Last week I wrote of finding balance during the frenetic holiday season and provided a short movement exploration to sense yourself in sitting. The movements helped you to discover how to sit more comfortably and also to gave you the opportunity for a few minutes of quiet time alone.

As we approach the end of the year, many of us start to think about resolving to take care of ourselves differently after the holiday binge is over.

There is currently a post circulating that includes a challenge to take the “sitting-rising test”. It is meant to test your strength and flexibility and the authors suggest it predicts the likelihood of mortality within 6 years.  Can you get down to the floor and up again without relying on your hand or knee for support or help? Try it, and see how you do. Here is the link.

I love sitting on the floor and do so everyday, in addition to lying on the floor to explore different movements. One day, when I was in my early 20s, I sat on the floor to play with a young cousin. He was amazed, saying “I didn’t know adults could sit on the floor!”  Many adults do lose flexibility or are afraid to get down onto the floor, saying they won’t be able to get up.

So as you prepare for the New Year, challenge yourself and try this sit and stand test. See how you do. Don’t be discouraged, we can all learn and improve.

The Feldenkrais Method ® is about learning how to improve what we do so we can be more flexible, active and healthy. Or as Moshe Feldenkrais said, be better able to “live our avowed and unavowed dreams.”

Include in next year’s resolutions a commitment to yourself to try a Feldenkrais class, workshop or an individual session with me to discuss your particular movement needs.