Dear Community ,
I remember the first time I heard a teacher say, “Practice when you can. Its like putting money in your savings account for when you need it. There will be a time, or times, you can’t practice, and you’ll need a reserve”. I’m paraphrasing from memory, but you get the idea. The teacher was Rod Stryker, in Los Angeles, at Exhale, Center for Sacred Movement. It was over 15 years ago. It stuck with me.
A few years ago, I watched a Ted Talk with a woman, who’s name I can’t remember to save my life(!), which was about making yourself healthy, both mentally and physically, for when you need to be there for your friends and family. She was about to release a book, her son was in a life threatening accident, and she HAD to show up for him, and take care of everything going on, on a whole new level. She discussed the fact that she couldn’t have done what she did unless she was already healthy and strong.
So, here is my message for you today…
If you’re having difficulty getting motivated, or using excuses such as “I don’t have enough time”, think of taking care of yourself as a duty to the one’s you love. If we think of movement, fitness and health as a duty, we no longer will put it off, with excuses like, “I don’t feel like it”, “Its too expensive to eat well”, “I don’t have enough time” or, “I’m not an ‘exercise’ type person”.
There is a time and place for everything - A time to rest, a time to strengthen, a time to say “screw it, I’m having ice cream”. BUT, if you consistently find yourself making excuses to not drink enough water, not eat well, and not move and breathe, think of it this way, it isn’t about you, its about the one’s you love. I’ll say it again, because it needs to be said. It isn’t about you, its about the one’s you love. You take care of you, and you’ll be able to show up with the energy and mental clarity for others when you’re needed and when the shit hits the fan. And, it will. You live long enough, as I have, and you get the phone call about a death, an accident, cancer. It will happen and personally, I want to be well enough to be able to show up for others fully.
So, if you’re needing a kick in the pants to move and breathe right now, consider this to be it. And remember, it doesn’t mean that all of a sudden you need to carve out two hours a day and become a fitness enthusiast. Start with five minutes. Five minutes counts! You may never be in to drinking enough water, eating well or exercising, but do it anyway, because it is a non negotiable. Something that you do because you’re an adult, and its what adults that take care of themselves do. Period. And eventually, if you haven’t experienced this yet, you’ll be glad you have the energy, the ability to move and think well in order to be there for another person when they need you.
To conclude, this is where my site comes in…if you’re looking for a resource to help you move and breathe, I started my streaming, membership site with the intention of helping as many people as possible, feel better in their body. My site has yoga, Pilates, fitness and movement therapy classes - videos and audios. The site is for all bodies, from beginner to advanced, students and teachers, all with a focus on breath and alignment for safety. Classes range from 10 minutes to 90 minutes.
Get moving. Take responsibility for your health and well being. And, if you’re not naturally motivated in this way (which most people aren't, so you're not alone!), don’t beat yourself up about it, and start with 5, 10 or 15 minutes a few times a week. You can do that.
Take good care of yourself and each other.
Stay in touch and be in touch with any questions.
I’m here for you and I want the best for you. That is why I started this site in the first place! (to access site and the 7 day free trial, click the button below).
XO, Jamie