I have been reading The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton.  Last night's chapter title: “It’s the environment, stupid” really struck a cord with my current consciousness on a physical, mental, spiritual and emotional level.  

Lipton is a cellular biologist and as a researcher has examined the mechanisms by which cells receive and process information.  He writes, “When I provided a healthy environment for my cells they thrived; when the environment was less than optimal, the cells faltered.  When I adjusted the environment, these ‘sick’ cells revitalized.”

He goes on to share how scientists started to veer from the environment model after Watson and Crick‘s revelation of DNA’s genetic code.  Genetic determinism has since become the belief of our modern culture: genes determine biology.  

Succumbing to the hypothesis that genes control our lives, we have an “excuse” to become victims of heredity.
Today’s diseases, like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and cancer are not the result of a single gene, but a complex interaction of many genes and environmental factors.

The latest scientific research has debunked the hypothesis of gene control to show that “when a gene product is needed, a signal from its environment, not the emergent property of the gene itself activates the expression of that gene.” The birth of epigenetics (control above genetics) is the forefront of science.  What we now know is that "the DNA blueprints passed down through genes are not set in concrete at birth.  Environmental influences, including nutrition, stress and emotions can modify those genes."

The question I have asked myself is:  How can I create an environment within my being to allow my cells to be vital and healthy?

In my own personal quest, in the last two years I have directed my focus on creating an optimal environment for my wellbeing through alignment principles.  Consistent practice of alignment, and observation of my movement habits has lain the foundation for me to be more efficient in the use of my muscles and joints, to the lovely benefit of getting out of chronic low back and sacroiliac pain.

Here are some suggestions to optimize your environment:

• Stand more and sit less
  
• Get adequate sleep
  
• Hydrate: At least 8 glasses of water
  
• Notice your habits: change those that aren't serving you and continue the habits that enhance
  
• Get nutrition
  
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and processed foods
  
• Meditate
  
• Walk
  
• Laugh
  
• Attend my Restorative Exercise class
  

In Restorative classes this week our focus is on the shoulder girdle. Here is an alignment tidbit from class:  What is the relationship of the motion of your forearm and your entire arm?  When our arms are resting at our sides, the elbow pits should be facing forward.  Are yours?  We should be able to maintain the position of said elbow pit as we move our forearm so the palm is facing down (this is called pronation).  Did you notice that your elbow pit moved?

Try this: hold arm so your elbow pit is facing the ceiling, pronate your forearm.  How far can you go?

Springtime is upon us and that means sunny skies and no excuses not to get outside and walk. 

Here are some key points to keep in mind when walking:

1. Feet straight ahead.
2. Feet hip width apart.
3. Push back with your stance leg to move you forward.
4. As the swing leg advances, land with a heel strike.
5. Make sure you land with a straight leg.
6. Keep your trunk vertical.
7. Don’t forget your arm swing (make sure elbow pits face forward).

Here are some stretches to lengthen your stride.  Keep on Movin' :