Life
Moves©Book
Review
How
To Think Like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Every Day
by Michael J. Gelb. 1998. Delacorte Press.
I'm suspicious of self-help schemes that require higher powers, 'spiritual' raptures and untestable beliefs. I am, however, willing to test things out in my own experience and willing to appear 'childish' while doing so. Leonardo, I have learned from Michael Gelb, did likewise.
I found inspiration and wisdom in Gelb's book and recommend it to anyone willing to open themselves to his message of human potential. Leonardo's life provides examples of qualities that we can all move towards in our own lives. These qualities, the seven steps to genius noted in the subtitle, are labeled (appropriately enough) in Italian: Curiosita, Dimostrazione, Sensazione, Sfumato, Arte/Scienza, Corporalita and Connessione.Gelb emphasizes that we are all much more creative than we realize. You'll find applications that can make a real difference in your life.
The book has a wealth of suggestions and a broad reading list. It provides a program of exploration and self-development that you can begin at once. Read the book, toss aside any misgivings you may have (as an experiment) and do the exercises.
Last September (1998), a few days before my mother died, I did Gelb's Mona Lisa smile exercise with her. She had no trouble getting that smile. I will always treasure that look on Mom's face. Thanks, Michael and Leonardo!
Better Balance with the Alexander Technique
"My legs are stronger and I am less fearful of falling." Thus commented one participant in a study on the effects of Alexander Technique (AT) training on the balance of women over 65.
The study, "Functional Reach Improvement in Normal Older Women After Alexander Technique Instruction", was published in a recent issue of Journal of Gerontology, Vol. 54A, 1999.
The author, Dr. Ron Dennis, an Alexander Technique teacher in Atlanta, Georgia, found that 8 AT lessons over a period of 4 weeks led to a significant improvement in participant scores on the Functional Reach Test, an accepted clinical test for balance. A control group which did not receive instruction showed slight deterioration in their scores.
This study indicates the potential of AT instruction for improving balance and reducing falls among seniors. In addition, AT instruction for younger people can provide preparation for wellness at older ages.
Another participant reported, "I have been walking 1 hour daily for 18 years. I was afraid I would have to quit because I felt like I was trying to carry a heavy load. I learned from the Alexander Technique how to stand tall and get rid of that burden. I feel in control."
Attitude
Adjustments
Wellness
requires not taking oneself too seriously. Here are a few well-known curmudgeons
on the subject of Health:
The
only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what
you don't like, and do what you'd rather not. -- Mark Twain
Early
to rise and early to bed
Makes
a man healthy, wealthy and
dead.
-- James Thurber
Health food makes me sick. -- Calvin Trillin
Important note: This material
is meant for your information and not intended to substitute for evaluation
or
treatment by a physician or
other health-care professional.
Copyright
Conditions: This material is copyright by Bruce I. Kodish.
However, permission is hereby granted to download, copy
and distribute the
text to others if (1) the text is not altered, and (2)
there is no charge to
the recipient, and (3) this copyright notice and conditions
are attached.
It is a copyright violation to distribute this material
in any way for which
remuneration is received without the prior permission
of Bruce I. Kodish.
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