Centre Balance

✨ Yoga reminds us that age doesn’t define our flexibility — movement does.
Keep flowing, stretching, and breathing; every time you show up on the mat, you keep your body — and your spirit — alive and free. 🧘‍♀️💫

There is something about posture and preventing strain . . .👍🏻😳

In 1902, in the knife-making workshops in France, a scene as strange as it was ingenious could be seen: men working upside down on stone benches, sharpening their knives.

It wasn't a treat. This position prevented their backs from bending after long hours of work, and allowed them to bear the weight of routine without being disused by pain. The city of Thiers, cradle of French knife-making, was the epicenter of this particular profession.

But there was an even more surprising detail: next to them, lying on their legs, were resting dogs that kept them warm. The animals shared the fatigue, metallic dust, and constant hum of sharpening stones, becoming inseparable companions for the day.

It was hard work, little recognized, but behind every sharpened knife was a life upside down, literally. Men suspended upside down, with the faithful company of a dog on their knees, keeping alive a tradition that today seems incredible, but was an essential part of the art of French knife-making.

Compassionate pain care is not just ‘being nice’

Tune into this episode on The Modern Pain Podcast by Modern Pain Care as Mark Kargela and I unpack this non-negotiable humanistic clinical skill that can be cultivated.

Grateful to Mark for inviting me to talk about this topic!

I appreciate and value Mark’s ongoing work and project(s) of helping clinicians cultivate skills needed to improve the care we provide people in pain.

Episode highlights:

- Why compassion is a contextual wisdom, not just basic kindness

- How self‑compassion supports your regulation, quality of care, and longevity

- Real-world client story: a chronic pain patient’s breakthrough through compassionate guidance

- Research shows compassionate care → improved patient’s self care and better outcomes

- Overcoming inner critic myths: self‑compassion builds strength, not softness

Listen to the episode here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbOiq0GaAX4

Link to the compilation of various self-compassion resources here:

https://physioyoga.ca/compassion-and-self-care-content-and-resources-from-shelly

Compassion isn’t just being nice—it’s a dynamic, context-driven skill. It involves awareness, motivation, and action… but how you act depends entirely on the clinical moment. Great clinicians don’t just feel compassion—they practice it. Follow for more tools that strengthen your clinical presence.

Gratitude has a quiet magic—it shifts our gaze from what’s missing to what’s already here. A cup of tea, a candle’s glow, a friend’s kindness—seen through gratitude, they become enough.

This theme also runs through my new series, Softly Stoic—where I explore the ancient philosophy with a gentler touch, and a surprising twist.

✨ Check out my new Substack post for the full video reflection at bit.ly/3V8cGac
❤️ molly

Increase flexibility, mobility, balance, strength, and stability in a safe way. Suitable for everyone who is looking for a mindful, supportive and therapy-informed Chair Yoga class.
Next series: Oct 1 – Nov 12, 2025 (no class on Oct 15, 22, 29) - a series of 4 classes for $80 (introductory price)
Register .integrated.health or call 604-414-7815

What’s one area of your life
where you’re not sure what the next step is?

❤️molly