Why We Need Sunglasses
This photo was taken in 1945 when a US naval airplane crashed in the middle of Papua New Guinea. The area was inhabited by natives who had never had contact with other populations due to the isolating nature of the island. Lost in Shangri-La by Mitch Zuckoff is a riveting account of how three […]
Who’s the Better Athlete?
The athlete on the right is Brock Purdy, the star quarterback on the San Francisco 49ers (currently injured). I don’t know the other player, but I assume he is the backup quarterback. Both are incredible athletes, or they would never have gotten to pro status. But to my eye, Brock Purdy stands out in this […]
One Quick Solution to Back Pain
You would think, wouldn’t you, that something as simple as leaning against a wall couldn’t be screwed up? But once again, a few photos tell the story. The last time Mike and I were in Portugal, in 2014, I saw these two gentlemen at a local cafe. I was thrilled. When I was in Portugal […]
“I Can See Better!”
One of the last people I taught before I moved to San Francisco in July was a woman in her mid- fifties. I taught her a total of five private classes. Sometime during those classes, she mentioned that she had glaucoma. All I know about glaucoma is that it’s serious, that it’s caused by increased […]
Save Your Organs
Save Your Organs If you’re like me, the photo above makes you wince because you know exactly how sore her neck, back and shoulders are going to be. Who hasn’t found themselves collapsed over some electronic device, or while working on an art project, or watching TV, and then felt the effects? Take a second […]
Avoid Falling At All Costs
Just looking at this image terrifies me. I have fallen and it did not have a happy ending. Mike and I were in Paris in the late fall (that word!) of 2018. We arrived mid-day and to enjoy the beauties of Paris we took a walk through the Luxembourg Gardens. At dusk, we walked toward […]
Learn to See and Imitate Safe Bending
Here are two men doing similar tasks while power cleaning an artificial pond. They both bend forward to work. But that’s where the similarity ends. One of these men is practicing safe bending, and the other isn’t. One of them will tire sooner than the other, and he’s much more likely to feel back […]
Centering Is Essential for Fitness
The photo below of me was taken in Pune, India, when I was studying yoga with renowned master BKS Iyengar in 1979. At that time, while I knew I wanted to improve my posture, I had no idea that my pelvis was forward and that I had unconsciously acquired “modern posture.” I knew my upper […]