Bicycling season

While some people at my day job ride their bikes year ’round, for me it’s an outdoor activity for the non-snow season. Biking is a non-jarring exercise. With the various styles of bike available, most people can find one that fits their needs and is easy on their backs. For trips within a mile of your house, riding a bike can be as fast or faster than taking the car and prevents pollution.

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Barbara Jean Conti
Still thinking about Earth Day in May

Being healthy is easier in a clean environment. Earth Day helps us remember to pay attention to the planet. The litter clean up on Earth Day was thwarted by the amount of snow still on the ground. The day was also overshadowed by other events in the news. I have been thinking about it in May, instead.

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Barbara Jean Conti
Pilates and SI

I have mentioned in other posts that a yoga practice goes well with Structural Integration. Pilates is another good activity to help keep your structure in good shape.

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Barbara Jean Conti
Minnesota Environment & Energy Report Card

When the state government shut down in 2011, there were several news stories in which residents of Minnesota gave their opinion that this was not a big deal because they did not use state services. Au contraire, residents! If you use water, breathe air or eat locally-produced foods, a state (or local) agency is working to keep it safe and clean. Safe food, water and air are basic building blocks for our overall wellness.

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Barbara Jean Conti
Giving back

Having recently worked on a small effort for the block club, I was thinking more about volunteering in general. From the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), I learned some facts that impressed me.

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Barbara Jean Conti
Winter driving

Being in even a minor fender bender can be hard on your neck and body. Be careful driving in the snow and sleet! See the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website for winter driving tips.

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Barbara Jean Conti
Snow days

In recognition of today’s weather in Minneapolis – so happy it’s snow instead of freezing drizzle! Snow Days by Trip Shakespeare; video project by Sebastian Juarez.

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Barbara Jean Conti
Working with strengths

Research indicates that when people work to their strengths, they perform better and are happier than when the emphasis is on improving weak areas. Now that I write it, that sounds pretty obvious. However, the performance reviews at work have always had a question about areas for improvement. Even my personal projects tend to take on a weak area rather than building up a strength. How would our attitudes and self-image be different if we gave ourselves credit for what we’re good at instead of criticizing ourselves?

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Barbara Jean Conti
The 10-series “recipe”

If you are reading this blog, you may already know that, typically, the Rolf Method of Structural Integration includes 10 sessions. Over the 10 sessions, various areas of the body are addressed. The first and last sessions are somewhat more general or broad. The remaining sessions usually alternate between the lower half of the body (legs) and upper half (trunk or head/shoulders).

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Barbara Jean Conti