Staying Active with Ease.
Another perk of embodiment; finding ways to stay active in a joyful, feel good way.
I was on the phone with my sister this morning, chatting about this and that. I was telling her about the walk in the wetlands that I had just finished. She was admiring my ability to get up and go, no appointment, no friend to meet. Just me.
My first response. It’s easy when you enjoy it. I literally love being in the wetlands.
Second response. I don’t do it everyday. I try my best and simply do it when I can. Takes the pressure off and makes it feel natural, not like another thing to check off the list. My wellness routine doesn’t go on my to-do list. To-do lists are tasks, wellness isn’t. It’s not something to be checked off.
Third response. I still make appointments and schedule in movement too. Holds me accountable. We all need accountability.
It’s my goal in wellness to offer practical advice and also model that. I’ve been in the land of extremes, ego, and of rigidity before, it’s no fun. My current perspective on wellness is all about the balance between effort and ease.
It can’t be all push.
What I’ve cultivated now is a deeper relationship with my body. Rather than objectifying her, I’ve embodied her.
I am no longer a prisoner of guilt, worried about what I should be doing or what I haven’t done, but rather an avid listener to what my body needs.
It’s taken time, learning to listen.
In that time I managed to flip the script from my body being this separate thing that I’m trying to control to the the suit that she actually is, literally stepping into her. Being one with her.
I cannot control her, nor do I want to. Just as I don’t want to be controlled.
That control creates tension and what I was craving in fact, was the opposite. I was craving peace, freedom, ease. To feel good in my body.
In this perspective that we are one, my body and me, it became much easier to listen and to give her what she needed. In doing so, I began giving myself what I needed.
It’s been truly magical and remarkable.
The work hasn’t been easy, it didn’t come overnight, and I still find myself being reminded when I forget this perspective.
But nonetheless I keep at it, I keep learning to listen. Despite the discomfort and the angst, the trial and error, the starting all over again, again, and again.
The result; I feel fabulous in my body the majority of the time. Even more, I have developed a deeper respect and awareness for my body that helps me connect to her in a more detailed, intuitive way.
Now, our relationship is not a dictatorship, but rather, a partnership.
How I’ve been staying active lately:
Walking. Either solo or with my husband and the dogs.
Wetlands wondering. I usually walk, sprint or do some dynamic movement, stretch a little, and then sit, breath, and meditate. It’s my all-in-one-space.
Group pilates (I try for a few times a month) or some solo time at my studio on the equipment which is a little easier for me in terms of time these days.
Weekly boxing lessons. Amazing! So much fun and such a great workout for your mind-body connection. Plus, I feel pretty badass when I’m boxing (despite what it may look like 😂 )
Private Iyengar yoga sessions weekly.
If you’re newer to staying active or are simply in a rut, rather than focusing on a whole new plan or procrastinating via trying to find that perfect class/workout/time/schedule etc., flip the script!
Try thinking about something that sounds fun! Learn something new or achieve a new goal like running a 5k, 10k, or half marathon. Not into running, join a walking/hiking club if being outdoors is your jam, but you need a little accountability and motivation. If you love the ocean, sign up for surf lessons. Curious about climbing, sign up for a climbing gym. Love dance, there are TONS of dance classes you can take.
I hope you’re picking up what I’m putting down. 😉
When you combine your active time with things that you love and/or learning something new, it makes staying consistent MUCH easier. You eliminate the force and stimulate your body and brain to desire said activity as a result of joy, fun, community, and positive stimulation and reinforcement.
Before you know it, staying active will be a part of your life, leaving behind the on-again, off-again relationship that many unfortunately have.
Rather than chasing body image, chase things that are fun, challenging, and most importantly, things that keep you moving and feeling great! Mind and body, not just mind, not just body. Aligning the two is paramount in becoming embodied.
To take this a little deeper, you can brainstorm and reflect on the above and ask yourself;
How have I been staying active?
What have I always wanted to try that sounds so fun?!
Am I enjoying the activity that I am doing?
Is my activity supporting my physical body and overall wellness?
Is my activity leaving my body feeling good or with aches and pains?
Does my body feel good, but my mind is still struggling? Still feeling guilt, force, motivation via negative stimulation?
Think outside the “exercise” box. Staying active doesn’t mean that you have to go to the gym, spin, or lift weights. If you were to let go of your idea of “what fitness should be” how would staying active look to you?!
Close you eyes and picture yourself moving in a way that feels super good in your body… what does that look like??
I’d love to hear from you or answer any questions, share in the comments!
You can also check out some of my prior posts on the topic by clicking the links below:
Love your post and all your suggestions.
Made me think about my body and ways to stay active.
Thank you!