No matter how much energy we devote to its care, the body will eventually give out. -Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (from Flow: The psychology of optimal experience) This is a sobering thought, isnt it? **When you let this really sink in, you can decide one of two things:** 1) Eff it. Give up. Throw in the towel. Eat the cake. Sit on the couch. Whats the point, anyway? Or... 2) Ensure that your fitness endeavors actually ENRICH your life and never DETRACT from it. Fitness doesnt necessarily mean shredded abs and lean, muscular legs. It doesnt mean the pursuit of a certain physique or a predetermined weight goal at any and all costs. It doesnt mean making yourself crazy over counting calories and chasing a number on a scale. True fitness is bliss. Its contentment with your current state in the process. Its the knowledge that no matter what your body looks or feels like at the moment, that you accept it, and endeavor to be present and loving in your own body. That you exercise because it FEELS good. That you lift because it effing PUMPS you up and gives you the most pure send of satisfaction. That you live as healthy a life as possible because it soothes your soul and brings you joy. All of this to say that if youre chasing a goal-whether its a weight loss goal or a performance goal-and its making you *miserable*, whats the point? If youth will inevitably fade and the body will eventually give out, shouldnt you enjoy the ride? True health isnt dictated by a number on the scale or even the weight on the bar. True health is strength of body, mind, and heart. Its the joy you find through movement and the pleasure found in eating foods that nourish your body. This is why I never do workouts that bore me. I never participate in any type of physical activity that doesnt invigorate and excite me. I never eat anything that doesnt absolutely rock my world. I never approach fitness as a burden or an obligation but rather a privilege and something that I look forward to. And most importantly, my days of feeling like Ill be happy when I have x body fat % are over and done with. Im focused on the bliss that is the here and now, on living in harmony with my body, on moving for the sake of movement because its good for my body and soul. Yes, no matter how much energy we devote to the care of our bodies they will inevitably give out--which is why I urge you to approach fitness as a means to enrich your life, and never let the pursuit of fitness bring you discontent. Today, right now, in this moment: you can find serenity through sweat, bliss through the process, and gratitude through movement.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 16:21:47 +0000
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