Lengthen the Back of Neck - Habit of the week

We want to walk tall in the world, not downhearted.  So we seek to lift up our heads - to improve our posture, to see where we are going, to prevent a fall. Great.  However, we can lift up our head in a way that enhances the health of our neck.  In other words, there is a right way and a wrong way.

The wrong way

If we lift up our heads by lifting the chin, we shorten the back of our neck.  This has a number of adverse effects. Firstly, it can cause a "head forward posture" which has implications for the posture throughout the body. No thanks.  It means an unhealthy tight curve in the back of the neck, which may lead to neck pain and headaches.

The right way

When we lift up our head by seeking to raise the crown of the head, we are able to lengthen the back of the neck.  To put it another way, ensure your eyes are level with the horizon.  This means we are switching on the core muscles of the neck. It helps us keep alignment through the rest of the body.

A small change can have big consequences.  Habit of the week -  Lengthen the back of the neck.

Reading a great book

Chef, Dan Barber wrote "The Third Plate"
It is a long discussion of the pursuit of flavor in the food.  It looks firstly, at eating local.  He discusses the culture of the place.
He looks at heirloom varieties  of plants like rice and corn,  he looks at sustainable fishing, and at the relationship between Spanish oak tree acorns the geese, the pigs etc.

The third plate, however, goes further , looking at the whole ecosystem and it signifies caring for the soil in the production of food.  For example,  finding delicious ways of serving the grains the we grow in crop rotation, grains like triticale.
The Japanese undertake this when they make soba noodles from the buckwheat that they grow after the rice crop.  Perfectly harmonious.
Our land is so marginal here, we should take better care.

A snapshot of the country's health -Words of wellness

Here is a gem from the CSIRO's report on the country's health.

Compared to 100 years ago, we are living 25 years longer.  The reasons include, fewer deaths in the workplace and better treatment for early heart attacks.

Make that appointment

I wonder if there is an appointment you are putting off.  Dentist, physiotherapy for that sore knee that just will not get better, the accountant, hearing check?  You already know what I'm talking about.
This week's habit make that phone call.

Take a walk in nature - Habit of the Week

Great weather.
Turns out the the benefits of walking in nature are manifold.  Scientists are saying that there is evidence that walking in nature decreases the mind's  negative ruminating.  So your assignment this week is to go for a walk all'operto.  Pay attention,  see something beautiful.
My safety trainer Philippe is a great advocate of training outdoors. He is provocative when he says that "mall-walking" feeds into our culture of fear.  This culture keeps us all afraid and indoors,  so all his training is conducted outdoors.  He is right.  It feeds the soul.

So habit of the week is is to take your walk outdoors and notice something special.
Let me know what you see.
A picture.? Maybe.