Foundational 50 - #4 Exercise and Recreation

Exercise and Recreation

"God is burning out of you everything which is unlike Himself." --Mother Theresa

I think there should be a 12-Step recovery program called Under-exercisers Anonymous. I struggled for a long time to find a satisfying exercise that worked with my body and allowed me to get a good workout. Now I either walk or dance in the mornings to counteract sitting all day in my job. I love to dance for twenty minutes with my headphones on. The music is uplifting and gives me a burst of endorphins to start my day.

As we understand the causes and solutions of our personal stress, we have valuable insight into our inner self. To take actions, which reduce stress in healthy ways, is the hallmark of a lasting recovery. As we reconnect with the body through exercise, aerobics or massage, we awaken our cells from the numbing of trauma, addiction or prolonged stress. When there has been a history of chronic pain, physical limitations due to the pain, illness or injury, we can feel defeated. We may feel too uncomfortable or unmotivated to risk pain or re-injury to begin exercising.

Our goal is then to change our relationship with our body. For example, if you have problems with your legs or feet, lift weights. The movement and physiological changes you make with your arms to lift weights will be shared with the other parts of your being. When we swim, we get in touch with our body and our breathing while we release the toxic chemicals of stress. Through being in the water, that old and divine substance of life itself, we remember that the energy of the universe is safe, powerful and supports us. To breathe with movement gives us a feeling of freedom as we establish contact with our inner, spontaneous self.

When I am in touch with my body and what it needs, I am more conscious of what I feel and how I think. As we discover those activities that we can do rather than focusing on all those that we cannot or will not do, we reframe our perspective and find enjoyment.

What are your favorite physical exercises?

Exercise

UNFULFILLED

Out of shape, slow, sluggish, irritable, stiff, constipated, unmotivated, low energy, or weak immune system, lowered self-esteem, poor body image.

SATISFIED

Energized, flexible, optimistic, motivated, radiant, resilient, strong, self-respecting and healthy.

TRY THIS:

* Enjoy your favorite exercise and also try something new
* Dance daily to music on the radio
* Walk to the grocery store or park your car at the end of the parking lot and walk.
* Make love and burn calories at the same time.

How do you play and exercise?

List the active recreational activities you liked as a child:

Rate the fulfillment of your play and exercise needs today on a scale of 1-10:

What would give you a ten, 50 days from now?
Write this goal and an action plan:

Fill in the affirmation:

I, _________________ am doing_______________________ to meet my recreational needs, to exercise and play.

Thank you for the strength to keep my commitment today.