THE ROOT 9: 34.1

Dylan recited this quote to me earlier last week and it’s been sitting with me. When googling to find the source I see it credited to A.G. Riddle, but its roots may stretch deeper into beliefs found in Eastern philosophies that remind us how health shapes our perception of everything else. I thought it was the perfect sentiment to carry into this week.

We are oddly fortunate to have so many things we wish went differently. And that can span across personal or professional horizons, like text exchange we keep replaying, meetings we wish we could redo, and small anxieties that take up space in our minds…they are all signs that our deeper needs are likely already being met. If our health were compromised, those thoughts would vanish in an instant. The only wish would be to feel well again.

Perspective is a privilege. The ability to ruminate over the finer details of life means we’re not in survival mode. It means we have the capacity to care about nuance, to dream, to want more. And while that can feel overwhelming at times, it’s also something to be grateful for.

This week if I catch myself spiraling over something, I’m going to try to intentionally pause more. Notice the roof over my head, the body that carries me through the day, and the fact that breath comes easily.

Intention for the Week: Reframe the little wishes we carry as opportunities for gratitude, seeing them as quiet proofs of wellness. Let each one remind us how lucky we are to dream beyond survival.

Letting Go Of Limited Beliefs

I’m carrying forward a bit of last week’s safety theme into something more tactical and something I got a friendly nudge about from a gym friend: squatting in flat shoes or barefoot. (Though if you go the barefoot route, please be mindful of your sock grip and that they aren’t prone to slipping) I’ve had a bad habit of squatting in running shoes, and when I really think about it, it comes down to two things: 1) rushing in the morning and 2) a quiet insecurity that I don’t squat “heavy enough” to “earn” flat shoes? (Which I’ve realized sounds quite silly - when typing and saying it out loud, but I’m sharing in case any of you might be thinking the same thing…lets debunk that)

The first is simple: I’m usually trying to get to the gym as fast as I can, and running shoes are easy. They’re part of my routine and let me sneak in a warm-up or cooldown run if I have time. The second, though, is more layered. I’ve built this idea in my head that flat shoes are for “real lifters” who I think squat heavier than I do and I’ve convinced myself that I’m not eligible for taking that additional step for safety.

But when I gave that justification to my friend, her response was direct and eye-opening. It went something like: “Who cares? You’re squatting relatively heavy for your body and what it can handle… so you should be prioritizing your safety regardless.” She was right.

Running shoes are designed for shock absorption, not stability. Their cushioned soles and heel-to-toe drop can throw off form, reduce force output, and increase injury risk. I was leaning way too far forward in my squat and my shoes could have contributed to that.

So what’s the takeaway? Squatting is a dynamic movement and foundation matters. Whether it means packing two pairs of shoes, investing in grip socks, or letting go of the idea that safety gear is reserved for the strongest person in the room…It’s important to do that. You don’t need to hit a certain weight to earn the right to protect your body. Safety isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a baseline.

We’ve been spoiled lately with concert options in the Bay, and this weekend was no exception. We got to see Maroon 5 live and it was such a great concert. The energy was high and the crowd was so lively, we found ourselves reciting the lyrics to songs we hadn’t heard in a long time that seemed to be etched in our memory.

In addition to all of the hits Marron 5 played, Adam Levine played a song I hadn’t heard before, and I was surprised by how much I liked it. Levine told a story of how the song was nominated for Best Original Song at the 87th Academy Awards in 2014 (it lost to John Legend’s “Glory,” which is also beautiful). It’s featured in the movie Begin Again, and I’ve played it several times this Sunday - after hearing it live it had the effect of me wanting to pause and listen to it more closely. So, figured I’d share it with you this week 🙂