In teaching tai chi I often stress that small movements can be just as powerful as big ones. Sometimes we joke, “keep it small, don’t fall.” For some of us getting on in years, this is really good advice. Here’s the thing–in our daily lives we do lots of things that involve small motor movements–writing (computer or pen and paper), drawing, mending and other needlework, repairing machinery or fixing things around the house, cooking, and those kinds of things. We’re looking down at the task, our hands are busy, shoulders probably forward, chin tipped down. Too much of that and guess what? Yup–stiffness, neck and shoulder pain or upper back pain, hand cramps perhaps.
We need some BIG motor activities to balance us. Walking, dancing, vacuuming and other bigger household tasks, woodstacking, tree pruning, raking and yard work. During these wonderful fall days, I hope you can get out there and enjoy the bigger gestures to renew yourself.
