Mindful Movement

         Our conversation this morning really resonated with me.  I’ve always been an active person, so physical activity and getting my reps in, are at this point, more of a habit for me.  When I’m at the gym it is more mindful, especially now that I’ve had to adjust my workouts.

          Growing up on our acreage, our sun vision was shaped like a very round capital “A”. It had 2 entrances that were connected in an arch, with a cul-de-sac at the top and another road that ran perpendicular to connect the two sides.  We discovered that the main loop was around a mile, and I would run that loop often.  Everyone in the neighborhood knew of me.  I was that kid who ran laps every day, probably 8-10 times.  Before that I would run back and forth in the house much to my parents annoyance I’m sure.  Believe it or not, running was meditative for me.  I would One out and just daydream the entire time.  I was aware of my surroundings to a degree.  I knew when there were vehicles or other people around, but otherwise I was in the zone.  Running was my way to better mental health.  It wasn’t until I started training for my first half marathon that I became more mindful about my training.

          Push-ups, sit-ups, and my Kung Fu are much the same.  If I’m not careful they can be done very mindlessly.  Just getting those reps in.  Sometime that’s just what I need though, there is value in that.  But, if I want to progress, I need to move mindfully and be challenged from time to time.  Our class last Saturday was nice, because I don’t often push myself to that extent.  I get my numbers in, but quite conservatively.  Being pushed lets me know where I am, how far I’ve come, or sometimes regressed, and shows me just how resilient I am.

          Injuries and heart issues have showed me that there are things that I have been taking for granted, and yet they have also been the catalyst for me to live a healthier lifestyle and move my body more mindfully.