The Blog

You are standing in line to get a spot of morning java and an acquaintance calls your name from across the room. To respond to that call with proper awareness and function, the head stays on the neck as the rotation occurs.  What is happening is the head and neck work in relationship true to the center axis that works right on a pivot.

In a pivot or rotational joint such as the atlas around the odontoid process of the axis (where the head and neck meet) the only movement allowed is rotation around the longitudinal axis (the second cervical vertebra) of the bone. Choose this movement instead of the head turning off the neck and you may find a happier home for your head at the end of each day.

For a visual we at Esterle Body Works crafted a casual video for you here.  IMG_0007

Aloha,

EBW

“Fascia is the organ of form.”- DR.IDA P. ROLF

The image you see above was Dr. Ida P. Rolf”s favorite model.  The Ida P. Rolf Method of Structural Integration works by manually manipulating and ultimately organizing the soft tissue of the body called Fascia.  Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and organs.  It binds some structures together while allowing others to slide smoothly across each-other.  We have layer upon layer of this fibrous tissue throughout the entirety of our structure.  Any one spot on this network, no matter how small it is, effects the whole body and the tightest effects it the most.

This layering process defines the skin.  Ida called this energy field the causal body.  The part we are looking at is just the result.  Jason P. Esterle of Esterle Body Works drew this image  to serve as a visual aid reminder of the importance of layering.

Layering external fascia is what the Onion Model was drawn to represent.  Dr. Ida P. Rolf stated “True grace cannot be purchased.  It may only be obtained through the systematic removal of the barriers from which prevent its existence.”

Aloha,

EBW

New beginnings offer unexpected gifts.  With the moving and changing of our physical location we at EBW feel happy to be settling in a bit and share this extremely beautiful fruit.  The flower of this Pitaya fruit only blooms for one day and then it is gone forever.  After its diminishment this amazing fruit is produced.

Sometimes, that is what is required.  Diminishment or, the permanent ending to a vital process.  We at EBW were reminded to look at transition and impermanence this way and felt blessed to be able to tap into the transformative gifts of this dragon fruit.

Aloha,

EBW

As we were sitting on a bench this morning enjoying our breakfast we reflected on this image that Dr. Ida P. Rolf kept in her purse for many years.  Both knees straight ahead allowed for the taste to reach a new vibration of yum!

The picture above is located in Abu Simbel, Egypt.  Notice how the male and female forms are carved into the rock creating a perfect seated alignment.   To re-create this it is important to  bring awareness of sits bones ( ischial tuberosity) while investing in this refreshing intention.   If this is a new concept for you it may be helpful to create a mental picture.   Imagine you had a tail.  A long, soft, and strong lions tail.  Visualize this new appendage so you are not sitting with your tail tucked beneath your legs but rather, with it swaying freely behind you.

Aloha,

EBW

While at the Beirut Restaurant in West Saint Paul, MN Jason and I had the pleasure of meeting a man immersed in his passion.  His name is Joseph Khoury.  There is a snippet of old newspaper framed in his restaurant that explains the transition with more detail and is written by John Wadell.  Sometimes a title and visual say it all.  “Family starts life over in WSP after escaping war in Lebanon.”

Posed with a question “Why did you learn how to cook?” Joseph Khoury’s answer was simple. “Because I love eating.” Sometimes the doing speaks more than talking about it. You are now invited into action!  Consider reflecting on what it is that moves you to participate in a labor of love.  What does it reward?  Looking at the bigger picture, I step into my passion and keep making decisions.  Learning from the experience while replicating the work is rewarding because it helps me feel good.

What touched me in the story above is a man that serves a modest meal straight from his heart.  All this reflection from a simple take out order? One must conclude the labor of love was present!

Happy Labour Day!

Kelly Esterle

Movement inspiration can come in many forms.  Today, we at Esterle Body Works are fascinated with the teachings of children because they often offer wisdom in how to move.  We invite you to gaze at the visual above.  Bring your awareness to how the infant has his elbows out.  This allows for his movement to come from his back.  It’s a way to balance the weight of the head.  It’s no wonder they’re smarter!

Want more insight into the ways that posture patterns present themselves throughout our  life?  Take a moment to view an array of teenagers.  Many adolescents  have their shoulders rolled forward and their forearms turned out.  Just for personal insight, as you are reading this, go ahead and stand up.   Just let your arms hang free by your sides.  Now, take stock of your elbow.  Is the inside of your elbow pointing towards your side or, is it pointing away from you?

Why not consider taking a cue from our toddler?  Get those arms to behave like they are coming out of your back vs tied to your shoulders.  After all, the inside of your elbow points to where the information is coming from.  Would not it be best if it came from you?

Aloha,

EBW