Disrupt: Heel

This is a story about proprioception, that awareness of where your body is in space.

It is also a story about losing track of the awareness of where your body is in space and not noticing it.

I am clumsy, often. So when I suddenly had a rash of new stumbles and bruises I didn’t automatically say, “Gina, is there something off with your proprioception?” I know, right?

It took a complete stranger about a minute to notice that I wasn’t putting my full weight into my heels while I move around. Putting your weight into your heels is how your brain knows where your feet are. In any event, I am now paying attention and apparently I’ve been cheating this for a while because it is hard to re-establish a habit of heel first.

So here is my disruption assignment for you.

Where are you losing sight of how your body moves in space? Look for the clues — the stumbles, walking into walls with shoulders, missing your mouth as you drink, or whacking your hand as you gesture. Then, focus on reconnecting with where you are in space.

Gina Razón is the principal voice specialist at GROW Voice LLC, a full-service voice and speech studio in Boston’s Back Bay.  She has over 16 years of experience both as a teacher of voice and speech, and a voraciously curious voice user.  Gina has worked professionally as a classical singer for over a decade and more recently as a professional public speaker.  For more information on the studio or to book Gina visit www.growvoice.com.