…I went to the gym today. It was my intention to lift weights, do abdominal work, and then get some cardio intervals in. While I did have a great workout, I did not do exactly as planned. And then I thought about it as I biked home… I could feel guilty or ashamed I did not do as I set out to OR I could be happy I went and realize that I did what my body needed…
…So often being healthy or living well is focused on intense exercise. When I worked at the gym, I saw it all of the time. People in there pumping iron, working out hard, and talking about burning off all of the lifestyle choices they made over the weekend. Even some of the people that worked there lived that way- party hard, but then make up for it at the gym. There was not much mention of healthy eating, stress reduction, coping skills, time management, meditation, or balance…
…That is what I wanted to focus on today. Health is balance. At least in my eyes. So I started out sharing that I went to the gym with one intention and then left after having done another. So what did I actually do? Well, I did do leg weights today. I did do some minimal arms, but because of kayaking this weekend my shoulders, back, and chest were still sore. So I spent more time with legs, abdominals, and then stretching, breathing, and doing some Yoga poses. It felt great…
…So instead of beating myself up over the fact that I changed up the routine I had wanted
to do… I was glad that I listened to my body and I felt energized and recharged after my workout. And it got me to thinking- it is all about balance. Look at how many ways balance comes into the mix:
- Rest versus movement
- Push versus pull
- Night versus day
- Doing versus being
- Breath in versus breath out
- Active versus break time
- Giving versus receiving
- Listening versus talking
…The list could go on and on… and on. Nature is in a constant state of balance. The seasons come and go and change. The moon shifts through its cycles. The tide comes and goes. Our bodies balance themselves: pH levels, cellular structure, mineral compositions, heart beat, and breath. I think that being well is being balanced. It is more than just pumping iron in a gym. It is more than just running in the park. It is more than just being a spiritual person…
…Being healthy means living well in totality. It means being vibrant, alive, and full of health in all areas of your life. Your career, your relationship, your sexuality, your mental/emotional, your spiritual, your educational, your nutrition, your movement, your rest, your finances, your family, your friends, your hobbies, etc. Spending moments with all of these areas. Spending time with each of this. Being well in an all-encompassing space…
…I just had a lovely conversation with a possible and future Rejuvenation Collaboration II presenter. Her expertise is in the “sexual healing” realm of the world. Literally, when we talked she said “And then I re-discovered Marvin Gaye…”- I almost fell over laughing! But parts of the conversation did have me feeling a bit uncomfortable. And why? Well, this might be an area that I am not fully living to my healthiest. This could be a space that needs care, attention, and change in. This could be my aspect of my self that is still striving to be its healthiest…
…Which brings me to my final thought… we cannot do it all. In talking with this woman, I was humbled. Yes, I share on health and wellness. Yes, I can speak to time management, receiving, balance, nutrition, etc… but I am no expert on sexual health. We all need help from others. It is another way that our existence balances itself out. One person is an expert at one thing, while another is an expert in a totally different capacity. It is a beautiful dance. It is a glorious sharing. It is a way to remember that we do not have to do it all. We can help and give, but we can receive and take. We can all help each other out…
How about you? What parts of your total well-being go into your healthy balance? Which aspects might need more attention and love? How do you view balance as it relates to your overall health?
