Slow Intentional Exercise.

/ moragnoffke

What is your favorite form of physical exercise?

Slow intentional movement like yoga, stretching or isometric movement (contradiction in terms) are ways in which I like strengthening, suppling and limbering my body. The reason is that while doing it I give myself the opportunity to enjoy connecting with my body. The connection, when done intentionally, is deep. I connect through my body to my lost feelings, to disengaged reactions and my inner thoughts not yet arisen. It is like my body reminds me of who I am. As I engage in this way I receive inspiration and reassurance, wisdom and understanding. Sometimes I am gently challenged, sometimes humbled and sometimes I overflow with gratitude. I believe that I become one, not just with myself but with God and others.

Other exercises like walking, hiking and dancing are ways I enjoy becoming one with my whole being. It’s like meditation and expression of myself.

I personally don’t aspire to working out for the sake of exercise and ticking the boxes, but rather living my ‘body, mind and soul’ as thoroughly as I can in enjoyment and in the natural way of life. I am not saying other forms of exercise are wrong but they are not what works for me. After I was treated for breast cancer my oncologist said she felt a lot of women that had breast cancer had driven themselves too hard and that I should select more calming forms of exercise that don’t create inflammation. One of the treatments she recommended for me was Watsu. It is a gentle form of aqua therapy which is very releasing and relaxing. The treatment reminded me of the same awareness I have when I did yoga. I realized how much I needed slow intentional exercise.

This is my way of attempting to look after my body and whole being.

Hope you are having a peaceful day.

Morag.

20 thoughts on “Slow Intentional Exercise.”

  1. Thank you, Morag, for your wise suggestions. I like climbing the mountain forest,
    but now gardening is my form of relaxation because as soon as I start working it feels as if all the worry of the news falls off my shoulders when I look at what needs to be done and have an exchange of “garden gossip” with my friend, Robin.

    Joanna

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  3. I think we must be alike when it comes to “exercise”. I’m not one for the gym but much prefer a good walk. Of course, because of an old back problem I have a physio exercise routine that I do regularly but also I do some Qi Gong which I find keeps my mobility in reasonable shape. Lately, I have been doing meditation (twice a day) & whilst none of these things make the problems of the world go away they allow my mind & body to cope better. Spirit? Well, as long as I’m learning from reading or from writing or making then I’m also looking after my creative side! 🙋‍♂️

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    • Oh Ashley, lovely to hear from you and thank you for sharing your journey of exercise and maintaining your well-being in every area. Meditation is so good even if we don’t think much is happening. 🌹🙋‍♀️

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