Lifting things the right way is a skill that hopefully we learn early on. It can help us to avoid weeks of incapacity or, worse, debilitating pain. We learn how to bend our knees, protect our backs, take lots of breaks in between. Look around at what you feel you’re having to lift in your life. A deadline at work can be heavy lifting. If you’re a teacher, you might be having to lift an entire class, carrying it through to the holiday break. Or perhaps the weight you’re carrying is a feeling of responsibility for an unhappy friend or a needy family member. When something or someone feels too heavy to lift, pause for a moment and grow still. Close your eyes, and center yourself, bending your knees slightly so you feel the ground beneath your feet and your center strong and whole. Take a few deep breaths as you steady yourself and gather inward strength. Be smart about what you’re going to lift. Know your limits. Bend a bit, so that you’re flexible about it. Does it really need to be lifted at all? If it does, ask for help to do the heavy lifting—asking for help is the hardest skill to learn, but the most effective.
