Today is Wednesday Q&A, where you ask the questions and I answer them!
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Do you have a question?
We’re four months into the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s safe to say we’re all feeling a bit FRIED lately. So let’s talk about how to get out of that feeling.
Living in the unknown is a really challenging place to be. Using the acronym FRIED, here’s how I think we can all work on getting over it: First Respect Individual Energy Demand, Dips, and Discord.
We have to acknowledge that every person has their own energy demands, and we have to respect that in ourselves and in others. You also need to be aware of and appreciate any energy dips that may occur over the weeks or months. And finally, we need to be aware of discord within us. We have to be okay that we may be unsure of some things or not feeling well. If we keep all of this in mind, we should be able to move through this.
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James Whiteside, also known as JbDubs, is an American ballet dancer, choreographer, model, drag queen, and recording artist. He’s a former principal dancer with Boston Ballet and is currently a principal dancer with American Ballet Theater.
A big part of his career is performing on stage, so he’s had to pivot massively due to COVID-19. He’s been doing online ballet classes for charity recently to five to ten thousand kids, and it’s helped to keep him from being too morose.
As one of the leaders of the ballet world, he’s tasked himself with stepping up, making things happen, and trying to inspire others in his industry to be more inclusive. He’s also in the process of writing a book all about his ballet life, men he’s dated, and other life experiences. He’s such a fascinating, talented person, and he’s doing great things in the world!
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Today is Wednesday Q&A, where you ask the questions and I answer them!
Your questions:
Do you have a question?
Shoes are not good for our feet. We are meant to be barefoot as much as possible!
Going barefoot has been an obsession of mine ever since I became a physical therapist, and even more so as I examined my childhood and realized how much time I spent barefoot. My father, who was an orthopedic surgeon, said to my mom, “Let them be barefoot as long as you can.”
One of the biggest issues is how our big toes have been bound to our other toes, and we’ve lost a lot of freedom and mobility in that toe. Here are some exercises you can do to increase strength and flexibility in your big toe:
While barefoot, try to lift your toes without lifting the rest of your foot, one toe at a time. Then, try specifically with the big toe. If you can’t do this yet, lift up all your toes, and while keeping them up, use your hands to push the rest of your toes down. Then slowly take your hand away while keeping the configuration the same. Your toes will eventually revert back, but you can continue this process.
Strengthening the muscles of your toes and feet will have a huge impact up the chain in your movement pattern. It’s never too late to redirect the course of your movement.
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Grace Luczak is one of the Olympic rowers in the 2016 Olympics, and she’s all about feeling good and strong in our own bodies.
Grace was introduced to rowing as a child when her mother realized she had the frame for it and that it could be a great gateway into college. We discuss the work and dedication it takes to row at an Olympic level, her experience playing in the games, and what it’s been like putting life on hold as this years’ games get delayed.
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Today is Wednesday, where you ask questions and I answer them!
Your questions:
Do you have a question?
This has been a challenging year in so many ways: Australia’s historic fire in January, COVID-19 has spread across the world, and we are seeing a surge in protests against racial injustice. I read a parable recently called “Tigers Above, Tigers Below,” and it feels like a depiction of 2020 so far.
Even in moments that feel uncertain, how do we find our “strawberry”? How do we find our moments of preciousness that remind us of the vibrant lives we live? It is important that we make a practice of trying to find aspects of joy in every moment, as they will add up to moments of great joy.
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