Flexibility and Strength

Back in 2004 I had my first real injury from tap dancing. A strained muscle. Nothing serious, but it was taking longer than felt comfortable to heal. Inspired to find a solution, I found Jim and Phil Wharton on account of a random book purchase (of which I have a habit of making). The book had their physical fitness system and their phone number.

Jim would become a good friend and my physical confidant. I trusted him to work on my body, my instrument, my livelihood. I learned a lot. Like how the body functions in a macro sense, how to build a habit of physical care, and how to juggle all the demands of healthy living without getting overwhelmed.

Jim taught frameworks. Like this one: muscles will maintain a range of motion directly related to their strength. A weak muscle will need increased strength to increase range of motion. Put simply flexibility and strength are related.

Today's world demands flexibility. More of us are working in multiple fields and have multiple skill sets. We have family, work, and other responsibilities. We feel stretched. We need strength.

Strength can come from accumulated wisdom, loving relationships, an assurance of purpose, and a comfort with learning that builds resiliency. Without these we will burn out. I sure have. But with them we might find peace in the midst of the juggling, stability while the wind still blows, and power to continue the journey wherever it might lead.