It started with an email and a conversation about her neck pain and posture. She was looking at herself in the mirror.

“You would have a field day with me and my posture.”

I replied, “I would have a compassionate and gentle day with you and your posture. Tell me, how do you try to correct your posture? What feels uncomfortable?”

“ I move my shoulders up and back and move my head in a “straighter” position but it feels unnatural and uncomfortable.   I always feel my head is too heavy for my neck.  That’s where the tension is, especially on the left side of my neck and my left shoulder, by the shoulder blade.  It is where the massage therapist releases trigger points. “

“Your poor neck! You’re right, heads are heavy.”

I demonstrate by handing people a gallon jug of water to her.  “That’s your head! It feels incredibly heavy unless it’s poised on top.”

I felt for her; so many people try and “straighten up” or pull their shoulders back.
It doesn’t work, it only creates more tension and often more pain.

I told her as I tell many of my students, “first we melt, then we move….”  Releasing tension is necessary to facilitate a reorganization of the body. Good posture is an unfolding, not a pulling or tightening.

We worked together. Imagine a spring that’s released from pressure; it expands without any pulling. Similarly, when your spine is free of excessive pressure, there’s a natural tendency for the back to expand.  Add to this learning to move with the natural design of the body and wonderful possibilities of freedom ensue.

Later, sitting poised on her sitz bones, she was comfortable. Her neck looked softer, easier, her shoulders more even. She shared:

“It’s much more comfortable to be effortless
Than to force the posture in the shoulders and neck

I can feel the non-strain in my neck.”

Call me for a free chat to see how I can help you!