notes3.10.07.htm