As January races away from us already – its a good time to 1) reflect on past experiences and learning,2)  look towards new challenges and inspirations and to 3) savour each moment as we go!

  1. So much was shared and learnt in 2022 – notably more awareness of the importance of proprioception (body position awareness) for both physical and cognitive functioning.  ‘Grounding’ was a buzz word and ways to ground your body and mind were investigated .  My favourite source was Russ Harris’s course in Trauma Focussed ACT course – where he took us through pressing through our feet, stretching, patting arms, noticing our bottom and legs on the chair, noticing our breath, sipping water, walking and noticing our feet on the floor, imaging one is the Avatar character coming to life in the new ‘skin’, moving a finger or toe at a time.  Another great course for this awareness, was Bones for Life where strategies like wrapping the body in a long scarf increase biofeedback (eg around lower ribs compared to upper chest)  https://livingwell.org.au/well-being/mental-health/grounding-exercises/; https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/grounding-techniques
  2. A practical tool was found – a ‘year at a glance’ wall calendar (from Officeworks) which has already been helpful in keeping on track to achieve small goals each day/week to work towards the bigger picture.  Decluttering is still a priority for the clinic and our home to manage decades of treasures and optimise accessibility.   A few minutes (say 10 minutes each day) working a cupboard or drawer say, can help keep on track.  Tiny habits (https://tinyhabits.com) by BJ Fogg was a relevation  on how to achieve change by modifying one tiny daily routine (and a recent Juliane Taylor Shore presentation reminded me how personally relevant affirmations  such as high 5 in the mirror can be key to self compassion which underlies and is crucial to our well being) I have a whole page of different options!!
  3. Music and movement (as well as art) are my focus in savouring the moment in 2023! Having taken part in Allison Davies “The Magic and medicine of music” online course, I  use strategies daily to celebrate and express feelings through music, as well as using Facebook Groups such as “Body Groove” which celebrates and encourages joyful and expressive strengthening movement without being self conscious.  Using awareness through movement strategies daily to help with motor planning and mindfulness (as well as fitness).  Additionally, skills and techniques in Art therapy are always on the ‘to do more of’ list.  Oh yes – more information/ equipment and strategies  to help with hyper mobile joints! All this to complement my occupational therapy work with clients in optimising their performance in  everyday task that are important to them.