Reforming Western Exercise

We are a nation that takes great pride in the material world; we crave material goods that look appealing to the eye-fancy clothing, nice hotels, big name jobs, fancy cars and lots of money to buy all these things. We are obsessed with our material objects as much as we are with our appearance. We spend more money on gym memberships than on healthy food and yet we are still the most obese nation in the world. Something isn't adding up here...

In fact working out more will not ultimately lead to improved health. We have the capacity to work out long and hard starting at a young age up until about young adulthood and for few individuals, into adulthood as well. But this prolonged exertion throughout life is not sustainable and is actually extremely depleting rather than nourishing and strengthening to one's being. In the eyes of Chinese medicine, excess and prolonged exertion leads to a depletion of yang qi, our energy source, and to a depletion of blood and fluids as well.

Of course we don't want to be stationary individuals as that leads to poor health as well. Yet, it is crucial for desired health, to engage in activities such as walking, gardening, participating in household chores and to develop a yoga, qi gong and/or tai ji practice and a daily meditation routine. The missing link in the western exercise routine is the implementation of the body-MIND connection. Many of us work our minds incessantly all day at work and many of us continue with this same push, go-go-go mentality when we leave work and go to the gym or go for a run. The body needs a rest, the mind needs peace and we can cultivate this through a moving meditative practice.

Here are some options for choosing the best routine for you:

• Look for information on mind-body classes such as yoga, qi gong, tai ji and meditation at your local co-op. They often offer such classes for a very reasonable price, if not free or on a sliding scale
• Google search for such practices and classes offered in your town
• Local acupuncturists and Naturopathic Doctors often offer classes or would be more than happy to put you in touch with someone in the area who does so. Look-up the local practitioners in your area and call to inquire
• Don't have time to go to a class right now, don't sweat it. Start a daily walking routine and begin and/or end the walk with a quiet sitting meditation and maybe even stretching if time permits. Also, you can make your walk more meditative by focusing on your surroundings, nature and by trying to focus your mind-body on filling yourself with positive energy rather than re-playing the negative experiences that may have happened during your day

*I am required to tell you not to start a new exercise routine until you have been approved to do so by your medical doctor. The above information is only suggestive and I am not reliable for your health.