In my last post, I suggested having the goal of "being kind to your body" as the first step toward your fitness goals. Or, if your goal is to be "stronger", "thinner", "faster", "lighter", etc., we're still going to focus on "being kind to our bodies".
Sure, I also mentioned needing a variety of physical exercise - cardio, resistance training, flexibility. Yes, you do need that regardless of your goals or wishes for your body and self.
Before anything else, I'm going to suggest some ways to be kind to your body. With TLC, I bet you'll be able to create and maintain a peaceful relationship with your body. You'll be surprised what you discover along this path of being kind v. following a rigid exercise formula. Bear with me, and see the peace that's ahead!
*10-minute meditation: Sit or lie down quietly for about 10 minutes. Get comfortable and be with your breath. Try to relax and quiet your mind as much as possible. As you inhale, think about taking your breath to any area of your body that needs special attention. Maybe it's a place you hold shame, maybe it's a place that feels nervous, maybe it's a place you love and admire. This inhale of fresh air can go anywhere and everywhere in your body you need. Imagine the fresh air nourishing those places, creating positive energy, lightness and kindness. When you exhale, imagine letting go of any old thought patterns or beliefs that weigh you down in that area of your body. Continue this pattern.
*Take a warm bath or shower. Let the water comfort and protect you. Take your time and enjoy some time enjoying the water after you've washed, scrubbed, shaved and rinsed! When you are finished, gently dry your body, get warm, then apply your favorite lotion on your body. Make sure you pay attention to parts that are often neglected, parts you'd rather not touch or see, particularly those parts that you wish were smaller or larger. Pay extra attention and touch to those areas. Think forgiveness and love.
*For normal, healthy adults, the experts advise about 150 minutes of moderate aerobics per week (about 20-25 minutes a day). Plus, add in about 2 days of resistance training. As I've noted before, there are so many ways we can make this work for you. The creative options are endless and reasonable! --- BUT if you routinely exercise to burn calories or to "diet", or if you're any way rigid about ensuring your exercise time, a day or two {or a week} OFF might actually do you more good than you could ever imagine. Read a light book, take a nap, spend time with a loved one, read a book about recovering from unhealthy dieting or eating disorders. Nurture your inside first.
*Write in a journal, and let your body talk to you. Start by writing a letter to your body, and let whatever come out, come out. Then, let your body write a letter back to you. Let it flow. You might be amazed to hear what you truly need. Such wisdom resides deep in your body.
*Pick a weekend or a time without lots of obligations surrounding you, and move your body in a different way than you normally do. Maybe that's throwing a frisbee at the park. Skip! Dance by yourself or with your friends. Take a 30-second jog. Walk at a gentle pace. Ground yourself in child's pose. Gently stretch like you did as child in ballet class. Lie down, be still, rest.
*Prepare your body mindfully and dress comfortably. Maybe that's including a warm scarf. Buy some new underwear. Treat yourself to new pajamas. Maybe some fitted pants will help you feel secure, or maybe the day's a yoga-pant day - Loose and free! Pick your colors to complement your mood and loves. Prepare yourself to thrive!
*Be with your body throughout your day. Repeat and remember the phrase: Come back to your breath. Let your breath be your support. Let it guide you, let it ground you.
I hope you can take some moments to be kind to your body. This is a short list, but it's a rich list to start. Take your time, open your mind, and see how your body responds to such love and respect! Peace be with you.
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