In the past week, I have had to pass on exercise as I listened to my body and its illness. This pause has given me great insight.
In years past, IF I exercised it was for the body. The shape and size...I used the activity to adjust the body. It never lasted very long...and I lost interest of chasing a certain body shape.
Now, I see the body as my way to adventure.
The body is the connector between my soul and nature.
Its wellness will allow me to experience the planet.
I love that my body will build up endurance that will allow me to endure long hikes. It will eagerly follow my intentions...take me where I dare dream.
The difference between doing things for the body....had me ignoring nature and its brilliance....both in the body and out. My sights were too shallow and failed to see beyond a belly size.
It has taken this down time for me to see how important it is to have a body in good health over good 'shape'....whatever that means.
And a willing adventurous spirit leading the way.
It isn't about the end game; the perfect size...or even the final hike.
Its the fullness of life.
Just as there are certain fabrics/colors that "pop" a quilt....that is what activity is to life.
It felt like I had become blind or that the fun part of life had gone silent.
Often times, my snowshoe was a huffing puffing clomp in the snow....but, the sights, sounds and feelings along the way were inspiring...to see nature's Art.
And, the time spent with friends challenged my body and created shared experiences that grow friendships.
I love how I trained for a hike and discovered a thirst for adventure.
Perhaps it is an acquired taste!