Mountains stand magestically
the sunset brushes all with clarity
challenging the mind to settle into
moments of solitude and grace
long inhales of gratitude
quiet exhales of compassion
lifts the veil of disconnection
between hidden realms
nature’s wonder and beauty
embrace the souls with love
the spirits dance in delight
|
I move
because if I don’t
fat conglomerates in body and mind
life becomes joyless and stagnant
creating a road to unhappiness and poor health
I have broken the monotony of
s-e-d-e-n-t-a-r-i-n-e-s-s
that work has demanded of me
muscles now fire up
the heart pumps beats of delight
mind blooms with synapses of jubilation
wheels spinning
inspiring and encouraging
habits that promote
health and happiness
I was a acute care nurse for 18 years. A lack of fulfilment, due to increasing work load demands, left me exhausted and stressed out. I do however, miss the movement that acute nursing provided.
Now I am a home care nurse – WHICH I LOVE – with one exception. It has led to being more sedentary. I sit too much, at a desk or in my car. Clogging my own and the world’s arteries.
I have always found time to play in the outdoors outside of work. Without the forest runs I would not be a sane person. Regardless of this extra time for other activities, the sedentariness of work was causing aches and pains I had never had before. Time to find a solution and make a change.
So I have purchased a cargo electric assist bike. I am now spinning into wellness as I commute between clients’ homes.
Many are skeptical and ask, “doesn’t it take more time?”. The reality is that I have been able to get to where I need to be within 5 minutes of what it took in my car. A few times I even beat a driving co worker to the same home. Plus – parking is a non issue!
I would not be able to do it without the cargo space; I carry a lot of supplies. I also need the electric assist due to the many hills where I live. Assist or not, my legs are always moving.
The following is a great video addressing the hidden health risks of a sedentary life style.
I am already seeing the results after doing this for just a few weeks. The emotional, physical and mental stress that can result from my job is releasing with each pedal stroke. Movement creates a healthy body, mind and spirit.
My carbon footprint is less. If Glory can carry it (of course I named her), I bike to get myself around the city when not working as well. With the continued threats on planet earth, every little bit helps.
Life is rich and full with many demands. If we do not show compassion and care for our own well being, it becomes more difficult to care for all the others in our lives. The burdens are greater, all those demands become arduous, and the stressors immobile us.
It can be tough to find the time and we can make numerous excuses. It is said, best to get out of your own way to make change happen. Put those excuses to the side and find a solution.
So I have broke the sedentariness of my daily routine at work with cycling. Changing my routine to make it happen, when I can.
What do you already do to incorporate exercise into your daily routine? Or how will you change to promote a healthier body, mind and spirit?
“The groundwork of all happiness is health” L. Hunt
I chose the word AGLOW a few years ago to describe who I would like to be.
AGLOW in all capacities. To be aware and give respect to all the thoughts and emotions regardless of the happiness, joy, sorrow, or frustration that they may hold. To be grateful for all of life’s experiences; good or bad. To embrace the moment and the sentiment(s) that it encompasses whole heartedly. To be curious and explore for a deeper meaning. For without embracing the experience fully, how can I learn and grow from it?
To radiate with a whole heart at all times.
No, I will not be successful and I will become unconscious often. I will stumble and even fall. But I will continually ask myself, how aglow are you? Its my trigger to come back to self and be grateful for all life’s’ experiences.
To embrace the now and be AGLOW. To illuminate with love and gratitude.
The following was what I wrote to myself at a time when I needed a boost. When life seemed hard and I was not at my best. I thought a little letter to self would help in the healing. It did.
I love myself.
I love my spirit.
I love my mind.
I love my physical form.
I hold deep gratitude for the numerous years of daring opportunities.
THANK YOU for the intellectual, emotional and spiritual power to create everlasting relationships, a meaningful career and the ability to explore the world.
I have born two wonderful boys and continue to nurture them with love and compassion. I have loved unconditionally, created a lasting marriage and a connected community.
This body and spirit have and continue to take me on many adventures. Climb mountains, wade rivers, run, hike, surf, bike, ski powder, dance, row, skinny dip in alpine lakes, chase children, wrestle, love, tickle, walk, jump, meditate, and hug many.
I have and will continue to allow the space to be vulnerable, be strong, have courage, think, create, change, forgive, love, grieve, bleed, heal, scream, sing, cry and laugh.
Sure I am soft in some places, saggy in others. Dimply here and wrinkly there. Ache and creak on occasion. Forgetful, angry and frustrated at times. Not always on my best behaviour. I have been hurt and sadly have hurt others.
I still remain grateful for all of me. Each ache, each wrinkle, each grey hair holds a memory of what has been. Life’s inescapable suffering will stretch my spirit. Each time I step out of line, there is space for further growth. My beauty and strength hold the dreams of new adventures yet to be.
I love my body. I love my mind. I love my spirit.
I love my life. I love myself and all that I encompass. For without all of me, I would not be unique. I would not be me.
Press play and listen with your eyes closed. Better yet, dance with your eyes closed. Be inspired. Then sit and write, embracing all your treasures and your flaws with deep gratitude.
“EMBRACE THE GLORIOUS MESS THAT YOU ARE” Elizabeth Gilbert
aglow TO ILLUMINATE WITH LOVE & GRATITUDE 