Jill’s Summer Picks

Summer is obviously here but it’s crazy how, although I still get that kid-like excitement about school getting out and what’s to come, it’s quite different in reality. The expectation of the long warm days stretching out with seemingly nothing to do but go to the pool, read books on the sofa and walk to get ice cream with friends. Not my summer anymore - for sure.

This summer has been ridiculously busy for me. I relate it to there being a rubik’s cube in my brain. Trying to keep everyone’s activities straight, food in the house, remember my crazy (quite frequent) teaching schedule (yes - teaching lots of classes and loving it!), still make the camp pick ups and host traveling teachers.  Woah! I have recently had appreciation for a few things that help me slow down, relax and enjoy what summer really should be about.

The Goldfinch by Donna Tart: Oh my - I love this book. 
This book is making me stop, slow down and read. She is amazing with her artistic visual descriptions. I’m a little sleep deprived though because I can’t turn off the lights at night! I’m so glad it’s 771 pages because I want it to last.

Coleslaw:

The other day I asked my two boys what they wanted for dinner and they both said “your amazing salad mom”. It took me a minute to figure out that they were talking about my coleslaw.

This has been my make it on the fly go-to for quite a while. Everyone in my family loves it, they’ll even take it to school the next day in their lunch. It makes me feel successful at getting lots of colorful veggies in our diet and allows me to use the produce from my box and from my garden. I tend to just stock cabbage and from there I use any other vegetable julienned or sliced with a mandolin to create a salad that everyone loves. My favorite combinations are red cabbage, carrots, kale and cauliflower but I also use bok choy, beets, zuchinni and broccoli - pretty much any vegetable you have! I squeeze one lemon and put some flax seed or olive oil on top, season with salt and pepper and mix. I’ll add cumin, coriander or turmeric for different flavors. Other options for dressing are a scoop of Greek yoghurt or an avocado to make it creamier. Additionally, I love putting pumpkin seeds, walnuts or sesame seeds on top to add a crunch. If I have time in the afternoon I’ll make it ahead of time and put it in the refrigerator to keep it cool and crispy before serving. It’s also good the day or two after. If you’re skeptical with your kids, try it! Most every kid I’ve met (big and little) loves it.

Zoku:

I love ice cream but also know there are better alternatives if you want to indulge with the frequency of my kids. Zoku is brilliant. You leave the casing in the freezer, pour in liquid and in 9 minutes you have a popsicle. Try it with a sweeter green juice. Chunks of watermelon are a big hit too. My 6 year old makes his own dessert now- it’s great.  I just wish he’d also clean it up…

Wishing you long summer days filled with good books, healthy food and cool treats!

-- Jill

July Word of the Month: Engage

When we introduce a theme (or as we call it our “Dailey Dedication”) into our physical practice it can allow us to go deeper on so many levels. A dedication insinuates itself physically (into deeper muscle layers, tissue layers, even the cells of our body) and mentally (into our minds, hearts, thoughts and feelings) until it becomes a part of who we are. With practice the themes we choose can become our way of being.

In June, we focused on the word of the month #1) ALIGN. In July, we'll continue our inside-out practice by focusing on how we #2) ENGAGE. In August, we'll pull our Primary Alignment Principles together and #3) MOVE!

Photo Credit

With our June theme ALIGN - we worked physically by setting our optimal skeletal framework and mentally by beginning with intention, and being mindful. It’s important to keep that base ALIGNMENT of our bones and intentions as we build on it and ENGAGE for the month of July. Another way to think of engagement is to think of support.  

It’s a fact that we don't always support ourselves or our bodies optimally; but through practice we can learn how to do to this better! Once we've established the framework of alignment (our intentionally positioned bones) we support and keep that alignment with our muscles. Muscle energy is what hugs our bodies evenly on all sides working to create feelings of balance, connection and self-support. Muscular energy pulls our arms, legs and neck into the midline of our body (helping us feel integrated, connected, centered) and muscular energy draws our extremities to a chosen focal point (empowering us to be focused and conscious about how we use our energy - we truly can choose how we engage).

At first, it might feel hard or uncomfortable to engage muscle energy. And let's be honest, we WANT our TDM practice to challenge us, because that's what changes us! But remember, to engage is to support ourselves not punish, not hurt, and not to feel bad. If engagement ever feels bad or wrong it probably is. I often joke in class that if it’s “easy” you’re doing it wrong. But on the opposite side of the spectrum if it doesn’t feel right, if it is truly uncomfortable or hurts in a way that isn’t just muscles talking to you it’s also wrong. It is an advanced practice to feel when you need to start again and prioritize #1) ALIGN, and re-set yourself. You re-set by going back to Arriving - be present/aware; Noticing - feel your body, notice your thoughts; and Beginning with intention - be mindful, soften and breathe. 

When you are ready to ENGAGE, do it with self-compassion and love. Think of the muscles of your body energizing in one giant self-hug! Remember the intention of strengthening in order to support yourself better. Keep prioritizing alignment, keep breathing, and use your muscle energy to create support and get deeper into position. Practice being strong on the inside, while keeping your outer-body relaxed and at ease - try to soften your face, jaw, skin.

Will it still feel challenging to ENGAGE? YES! Should it still feel good? YES! With time and practice, self-support becomes more ingrained and much more natural. It becomes what we do, body and mind. To ENGAGE is to practice and develop true inner-strength. As we practice supporting ourselves through challenges in class, we are practicing for the larger arena of life. Yes, it's true - thigh work and seat work will make you a better parent, partner and person! Because you are practicing self-awareness, self-support and self-care. : )

I hope as you all ENGAGE in your challenging (and loving!) practice this month and that you feel me giving you a big Dailey Method hug!!!

Support yourself and each other. Happy engaging!

With love and gratitude,

-- Jill and Lorna

Inside The Dailey Method’s Core Values

What makes the difference in the quality of our lives? What makes us feel balanced and happy? These are questions we all seek to answer in our lives. At The Dailey Method we try to stay grounded and guided by our Core Values, because they are WHY we do what we do. They define who we are and what we stand for. These values are what we base all decisions on, whether it is on a national or a local level. They are the foundation of our Core Member program and guide our training and continuing education. Since all of you are the reason Dailey Method is what it is today, we wanted to share these values with you.

Mission:

To empower individuals to become their most vibrant and authentic selves through mind/body transformation within a compassionate and supportive community

Core Values:

Health - We naturally care for the bodies, minds and souls of ourselves, our clients and our communities through alignment, balance, compassion and human interaction.

Excellence - We value and require continuous education at all levels of our organization. Quality is at our core.

Evolution - We value intelligent growth and refinement. Always be a student.

Empowerment - We give clients the tools to become their personal best in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Authenticity - We believe in acting ethically and taking personal responsibility for our actions. Own it!

Selflessness - We give generously and intentionally of ourselves in every interaction.

Humor and Joy - We believe that physical practice guided by heart and science has the power to bring every individual more joy. Laughter is priceless.

I hope this helps you understand even better why we do what we do every day at TDM!

-- Jill