Thursday, July 31, 2014

WRONG WAY - RIGHT ROAD

I had to cancel a trainer appointment - I had gotten sick from humidity and a hot day, traveling on a bus without air conditioning.  I decided to lay low, having no appetite, every joint aching and I was really tired. In fact, I took a nap in the afternoon, and then slept all night.

I learned a lesson this day - I hope the wisdom I gained will carry me through the next time I encounter this. When your body is down and out, expect your mind and spirit to be down and out, too.  The sickness that had overcome my physical being, had gotten a grip on my thinking too.

I could feel myself going the wrong way down the right road.  I'd been going down the road the right way ever since I started to say Farewell to my past fears and inabilities from working out at Motions Fitness. Now it was as if I somehow lost my direction.

North? South? East? West?  Which direction?

I whined.  I complained.  "I don't know how long I can continue doing this (exercising at Motions)."  "I wonder what it will be like when my membership is up.............."   And all the doubts that were there before, that had kept me from joining for the past few years, started flooding my mind.  I told my husband this.  I told my friend over tea.  I started to believe it.

These are all the reasons I have given for not making a conscious effort to take control of my life - to step out of my comfort zone, and work at being healthier.  And these were the things that started flooding my mind, now that I was sick:

"I can't do it."
"I've never been able to do that."
"I'm too fat."
"I'm too old."
"They told me I'd never be able to do any more than that."
"They said I should never walk for exercise."
"I'm only capable of swimming for exercise."
"It's too late."
"I can't afford it."
"I've had a head injury."
"I get dizzy."
"I have bursitis."
"I would have to drive to Marquette a few times a week."
"I have other responsibilities."
"I have arthritis."
"I don't have the right clothes."
"My scale isn't the same."
"I could never do that."
"I'm not like that."
"I'm not going to be able to eat all that protein."
"I don't feel like keeping track of all those calories."

Have you used some of these excuses?  Have you allowed your sick body to infect your mind with sickness, too?

The next day was different.  I felt better.  I missed my daily bike ride. As I rode down the street, I could feel the enjoyment of the ride. When I'm on my bike, my mind clears.  I think, and ponder, and day dream.  It felt so good to be out, that I went a new longer route.  And then it became apparent to me that I had allowed myself to go down the road the wrong way.

Get on the right road.  Stay the right direction!  Call your personal trainer for support.  Thank God for his many blessings.

Till we meet again, keep striving!



Tuesday, July 29, 2014

PRAYING IN MOTION

PRAYING IN MOTION By Mary Eide

It would be easier if one person instructed the movements and read the prayers, so you could just move and pray.  Find a way to do this as you carry out your stretches to Pray in Motion.

INHALE DEEPLY through your nose, pushing your diaphram out
EXHALE DEEPLY through your mouth
(Repeat this two times)

Glorious Father, we breathe in the goodness you bring to our lives and rid ourselves of those things that come between us.  Fill our hearts, minds and souls with your wisdom and your will for our lives.

ROLL HEAD SIDE TO SIDE, but not all the way around

Father, help us to relax and not worry about the future.  Keep our minds free from our fears, so we can focus on doing service for you.

ROLL SHOULDERS, forward four times, backwards four times

Dear Jesus, you saved us from our sins.  Thank you.  Help us now to unload unnecessary burdens from our shoulders.  Keep us mindful of your promise to bear all things for us.

TWIST WAIST AND REACH, slowly

Almighty Saviour, help us to reach out to those in need.  Remind us that our brothers and sisters still need to be fed, clothed, taught to read, and held in loving arms.

BIG HUG FOR YOURSELF

MARCH
These legs have carried us on many a journey for your service.  Please allow them to march on for you Lord.  Believing in your causes and trusting in your protection.

KNEE BEND WITH DEEP BREATH FOLLOWED BY ARM SWEEP

Holy Spirit, you bring us power and understanding.  Help us to spread the good news to others.  Open our minds to the lessons we've been taught.  Light within us a burning  desire to witness together.

BREATHE DEEPLY: INHALE, PUSHING YOUR DIAPHRAM OUT; EXHALE SLOWLY