The typical lifestyle both in and out of fitness is riddled with toxic habits.
We are taught to be always moving; whether it is in the gym with heavy weights, at work filing papers, or at home cleaning.
Even when we sit down to rest, we occupy our minds with technology.
We never find time to JUST BE.
What I mean is that we forget to BREATHE; to release all the pressures built up inside.
It is so easy to get caught up in our lives. We forget to nurture our mind, body, and spirit as a whole.
As a student, something I struggled with tremendously was finding a time to relax. I was either at track practice, doing school work or working as a dishwasher. When I did find time to relax, I usually spent it engaging in activities with friends, or watching TV. There was never time to really be alone in silence. But this time of silence, no matter how long, is crucial to living a healthier, more balanced life.
You’re mind is your body, and being so, you’re mind needs to be stretched after being stressed. Just like when you’re working out, you schedule time to stretch and recover. Some days you even take to whole day to rest. This inactivity is vital for your muscles growth and development. The same is true for your mind.
The several pressures built up from all of the stimulus in our day to day lives shows up in poor brain function, leading to many types of anxiety and stress. In order to heal this, we must practice the art of doing nothing. Now, when I say doing nothing, it may sound as simple as watching t.v., but in fact, it can be very difficult at first, and requires a tremendous amount of focus.
This practice is meditation.
Meditation has been used for thousands of years for several purposes; all surrounding health and longevity. It isn’t until recently however, that the western world of medicine has started recommending it. Many patients now are seeing the powerful benefits of meditation in getting rid of a variety of ailments.
By sitting relaxed, and breathing, we are actually healing our body in more ways than any pharmaceutical drug could do.
So remember to take time to work on yourself. By closing your eyes, and opening your heart and mind, you give yourself room to expand and grow.
Much love,
Sam
