The Gem

As we peek around the corner at a new year coming our way, longtime client gives us the final entry for 2022:

“One thing I’m working on integrating into my exercise independence is the Four Corners: Stretch strength cardio, balance. There are days when I know I would feel better if I moved and I don’t want to. But remembering it’s just a few minutes of things like “Do 10 squats” then something for stretching, then balance, then a little side-to-side steps, and I’m done. Just remembering that using those four things as a guidepost can make a pretty big shift in my day. It doesn’t have to be this long production.”

This week’s entry on is from Paul, the heart transplant recipient who has come through several months of post-op rehab to start building back to his pre-op level of fitness.

“On my fitness bucket list is the ability – after a heart transplant and all the related rehab – to get back outside and doing some good backpacking and hiking. In the short term, that’s about doing some day hikes – I’d like to get out to Bridal Veil, or hike to the top of Multnomah Falls. The end goal for all of this is to be able to camp, hike, and do physical activities without getting exhausted.”

This week’s post and artwork about is from , contributor to the book “Fat Girls Hiking” and longtime client.

“If I’ve learned anything from working with Gem, it’s that there’s always an invitation to return to your body. You are *always going to be coming in and out of relationship – with movement, with wellness. You can always return from where it is and where you are, and be truly met and have that relationship. No matter how difficult it’s been or what you and your body have been through, The invitation will always re-present itself.”

This week's entry brings us a few thoughts on gratitude from Paul, our heart transplant recipient who has come through several months of post-op rehab to start building back to his pre-op level of fitness.

“As a heart transplant survivor, I wake up every day in a state of gratitude. I wouldn’t be here if not for a lot of really cool things happening. My feeling of wellness is I want to get as many years out of this heart as I can. The average is 12-15 but some have gone to 25 years so anything is possible. So it’s about good nutrition, exercise, and for me, lots of medications. I feel very lucky every day.