This year, I’ve had the great fortune and privilege to take part in a wonderful yoga teacher training led by a fantastic yoga teacher named Jules Mitchell.  One of the things I've loved about the training is the variety of guest teachers she has included. My favorite so far has been Todd Hargrove, a Feldenkrais Method teacher.  In his book, A Guide to Better Movement, and from his lectures, Todd Hargrove outlines some qualities of good movement and good movers. 
 
One of the qualities that has really resonated with me is that good movement is responsive and variable: our movement should be able to respond to the environment and should be able to vary accordingly.  He likens it to a soccer player with great soccer-ball handling skills.  Can they skillfully handle the ball both when they are practicing alone as well as against an opponent who is trying to get the ball away from them? 
 
The same applies to our everyday movements.  You might be able to do a squat or a lunge during a yoga class or at the gym, but can you do those movements to pick something up or while gardening?  And do you have more than one way to do those movements in your movement toolbox?  Meaning, do you always sit down on the floor the same way, or kneel down to put food in your pet’s bowl in the same way, or can you vary it?  This is where I’ve been really trying to focus my attention both on my mat and in my day-to-day life.
 
So, the next time you get into a car or sit down to tie your shoes, pay attention to how you do it.  Is there another way you can think of to accomplish the same task?  Can you lead with the other leg?  Could you use your opposite hand? 
 
Have some fun with this and let me know how it goes!

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