Paula James A Twist in Life: From Chronic Pain Survivor to Movement Specialist
Empowering Time Markers: A Path to Physical Relief and Wellness with Paula James
In this episode, host Tia Bottum explores the journey of Paula James, a movement specialist who found her path after surviving a severe bus accident that resulted in chronic pain. After battling with this pain for 10 years, Paula found relief through body movement and currently helps others improve their physical wellness. Paula speaks about the evolution of her work, her time playing music, her approach to enhancing the human body's balance and alignment, and her integration of these techniques into her daily routines. Featured is Paula's free 'Pain-Free Neck Week', along with a series called 'Calm and Centered'. Showcasing the idea of 'working smarter, not harder', this episode provides valuable insights into incorporating movement and alignment into one's daily activities for improved health and less chronic pain.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
01:04 Paula's Early Life and Journey to Taiwan
04:44 The Bus Accident and Its Aftermath
05:40 Paula's Struggle with Chronic Pain
06:57 Finding Relief and a New Career Path
08:11 Becoming a Movement Specialist
13:50 Paula's Unique Approach to Teaching Movement
15:13 The Impact of the Pandemic on Paula's Work
22:50 Practical Tips for Better Body Movement
30:55 Understanding Muscle Length and Tone
31:30 The Power of Slackening Muscles
32:05 Addressing Posture and Muscle Balance
32:36 The Impact of Sitting on Muscle Length
33:21 Correcting Posture and Muscle Imbalance
33:58 Preventing Age-Related Posture Issues
34:48 Simple Activities for Better Posture and Health
35:17 Introducing the Free Gift: Pain Free Neck Week
35:55 Top Tips for Entrepreneurs
38:54 The Importance of Long-Term Health Planning
40:36 The Power of Music and Movement
54:49 The Role of Legacy and Choice in Life
57:02 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Bio:
At age 20, Paula James bought a one-way ticket from Detroit, Michigan to Taipei, Taiwan. She taught English, played music on street corners, and improved her fluency in Chinese. While there, a vehicle accident resulted in 10 years of back and neck pain. Traditional medicine didn’t help. What did? A specific Yoga practice and the Feldenkrais Method. Paula started training in physical movement and the power of alignment. For 20+ years, she has been bringing patience, play, and skillful support to individuals facing pain and chronic fatigue. Small, gentle movement explorations can open up new possibilities in your life.
Links:
www.artofmovingwell.com www.linkedin.com/in/paula-james-art-of-moving-well https://www.facebook.com/paula.james.2021/ https://www.facebook.com/ArtofMovingWellwithPaulaJames
FREEBIE:
https://gifts.artofmovingwell.com/painfreeneckweekvideos
Updates:
From Paula James: In my business, I'm exploring shifting to a more neurodivergent focus. Realizing that my tools and skills are a great fit for folks with autism, adhd, other neurospicy flavors and the comorbidities that often accompany that main brain wiring situation. In the process to start running a 3-month program called At Home in the World to help these women reduce anxiety and overwhelm, reduce muscle tension and use better coordinated movement patterns, set up workstations that actually support them, and feel more confident and effective negotiating / advocating for their own comfort in work and other social situations.
Notes:
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