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Better Posture, Better Sleep

Taking a healthful mid-day nap - it can happen any place at any time if you are able to improvise. Burkina Faso.
Esther Gokhale
February, 2015
I’ve had lying on my mind lately. I mean flat out, horizontal, no holds barred, delicious, snooze-inducing lying down. It’s not talked about much in the debate whether we should sit, stand, or treadmill our way to better lives. But I say, hey, lying is where it’s at when you are tired, when you need a break, when you need a rest. My son Nathan knows this quite well. When he Skypes with us, he is usually in his bed, covers pulled up high, computer set on the covers. He works lying, surfs lying, thinks about algorithms lying down. Read more
Tags: 
laying down
comfortable sleep
sleep
nap
napping
stretchlying

Fredrik's Journey to a Pain-Free Back

Fredrik Prost, traditional Sami handicraftsman
Esther Gokhale
January, 2015
Fredrik Prost’s journey in posture is a poignant one. Restoring one’s natural architecture is a return home for anyone - a return to one’s personal past, ancestral past, and genetic past. For Fredrik, it’s additionally a return to his living Sami relatives and those alive in his memory. The Sami are an indigenous group of reindeer herders living in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Fredrik is a traditional Sami handicraftsman working with reindeer antler, metal, and wood. Being of a younger generation and between a traditional lifestyle and a modern one, his working posture included hunching over his work. As a result he had developed upper back pain for which conservative treatment failed to give him relief. He discovered my book, and the pictures and philosophy resonated for him - I was describing things he had seen with his own eyes. Read more
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Sami
Fredrik
primal posture

Put Your Best Self Forward

Melissa White, second violinist in the Harlem String Quartet, uses tallstanding while performing on the national public radio program, "From the Top".
Esther Gokhale
December, 2014
Do you have an important event coming up? Appearing calm and collected can be challenging at such times, especially if we are feeling anxious or nervous. Let the Gokhale Method help you glide into your next presentation, interview, or social gathering with ease and confidence. Recent studies show that maintaining an elongated spine with your shoulders rolled back allows more testosterone to flow through your body, which might be just the boost you need to not only appear, but also feel and be unfettered and focused. Read more
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breathing
deep breathing
tread lightly
stand tall
self confidence
self esteem

Posture Tips to "Stand" a Holiday Party

On the left, Brian has parked his pelvis forward, which places excessive pressure on the delicate structures in the front of his feet--over time, this may result in bunions or other foot conditions. On the right, his pelvis is properly positioned posteriorly and his spine stacks well over his heels.
Esther Gokhale
November, 2014
The holiday season has arrived, and with it, the formidable holiday party. If, like most people, your back starts aching after an hour (or less!) at the hors d'ouevres table, consider this advice for your next yuletide function: 1. Put your weight over your heels. When we balance the weight of our bodies towards our toes, it can disturb the alignment of our weight-bearing joints. The dense and sturdy heel bone is much better equipped to bear weight than the delicate bones of the forefoot. Read more
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tucked pelvic
bunions
soft knees
shoulder roll

Holiday Health (Posture Tips)

Notice how the baby's knees are bent in a wide stance to allow his pelvis to settle comfortably between his legs.
Esther Gokhale
October, 2014
The holidays are upon us and ‘tis the season for cooking, cleaning and entertaining. You may find yourself especially reliant upon your body as you enjoy the added festivities. We want to help keep you safe and healthy with some seasonal posture tips! Shoulder positioning Whether you are baking dozens of cookies or wrapping bundles of presents, your shoulders may feel uncomfortable if neglected. Firstly, assess your surroundings. Whatever your task, ensure that it is within comfortable reach. Read more
Blog Category: 
shoulder roll
Tags: 
shoulder roll
shoulder health
shoulder positioning
shoulder tension
Hip Hinging
Hip-hinging
inner corset
bending

Settle Into Fall

Esther's son, Nathan White, showing a relaxed pelvis, rib cage and shoulder position in spite of a challenging reach.
Esther Gokhale
September, 2014
As the season turns and the colors around us are changing, leaves begin to float off their branches. Just as our environment is settling in, we too can ground our bodies, using gravity as our guide. The ability to relax downwards is an essential part of feeling comfortable within your body. Here are some ways you can fall into your natural posture: Nesting the Pelvis Help your pelvis navigate its way home. While standing, take a little zigzag squat. Imagine you are about to sit down on a chair located behind you (not just directly under you) and let the pelvis fall forward. Feel your pelvis dropping between the legs, as though it is “nesting. Read more
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tucked pelvis
relaxing
fall
gravity
rib cage
shoulder roll
slacken the jaw
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