Since the Industrial Revolution, the need for human activity has changed dramatically. Most of us no longer chop wood and carry water. Our work more likely involves sitting for long hours at a desk or in an automobile, or standing behind a counter or at an assembly line. Much of our business, moreover, is tedious and stressful. Even if we enjoy the opportunity of working in the out-of-doors, our range of movement is probably limited. Joyce, for instance, stands on the highway all day changing a sign from slow to stop and back again. She has learned to exercise while standing in place, using isometrics (two opposite muscle groups tensing against each other, giving both a workout). Through practice, she can now individually locate and contract many separate muscle groups as she stands there doing her job. When there are no cars in sight, she practices her dance moves, or just abandons herself to what her muscles feel called to express.

Movement is life, and we're always in motion, even while asleep. You can bring consciousness and add a touch of creativity to some of your everyday movements - hand someone a glass of water with a little flourish, skip down the sidewalk or stairs (when no one's looking), or invent a new silly walk" for Monty Python's Ministry of Silly Walks.

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