This Spring has brought about a great deal of changes in my body. There have been improvements that I could not even conceive of to have as a goal. The lesson for me is to continue to seek and strive for improvement and personal development.
In general, I feel SOOO much better than I used to, that I often don’t realize I am still living with discomfort and limited movement options. It has been a struggle for me to know what to desire, what to move toward. My inspiration often comes from clients who come in fed up with a limitation, or through a session realize how much more comfortable and easy life can be. I see this process and am inspired to keep desiring something more.
Another source of inspiration has been to “just keep on keepin’ on.” I do some therapy for my body weekly, between Toning, massage and movement sessions with Peter, and self-guided therapies (breathing, essential oils, etc.). I’ve made a commitment to my health and I stick to it--some weeks better than others. Through this process of “keepin’ on,” I discover nuances about my body, pattern, and lifestyle on a daily or weekly basis. I’m able to implement mini-interventions and be proactive. I’ve found that I am actually improving as I age, and that life has much more to offer.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Thoughts on Transformation by Peter
I define transformation as a series of changes that result in a lasting growth
or expansion. Opportunities to transform our lives are ever present. In the Minke household, we are in the midst of transforming our lives by switching our bedroom with the media room.
Sure, there are numerous tedious changes that must take place; moving furniture, finding outlets for the electronics, adding new shelves. The process will take several days and chaos increases for that period of time.
Change is made easier by seeing the new as an opportunity. Rather than focus on the temporary disorder, we are quickly rewarded by considering the reasons for the change. For our bedroom, we value the morning sunlight that streams in, and more direct airflow from the air conditioner. For the media room, there is better continuity between the playroom and TV watching which keeps the toys in a more manageable quadrant and encourages togetherness even if the children are doing different things. I consider this transformation because the new arrangement improves overall quality of life and gives more opportunity for family time.
This spring look for the many opportunities for transformation in your life, whether in personal arrangements, body health, or spiritual renewal. The process can be stressful if we study it frame by frame and analyze the chaos, but is much more enjoyable if we train our focus on the new opportunities that become available.
or expansion. Opportunities to transform our lives are ever present. In the Minke household, we are in the midst of transforming our lives by switching our bedroom with the media room.
Sure, there are numerous tedious changes that must take place; moving furniture, finding outlets for the electronics, adding new shelves. The process will take several days and chaos increases for that period of time.
Change is made easier by seeing the new as an opportunity. Rather than focus on the temporary disorder, we are quickly rewarded by considering the reasons for the change. For our bedroom, we value the morning sunlight that streams in, and more direct airflow from the air conditioner. For the media room, there is better continuity between the playroom and TV watching which keeps the toys in a more manageable quadrant and encourages togetherness even if the children are doing different things. I consider this transformation because the new arrangement improves overall quality of life and gives more opportunity for family time.
This spring look for the many opportunities for transformation in your life, whether in personal arrangements, body health, or spiritual renewal. The process can be stressful if we study it frame by frame and analyze the chaos, but is much more enjoyable if we train our focus on the new opportunities that become available.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Get the Word Out!
We're often asked why more people don't know about Aston-Patterning®. The question usually comes from a client who is experiencing profound life-changing results from sessions and applying the concepts to their daily life. For me, when I first asked that question, there was a feeling of having been cheated by not knowing about Aston-Patterning sooner!
Well, there is currently a campaign to spread the word by having Judith Aston (who developed Aston-Patterning) appear on the Oprah & Dr. Oz shows. If we flood the producers with e-mail requests, perhaps we can see Judith sparkle & share the beauty of Aston-Patterning with a wider audience.
Here's a sample message... copy it into an e-mail, tailor it (if desired) and e-mail it to Oprah's producers (2 different addresses--send to both). (We'll flood Dr. Oz next week--stay-tuned for the update.) Send messages each day from December 2-10!
Judith’s profound understanding of ergonomics and our relationship to the earth’s gravitational pull and the opposite element of GRF have helped thousands to understand a paradigm of increased health and fitness.
Hence, a focus piece on Judith Aston, highlighting her unique way of relating an individual to the world around them would provide an empowering potential for your viewers to learn about this great master teacher. If you would like to know more about Judith and her work her website is www.astonkinetics.com
Send it to both of these addresses at least 5 days between December 2-10!
#1 Season 25- Who Do You Want to See Oprah Interview?
https://www.oprah.com/ownshow/plug_form.html?plug_id=3337311
#2. . E-MAIL THE PRODUCERS at:
https://www.oprah.com/ownshow/plug_form.html?plug_id=216
Monday, June 7, 2010
flip flops keep us in business
I just read an article on Yahoo! that warns of the dangers of flip flops... here's the link.
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/the-right-kind-of-flip-flops-to-wear-this-summer-1635481/
We have always said that flip flops keep us in business. (Well, many other unfortunate shoe choices help, as well.) It is very difficult to walk using the Aston paradigm with flip flops. I have found that having experienced the ease and support of walking in the Aston paradigm, shoes that take away from that experience are not worth it--not even if they're easy to put on!
We're always happy to incorporate shoe lessons into your sessions. Just let us know!
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/the-right-kind-of-flip-flops-to-wear-this-summer-1635481/
We have always said that flip flops keep us in business. (Well, many other unfortunate shoe choices help, as well.) It is very difficult to walk using the Aston paradigm with flip flops. I have found that having experienced the ease and support of walking in the Aston paradigm, shoes that take away from that experience are not worth it--not even if they're easy to put on!
We're always happy to incorporate shoe lessons into your sessions. Just let us know!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
4-Handed Aston-Patterning Session
4-Handed Aston-Patterning Session (scheduled in a 1.5-hour or 2-hour time)
Because Aston-Patterning works through the body and affects the tissue between the therapist’s hands, when 4 hands work together, much more tissue is affected. This 4-handed effect is not just twice as much therapy, but represents opportunities for change that are unavailable with a single therapist. So, structural & postural patterns can change more quickly & fully.
This session is recommended for individuals who experience a pattern that affects the whole body, especially 3-dimensionally (i.e. front to back or through rotations).
Or for bodywork aficionado's, you may be interested to know that to receive 4-Handed Aston-Patterning sessions, you would have to travel to Lake Tahoe, Malibu, Boulder, Boston, Seattle, or Austin.
Cost: $160 or $240.
Because Aston-Patterning works through the body and affects the tissue between the therapist’s hands, when 4 hands work together, much more tissue is affected. This 4-handed effect is not just twice as much therapy, but represents opportunities for change that are unavailable with a single therapist. So, structural & postural patterns can change more quickly & fully.
This session is recommended for individuals who experience a pattern that affects the whole body, especially 3-dimensionally (i.e. front to back or through rotations).
Or for bodywork aficionado's, you may be interested to know that to receive 4-Handed Aston-Patterning sessions, you would have to travel to Lake Tahoe, Malibu, Boulder, Boston, Seattle, or Austin.
Cost: $160 or $240.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Session Types & Prices
New clients often ask about the different sessions we offer, what the differences are, and why they would choose one over another. Here's our answer....
* 1.5 Hour Aston-Patterning Session
This is our typical Aston-Patterning session. It is scheduled in a two hour time block and includes in-depth assessment, bodywork and movement coaching. Assessment includes interview, visually looking at relationships between segments of your body, watching movements such as walking or a particular movement of interest to you, and palpation to result in a body map of hyper- and hypo-toned areas. From that assessment, we design a bodywork & movement coaching session to best facilitate a whole-body (even whole-person), incremental step out of dysfunctional body patterns. This session is recommended for people who have a specific issue they desire to work on, ranging from pain to optimal athletic movement.
Cost: $120.
* 1 Hour Aston-Patterning Session
The one hour session is scheduled in a 1.5 hour time block and includes many aspects of the 1.5 Hour Session (above), but in less detail. There's a brief assessment followed by bodywork or movement coaching. (Most often, there is not time to include both bodywork & movement coaching.) This session often resembles a typical massage session, but the focus of the therapist, though not as specific as in the longer session, is still to help you incrementally move out of dysfunctional body patterns. Clients who come regularly for this session often report being relaxed during and after the session and feeling their general sense of well-being in their body increase over time. Cost: $80.
* 45-Minute Aston Massage Session
This session, scheduled in a one-hour time block, is what we affectionately label our "spa massage," for anyone who wants to come in, relax and be pampered. It flows through a routine, while also addressing specific individual issues. Essential oils can also be added during the session for an aromatherapy experience. Cost: $60.
We also offer specialty sessions with 4-Handed Aston-Patterning Session and Raindrop Therapy. They deserve their own blog post. Stay tuned. :)
* 1.5 Hour Aston-Patterning Session
This is our typical Aston-Patterning session. It is scheduled in a two hour time block and includes in-depth assessment, bodywork and movement coaching. Assessment includes interview, visually looking at relationships between segments of your body, watching movements such as walking or a particular movement of interest to you, and palpation to result in a body map of hyper- and hypo-toned areas. From that assessment, we design a bodywork & movement coaching session to best facilitate a whole-body (even whole-person), incremental step out of dysfunctional body patterns. This session is recommended for people who have a specific issue they desire to work on, ranging from pain to optimal athletic movement.
Cost: $120.
* 1 Hour Aston-Patterning Session
The one hour session is scheduled in a 1.5 hour time block and includes many aspects of the 1.5 Hour Session (above), but in less detail. There's a brief assessment followed by bodywork or movement coaching. (Most often, there is not time to include both bodywork & movement coaching.) This session often resembles a typical massage session, but the focus of the therapist, though not as specific as in the longer session, is still to help you incrementally move out of dysfunctional body patterns. Clients who come regularly for this session often report being relaxed during and after the session and feeling their general sense of well-being in their body increase over time. Cost: $80.
* 45-Minute Aston Massage Session
This session, scheduled in a one-hour time block, is what we affectionately label our "spa massage," for anyone who wants to come in, relax and be pampered. It flows through a routine, while also addressing specific individual issues. Essential oils can also be added during the session for an aromatherapy experience. Cost: $60.
We also offer specialty sessions with 4-Handed Aston-Patterning Session and Raindrop Therapy. They deserve their own blog post. Stay tuned. :)
New Office
Announcing our new office location at 117 Royal St in Bryan, 77801. Mapquest of Google Maps for directions. Just a hint, it's near The Farm Patch (on S. College) in Bryan.
The office offers many amenities for clients we think you'll appreciate. There is a circle drive for parking, a handicap accessible ramp to the front door, as well as a wheelchair accessible bathroom, not to mention there's a waiting room. (So, no more walking through muddy grass to wait on the porch in the weather!)
Another aspect we're excited about is a new classroom/movement studio. We'll be able to offer more movement coaching options and Aston movement classes. Look for upcoming announcements!
We look forward to seeing you at the new office.
The office offers many amenities for clients we think you'll appreciate. There is a circle drive for parking, a handicap accessible ramp to the front door, as well as a wheelchair accessible bathroom, not to mention there's a waiting room. (So, no more walking through muddy grass to wait on the porch in the weather!)
Another aspect we're excited about is a new classroom/movement studio. We'll be able to offer more movement coaching options and Aston movement classes. Look for upcoming announcements!
We look forward to seeing you at the new office.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Quarterly Education Event - August 1, 2009
It's time for another fun, yet informative, event on August 1st from 10am to 9pm.
Brazos Center, Room 106 in Bryan (off Briarcrest, behind the "new" Target)
Come and go or stay all day!
10:00 Beginning with Essential Oils
Come learn about essential oils--you’ll get nose-on experience with the oils, learn safety precautions, and gain confidence to take home with you! This class is designed to give the basics so beginners feel confident to start using oils, as well as for experienced “oilers” to learn from each other. We'll be covering a basic set of oils and a wide variety of ways to use them. Essential oils are the primary tools we (Peter & Amy) use at home… because we’ve found the oils to work consistently and efficiently!
12:00 Young Living Business Leader Luncheon
RSVP if interested
1:30-3:30 Environmental Body Burden
with Neil Carman, PhD
Dr Carman will present the scientific findings concerning environmental toxicity and it's effects on us. This presentation provides eye opening information!
Neil has a Ph.D. in plant chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin at a top laboratory dedicated to natural products research and has been studying plant-based essential oils since 1970. He earned a BS and MS from the University of Iowa in Botany where he began his studies of plant chemistry in 1966 extracting and analyzing for specific phytochemical substances. Neil has given many lectures on the science behind essential oils. Since receiving his Ph.D. in 1973, he has been working in the environmental science field. Dr. Carman currently resides in Austin.
3:30-5:00 What Now? How to deal with Environmental Toxicity: A Panel Discussion
This is a time to discuss ways to avoid exposure, protect from exposure and cleanse from exposure to environmental toxins. Many of you have asked us questions about cleansing--this is a wonderful forum to have your questions answered!
7:00-9:00 Couple Massage
Bring a partner to this fun class in which you will learn a basic, seated, Swedish massage routine that you can do at home--and be effective! Cost=$15/couple
Brazos Center, Room 106 in Bryan (off Briarcrest, behind the "new" Target)
Come and go or stay all day!
10:00 Beginning with Essential Oils
Come learn about essential oils--you’ll get nose-on experience with the oils, learn safety precautions, and gain confidence to take home with you! This class is designed to give the basics so beginners feel confident to start using oils, as well as for experienced “oilers” to learn from each other. We'll be covering a basic set of oils and a wide variety of ways to use them. Essential oils are the primary tools we (Peter & Amy) use at home… because we’ve found the oils to work consistently and efficiently!
12:00 Young Living Business Leader Luncheon
RSVP if interested
1:30-3:30 Environmental Body Burden
with Neil Carman, PhD
Dr Carman will present the scientific findings concerning environmental toxicity and it's effects on us. This presentation provides eye opening information!
Neil has a Ph.D. in plant chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin at a top laboratory dedicated to natural products research and has been studying plant-based essential oils since 1970. He earned a BS and MS from the University of Iowa in Botany where he began his studies of plant chemistry in 1966 extracting and analyzing for specific phytochemical substances. Neil has given many lectures on the science behind essential oils. Since receiving his Ph.D. in 1973, he has been working in the environmental science field. Dr. Carman currently resides in Austin.
3:30-5:00 What Now? How to deal with Environmental Toxicity: A Panel Discussion
This is a time to discuss ways to avoid exposure, protect from exposure and cleanse from exposure to environmental toxins. Many of you have asked us questions about cleansing--this is a wonderful forum to have your questions answered!
7:00-9:00 Couple Massage
Bring a partner to this fun class in which you will learn a basic, seated, Swedish massage routine that you can do at home--and be effective! Cost=$15/couple
Saturday, January 3, 2009
January 24, 2009--Couple Massage Class, plus
It's a new year! To start it off right, join us for our quarterly education event "Wellness with Essential Oils," featuring the much acclaimed and sought after class, "Couple Massage" (scroll down for description & time).
There's something for everyone with a variety of classes & workshops...
January 24, 2009
10:00am - 9:00pm
Brazos Center, Bryan ● Room 106
10:00am -11:30am Beginning with Essential Oils
Especially for beginners, this class will expose you to the Everyday Oils Kit (9 essential oils with which you can address most issues that come up in daily life) and it's uses, as well as the basics of essential oil applications and history. This class is, however, equally useful for long-time essential oil users because the "oilers" present share their ever increasing experience with the oils. I learn something every time! [Remember to bring a friend--you know, the one who has asked you a million questions about the oils, or the one you know needs the oils, or the one who is always using your oils,...]
11:30am - 12:30pm Essential Oils & Animals
At our November event, we had such a fascinating discussion on this topic develop right in our beginning class--I thought the topic deserved it's own time. For all animal enthusiasts, come learn (and share) your experiences.
12:30pm - 1:30pm Business Builders' Lunch
Exclusively for business builders in our Free Spirit Team (that's anywhere in our YL organization), this lunch is an opportunity for us to focus on the income potential that YL provides. I've got some fun surprises planned, so be sure to RSVP! Pre-registration is required so that we'll have enough supplies.
2:00pm - 4:00pm "How to Have a Healthy, Green Home with Young Living Essential Oils" with Judy DeRuvo
I am so excited about this topic! Judy is joining us from Austin to share her vast knowledge and experience with the oils. If you've never been to one of Judy's presentations, you're in for a treat. Judy has studied with world leaders in essential oils, including Dr. Jean-Claude LaPraz and Gary Young (in the US, Egypt & Ecuador). She has an engaging style, chock-full of information. This topic represents a synthesis of many, and provides an overview of the healthy lifestyle that Young Living supports.
4:30pm - 5:30pm Essential Oil Scientific Journal Club with Peter Minke, PhD
This seminar provides a brief overview of the scientific literature that documents the ability of many essential oils to protect DNA from mutations and damage.
7:00pm - 9:00pm Couple Massage
In this much-acclaimed, and asked for, class you will learn a simple, seated, Swedish massage routine. (That means all clothes stay on....) You'll be seated at a table so it'll be easy to transport your learning to your home environment--no massage table needed. Come with a partner--spouse, caregiver, etc. Pre-registration required (space is limited and this class tends to fill up). Cost: $20/couple.
All events (except "Couple Massage") are FREE. Texas Massage Therapists may earn up to 6.5 hours of continuing education.
Contact for more information or to schedule:Peter 979-492-9492 or Amy 979-575-1950 or amy@freespiritenterprise.com.
There's something for everyone with a variety of classes & workshops...
January 24, 2009
10:00am - 9:00pm
Brazos Center, Bryan ● Room 106
10:00am -11:30am Beginning with Essential Oils
Especially for beginners, this class will expose you to the Everyday Oils Kit (9 essential oils with which you can address most issues that come up in daily life) and it's uses, as well as the basics of essential oil applications and history. This class is, however, equally useful for long-time essential oil users because the "oilers" present share their ever increasing experience with the oils. I learn something every time! [Remember to bring a friend--you know, the one who has asked you a million questions about the oils, or the one you know needs the oils, or the one who is always using your oils,...]
11:30am - 12:30pm Essential Oils & Animals
At our November event, we had such a fascinating discussion on this topic develop right in our beginning class--I thought the topic deserved it's own time. For all animal enthusiasts, come learn (and share) your experiences.
12:30pm - 1:30pm Business Builders' Lunch
Exclusively for business builders in our Free Spirit Team (that's anywhere in our YL organization), this lunch is an opportunity for us to focus on the income potential that YL provides. I've got some fun surprises planned, so be sure to RSVP! Pre-registration is required so that we'll have enough supplies.
2:00pm - 4:00pm "How to Have a Healthy, Green Home with Young Living Essential Oils" with Judy DeRuvo
I am so excited about this topic! Judy is joining us from Austin to share her vast knowledge and experience with the oils. If you've never been to one of Judy's presentations, you're in for a treat. Judy has studied with world leaders in essential oils, including Dr. Jean-Claude LaPraz and Gary Young (in the US, Egypt & Ecuador). She has an engaging style, chock-full of information. This topic represents a synthesis of many, and provides an overview of the healthy lifestyle that Young Living supports.
4:30pm - 5:30pm Essential Oil Scientific Journal Club with Peter Minke, PhD
This seminar provides a brief overview of the scientific literature that documents the ability of many essential oils to protect DNA from mutations and damage.
7:00pm - 9:00pm Couple Massage
In this much-acclaimed, and asked for, class you will learn a simple, seated, Swedish massage routine. (That means all clothes stay on....) You'll be seated at a table so it'll be easy to transport your learning to your home environment--no massage table needed. Come with a partner--spouse, caregiver, etc. Pre-registration required (space is limited and this class tends to fill up). Cost: $20/couple.
All events (except "Couple Massage") are FREE. Texas Massage Therapists may earn up to 6.5 hours of continuing education.
Contact for more information or to schedule:Peter 979-492-9492 or Amy 979-575-1950 or amy@freespiritenterprise.com.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Creative Paying for Sessions
We are often asked if insurance will pay for sessions. The simple answer is usually not, but here are some ways that clients have had help paying for sessions in the past.
● Sometimes insurance will pay for sessions. Ask. Usually a doctor's prescription is needed. We can help you with vocabulary and ideas for talking with your doctor about a prescription. Usually, though, if you have been dealing with pain, doctors are willing to give a prescription for a therapy you've found that works.
● For car accidents, car insurance will often pay for sessions. Usually, you will need to pay up front and then be reimbursed in a lump settlement when you are done with therapy related to the accident.
● Tax Saver Accounts: These come in various forms, but basically you designate money to spend on medical expenses not covered by insurance. This money is put into a special account before taxes are taken out. Then, you can spend the money on sessions, saving at least 15% (more depending on your tax bracket). We had an account like this when we worked at Texas A&M University. Check with your human resources department to find out if you are eligible for this benefit.
● Health Savings Accounts: These are similar to tax saver accounts, but work in conjunction with a high deductible insurance policy. So, you have health insurance in place to cover any catastrophic health issues, but your day-to-day health needs are funded with pre-tax money you (or your employer) have put in your Health Savings Account (HSA).
● Health Reimbursement Accounts: With this account, your employer reimburses all medical expenses. This is our current plan and is ideal for family-owned businesses where one spouse is an employee for the other spouse. Then, all medical expenses are considered an employee benefit and are paid for by pre-tax (even payroll tax) money.
We are not experts, but will be happy to answer any questions. Also, talk to your accountant or human resources department for more information.
● Sometimes insurance will pay for sessions. Ask. Usually a doctor's prescription is needed. We can help you with vocabulary and ideas for talking with your doctor about a prescription. Usually, though, if you have been dealing with pain, doctors are willing to give a prescription for a therapy you've found that works.
● For car accidents, car insurance will often pay for sessions. Usually, you will need to pay up front and then be reimbursed in a lump settlement when you are done with therapy related to the accident.
● Tax Saver Accounts: These come in various forms, but basically you designate money to spend on medical expenses not covered by insurance. This money is put into a special account before taxes are taken out. Then, you can spend the money on sessions, saving at least 15% (more depending on your tax bracket). We had an account like this when we worked at Texas A&M University. Check with your human resources department to find out if you are eligible for this benefit.
● Health Savings Accounts: These are similar to tax saver accounts, but work in conjunction with a high deductible insurance policy. So, you have health insurance in place to cover any catastrophic health issues, but your day-to-day health needs are funded with pre-tax money you (or your employer) have put in your Health Savings Account (HSA).
● Health Reimbursement Accounts: With this account, your employer reimburses all medical expenses. This is our current plan and is ideal for family-owned businesses where one spouse is an employee for the other spouse. Then, all medical expenses are considered an employee benefit and are paid for by pre-tax (even payroll tax) money.
We are not experts, but will be happy to answer any questions. Also, talk to your accountant or human resources department for more information.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Shoe Issues
I've worked with two people recently that were helped by shoe inserts. Sometimes an issue presents in groups, and I start to think maybe I need to be learning something here... in this case, maybe it was to get me moving!
I have a pair of very comfy shoes that I wear most days. This is a major improvement for me since I usually have a hard time finding shoes that support my body and don't induce pain. Well, this pair of shoes does have one issue, but it's not so bad... "I can live with it." (Have you heard or said that one before?)
This pair of shoes needs a metatarsal support. A meta-whatsit support?!? you may ask... that's just a fancy (or should I say, Latin) word for the bones that make up the ball of your foot (and the equivalent pad for the smaller toes). So, a metatarsal support is a simple insert that goes across the ball/pad area just below the toes.
Why do these shoes need such a support? Because the way the shoe is designed has the toes slightly bent upward, putting the bottom of the foot in stretch.
Now, I have embarked on the shoe modification adventure--the issue did get me moving! I've added the metatarsal support, and find that I also need a heel support, because the design of the shoe encourages me to be weighted on my heels. But now, I have shoes that are comfy AND fit my foot!
Did you know that you can have a shoe ergonomics lesson during your next session in which you, too, can learn to modify your shoes to fit your foot! (No more squishing your foot in to fit the shoe!) Find out easy solutions that can provide astonishing results in foot comfort and even performance!
I have a pair of very comfy shoes that I wear most days. This is a major improvement for me since I usually have a hard time finding shoes that support my body and don't induce pain. Well, this pair of shoes does have one issue, but it's not so bad... "I can live with it." (Have you heard or said that one before?)
This pair of shoes needs a metatarsal support. A meta-whatsit support?!? you may ask... that's just a fancy (or should I say, Latin) word for the bones that make up the ball of your foot (and the equivalent pad for the smaller toes). So, a metatarsal support is a simple insert that goes across the ball/pad area just below the toes.
Why do these shoes need such a support? Because the way the shoe is designed has the toes slightly bent upward, putting the bottom of the foot in stretch.
Now, I have embarked on the shoe modification adventure--the issue did get me moving! I've added the metatarsal support, and find that I also need a heel support, because the design of the shoe encourages me to be weighted on my heels. But now, I have shoes that are comfy AND fit my foot!
Did you know that you can have a shoe ergonomics lesson during your next session in which you, too, can learn to modify your shoes to fit your foot! (No more squishing your foot in to fit the shoe!) Find out easy solutions that can provide astonishing results in foot comfort and even performance!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
New Client FAQ
What do I need to bring?
Should I come early?
No. We build in extra time to our sessions so that you'll have time to talk, transition, change clothes, etc. We endeavor to start your session at your appointment time, and your session may "run over" by as much as a half hour, depending on the needs. So, you may be in session for up to 2 hours for a 1.5 hour session and up to 1.5 hours for a 1-hour session. If you are on a tight time schedule, please let us know at the beginning of the session.
Can you accommodate mobility challenges?
Our current office set up is not wheel chair friendly. There are 2 shallow steps to the front door. We can create a temporary ramp and are more than happy to facilitate your entry into the office. This is also true if you have trouble walking distances. If you have mobility challenges, please discuss them with us by phone before you come... we'll be happy to work out a solution with you! We do have a motorized massage table that lowers to 18 inches.
- yourself,
- medical history,
- loose shorts,
- loose tank top (for women)
Should I come early?
No. We build in extra time to our sessions so that you'll have time to talk, transition, change clothes, etc. We endeavor to start your session at your appointment time, and your session may "run over" by as much as a half hour, depending on the needs. So, you may be in session for up to 2 hours for a 1.5 hour session and up to 1.5 hours for a 1-hour session. If you are on a tight time schedule, please let us know at the beginning of the session.
Can you accommodate mobility challenges?
Our current office set up is not wheel chair friendly. There are 2 shallow steps to the front door. We can create a temporary ramp and are more than happy to facilitate your entry into the office. This is also true if you have trouble walking distances. If you have mobility challenges, please discuss them with us by phone before you come... we'll be happy to work out a solution with you! We do have a motorized massage table that lowers to 18 inches.
What is an Aston-Patterning session like?
How does a session differ from a Swedish (relaxation) massage? Recently, a client summed it up as basically, we work on what needs to be worked on... rather than following a routine.
In a 1.5-hour session, you will
WIFM? (What's in it for me?)
The bottom line is that for most of our clients, Aston-Patterning moves them out of discomfort and into a new way of being FASTER than anything else they've tried--and most of them have tried MANY options. That's why Peter & I started with Aston-Patterning professionally, because personally, our lives were transformed out of pain and we began to design the life we desire!
In a 1.5-hour session, you will
- give an in-depth structural history (ex. braces, injuries, crutches, surgeries)
- have a visual assessment looking at the alignment and relationship between your body segments,
- walk and do other relevent movement pre-tests,
- have a palpation assessment to map the areas of high tone (tension) and low tone in your body,
- develop a hypothesis about what relationships in your body need to change to alleviate the issue you are concerned about,
- have specific bodywork to make those changes,
- learn a movement lesson to incorporate those changes into your daily movements.
WIFM? (What's in it for me?)
The bottom line is that for most of our clients, Aston-Patterning moves them out of discomfort and into a new way of being FASTER than anything else they've tried--and most of them have tried MANY options. That's why Peter & I started with Aston-Patterning professionally, because personally, our lives were transformed out of pain and we began to design the life we desire!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Traveling with Aston-Line Wedges
My youngest son and I traveled by airplane to Utah & Idaho last week. I have to tell you that flying by myself with a 3-year old--complete with car seat, stroller and bags is challenging. So, I'm sure you can imagine I don't add ANYTHING to the pile that I don't have to, ie doesn't benefit me greatly.
That said, I wouldn't travel without my Aston-Line wedges if you paid me... well, maybe if I was flying directly to get a few sessions with Judith Aston herself and you paid me ALOT of money...
Anyway, it's definitely worth the hassle of banging everyone in the aisle as we're the last people to board the plane and are seated in the LAST row--and I carry a sleeping toddler, my wedges, a carry-on bag, and bag o' snacks.
Without the wedges, I get a headache within about 5 minutes of being seated on the plane and my neck starts to ache, and then it just gets worse for the rest of the flight... and then Peter has to listen to me complain when I get home. With the wedges, I have a comfortable flight, can even sleep (provided toddler also sleeps), and can enjoy my family when I get home!
My newest innovation on this trip--I feel like a brilliant world traveler--I traveled with a large scarf/shawl and tied it around the wedges when getting on and off the plane. The wedges stayed together, bapped fewer people in the head, and stayed on my shoulder, AND when I sat down, I had a built-in blanket. :)
That said, I wouldn't travel without my Aston-Line wedges if you paid me... well, maybe if I was flying directly to get a few sessions with Judith Aston herself and you paid me ALOT of money...
Anyway, it's definitely worth the hassle of banging everyone in the aisle as we're the last people to board the plane and are seated in the LAST row--and I carry a sleeping toddler, my wedges, a carry-on bag, and bag o' snacks.
Without the wedges, I get a headache within about 5 minutes of being seated on the plane and my neck starts to ache, and then it just gets worse for the rest of the flight... and then Peter has to listen to me complain when I get home. With the wedges, I have a comfortable flight, can even sleep (provided toddler also sleeps), and can enjoy my family when I get home!
My newest innovation on this trip--I feel like a brilliant world traveler--I traveled with a large scarf/shawl and tied it around the wedges when getting on and off the plane. The wedges stayed together, bapped fewer people in the head, and stayed on my shoulder, AND when I sat down, I had a built-in blanket. :)
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