WorkOut
by John-Aaron
Beyond Resolutions

The secret of good health: how to take those dreams of what we want most in life–and make them a reality

In planning how we’re going to be healthy this new year, what we must first do is find balance. This is easier said than done, because we must begin with an honest look at what our current situation is and evaluate what we actually want our lives to become. Then, we need to take steps in the direction that will lead our lives to positive change, and thus an even keel.

It can seem a large task. Take, for example, a young businesswoman or man who wants to have good health, an athletic body, and a little extra energy to burn with friends. These are admirable goals. Yet, the reality is that this person works 10- to 12-hour days, then rushes to the health club, completely skips dinner, has a few drinks to relax, sleeps very little during the week, and then on the weekend does nothing but "vegetate" in order to get ready for the next round. Would you say that this person’s life is in balance?

The ancient Greeks would cringe to see such a common violation of their credo: "Know thyself, and everything in moderation." Whether through excessive or restrictive eating, addictive television viewing, compulsive shopping, an all-consuming drive for monetary gain, or an unhealthy obsession with sex or the Internet, we live immoderately. Is it any wonder then when we feel sluggish and fatigued?

The good news is that once we have taken steps toward balancing our lives with healthy activities, we can build momentum. In time, decisions we make will reflect the good intentions within us and ultimately materialize into concrete actions with true benefits to our health and spirituality.

"What the mind can believe, the body can achieve."

One way to achieve moderation is through meditation and self-reflection. The mind and body are interactive and influence each other. Set aside a specific time each day to dwell on what you believe to be important. Then ask yourself if you are actually pursuing that goal.

When gauging priorities, it is extremely important to be completely honest. For example, do you claim that meaningful relationships are important to you and then spend all your spare time on the computer or in front of the television? Do you say your health is vital but insist on participating in activities (like smoking) that have been proven to be detrimental to good health? Do you say you want a more stress-free life and then turn right around and dish another heaping helping of commitment to your already-too-full plate?

Too many times we insist that there are just too many things that "have" to be done, all right now. As a result, we skip meals, lose sleep, and even go long periods of time without having a simple calm conversation with someone really important to us. All of this urgency is a result of our vain, frantic pursuit of . . . what?

What does "adventure" mean to you?

Those glitzy objects and fast-paced activities that relentlessly compete for our attention are inevitable. It is here that we must decide which items or activities are important and beneficial to our overall well-being. If you can redefine adventure to mean taking a long walk along the sea wall–alone or with someone you care about–just to hear the waves crash, instead of the "adventure" of another night spent at the clubs till closing, then you’re on the right track.

So many times we find ourselves running from one hectic situation to another and find that instead of being rejuvenated, we are simply exhausted. However, when we can find pleasure in small daily activities, such as walking around our neighborhood visiting with neighbors, we can also find that these activities require no advance planning and no tedious attention to detail. Instead, the little energy expended for them returns in a ten-fold uplifting of the spirit. All that is required here is an ability to be mindful of our surroundings. You’ve heard the saying, "Sometimes you’ve gotta stop and smell the roses"? Well, when we actually do, we can find ourselves completely surprised by the contrasting serene experience and the recharging force that only nature can provide.

Stop trying.

The body is capable of many things. It can heal itself, grow in strength, move, feel, and, yes, even deteriorate. "You begin to die the moment you are born" is what I remember most from a professor’s lecture in biology class. However, the trick is to live life in a way that will allow us to have no regrets for the actions taken or omitted on the day we close our eyes for the last time.

Do you want to make a healthy change in your lifestyle? Then do it! There is always going to be "something" that will try to come between you and what is important to you. "I’d like to try to exercise," "I’d like to try to stop smoking," "I’d like to try spending more time with my partner/friends/family" are all nice things to "try." But if you don’t look at and deal with the reality of what is preventing you from actually achieving those goals, then you really haven’t "tried" anything at all.

Fitting in fitness doesn’t have to be an elaborate thing. It can simply be play. You don’t have to join a gym or buy equipment. What you do need is to find activity that is locomotive and enjoyable to you. Do what brings a smile to your face and heart. If it’s nature, then try one of our local hiking trails. If it’s children, then take them to a park and join in on their games. Dance. Skate. Swim. The list is endless.

The powerful thing about achieving fitness is that once it is learned, and anchored firmly as an actual part of your life, its benefits are far-reaching and will impact every other angle of your life. Your health will expand exponentially. A healthy heart, spirit, mind, and body are achievable. As you decide what focus you want your life to take, you must take time to listen intently to your internal signals–and then vigilantly watch that these goals are not lost in the scramble of everyday chores and all those urgent yet minor catastrophes. Together, these skills will help you understand the power of healthy choice and create energy for action. Discovering how to rejuvenate yourself is not instantaneous, however. In fact, this skill is as ongoing and ever-changing as life itself. So, if life itself was never meant to stand still, why should you?

I encourage you to let yourself be childlike in your approach toward fitness. Don’t postpone play and laughter. Don’t squelch that part of you that innately knows how to have spontaneous fun. Instead, remember that it is "fun" that most completely recharges us and provides the resources needed to sustain health and happiness in our adult world.