As I wrote in a previous post, I recently built myself a small deck out behind my home. It was a physically demanding job, and the next day I felt quite sore. I’ve come to realize as I get older, that this whole “getting sore” thing is intensifying somewhat. I also realize that in some ways, perhaps it’s a function of my attitude. Now, before you start thinking that I’m going to say that my thought alone is causing something physical, I’ll stop you there. My attitude over the past few years is something that has kept me from doing the physically active things I’ve done in the past that have allowed me to feel better, and not suffer such consequences of intermittent activity.
As I lay on my yoga mat recently, contemplating (and feeling) the soreness that’s been gripping me, I began to feel depressed and wondering if this is something I am going to have to resign myself to indefinitely. I’ve had a tendency to view this somewhat constant soreness as a function of just getting older. To some degree, it is. However, most of it can be laid at the feet of a lack of activity, and not-so-great eating habits over the last two years. The effects of this are magnified more now that I am older. My body is much more willing to punish me for misdeeds than perhaps it once was.
The lack of activity has stemmed somewhat from a coincidental string of injuries and health issues that have sidelined me for long periods of time, however those problems are behind me. So, what’s the excuse? It’s time to live the life I know I can. I can start with the Medicine Wheel teachings of finding that balance between the four main aspects of life: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
I have a choice: I can just sit on my ass and moan about “getting old”, or I can get up and be active–ease my way back into a more active lifestyle; and eat better quality food more consistently, and reap the benefits. I’ve seen how this benefits people far older than my late-40s age, who live very healthy, active lives, and whom I never see “creaking” around because they feel sore. I choose life, and it starts now! Yes, positive change starts with your thought; but it’s the action you take as a result that makes things better. Positive thinking alone accomplishes nothing.
Related Reading:
- Balance is important – an earlier post I wrote on the topic of the Medicine Wheel teachings.
- I did it and nothing else gets credit… – an earlier post I wrote on a recent project I completed, which partially leads into this post.
Emerging Gently 