The position of the head and neck has far reaching effects. Lets start with the nervous system. She sort of smiled – that rather fake kind of smile – then stared intently at the ground as she walked and did her best to communicate non-verbally that she was thinking of something very important and she was not to be bothered. We could keep our heads down and think a lot, like the hotel staff member I described above.
I find it interesting that many people do just as you described the hotel worker above- they keep their eyes down or forward (sometimes texting) sometimes a slight smile.
Recently, I spoke for the Tennessee Society of Association Executives at a hotel and conference center outside of Nashville, TN.
This simple connection shows people we truly care about them, and can help them to both enjoy their day more fully and also be more productive.
2.
She almost looked at me, but didn’t. Your sub-occipital muscles, the muscles connecting your head to the spine at the back are the command and control center for the spine. Please let me know what you notice. What is the position of your head as you look at the computer screen? When you’re walking, focus on standing tall with your chin parallel to the ground and your ears... Lengthen your back. By shortening the deep muscles of the upper neck that connect the skull to the spine the nerves that help your body balance excitation and relaxation are impinged. Everyone makes eye contact and offers to be of help in some way. Also, keep your shoulders pulled back to support your back and prevent injury.
Look around you at someone close by.
Walk with your head up, while looking forward. This is a long process that starts right now.
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The releasing of the chin allows for a softening of the vocal ligaments, freeing them to resonate clearly.
Spending the first 15 seconds of your walking session setting up good posture will give you a much better workout. After that the first step is simply to visualize the back of the neck getting longer. Look at people you pass by – whether they’re looking at you or not – with an attitude of kindness and helpfulness. If you feel compelled to go back to thinking or texting while walking, or if you get distracted, gently remind yourself to start over with steps 1 and 2. Before a walk on the treadmill or through a park, check your posture. The better choice is to just walk – to be fully present with act of walking – and to be open to connecting with anyone we walk by.
There are many benefits to this, including the following: 1. 4. Your email address will not be published.
Hello, I had previously read something similar to this so I have already incorporated it into my practice somewhat- usually as I am walking from the parking lot to the main building where I work ( it’s a good distance and I pass quite a few people). They work with your eyes to give guidance to movement and balance. Walking becomes a chance for us get out of our heads a bit and unwind any anxiety that has been building up. I’d love to hear about your experience. There is one gentleman that I said “Good morning” to even though he was steadfastly looking straight ahead. Most people are either looking straight down (for reasons that aren’t postural) or looking slightly up with the eyes turned down. [1] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Whatever she was thinking about was more important than the guests. The average head weighs 8-12 pounds. Focus on elongating your spine while you walk. The vocal cords are most resonant when the chin is level to the ground. Find someone walking and see what there head looks like. Social skills like smiling, making eye contact and saying “Hello” are being forgotten by many. When you take a step, roll your foot forward, starting on your heel and bringing the weight to your toes as you move. By keeping our head up while we walk, open to connecting with those we pass by, we have the ability to make eye contact with people and offer a smile.
Did you like what you read? If it is balanced directly on top of the spine and evenly over the shoulders its weight will put little torque on the muscles of the neck and actually balance effortlessly.