a mid-life wake up call
I remember when my own kids were active teens. Soccer, skateboarding, baseball…..life. Each child suffered through periodic episodes of common place aches and pains. But despite (or perhaps because of) their mom’s professional skill, they had resistance to hands on treatment and very little interest in learning self-care. Skills that could provide relief and even prevention of re-injury.
Fast forward to a watershed moment that happens in the fourth decade for many of us. That moment we wake up and realize we are mortal. That realization those carefree days of the first half of our lives are gone. That understanding we can no longer take a well-functioning body for granted. Now, well into their forties, my children are incredibly skilled at taking care of themselves and often come in to see me for hands on care.
Mid-life is a critical crossroad for many of us. And I no longer have any judgement about what we choose in that moment. Because mostly it is totally possible to ignore our body’s call for attention and instead go down the path of making adjustments. Limiting our activity level. Cutting some ventures down or out. Physically participating less fully in life. Ultimately we’re all headed in that direction anyway.
I hope I’m able to consciously live into that slow down moment. Ever gently accepting increasing amounts of physical stillness. I suppose I already have. I’ve become much more careful in my movements---walking on sidewalks, gardening, climbing ladders---since my fall in 2023. Sigh.
But here’s what I have to say about this mid-life phenomena. I am seeing way more of you forty somethings than ever. And I love that. Many of my elder patients are referring their middle-aged kids. Of course it would be great to treat twenty and thirty somethings. The body keeps the score. So many of the issues in our tissues originate in those first decades. But I get it. A certain level of awareness, a readiness, a willingness needs to be present before we decide to turn over a new leaf.
No matter your current age, maybe now is your time. Coming for an individual physical therapy session is the most efficient way to step onto this path. And Friday morning Release & Realign is every week. I am so passionate about ringing that bell for you. To be present when you are learning to treat yourself; to witness the pleasure that comes with deep release; to partner in the whole nourishing process. Well, that is utterly life-sustaining for me. There are two workshop opportunities on the horizon that will help to get you started and are so close to my heart. Check out January 12 Letting Go and February 28-March 2 Tending Your Dancing Body. What a great way to step into 2025.
❤️Bella