Using Spirituality to Achieve Fitness

[Martha Randolph Carr]

The idea of using spirituality to achieve fitness is not a new idea. One side of the argument says we are perfect whole and complete as we are today, which is true.
Without that element we'll never get very far because gratitude won't be in the mix. However, it is also possible to keep doing things that at least I feel are self-destructive like eating an entire bag of chips. Then there's the flip side that when I eat less processed food and work out more I not only feel better I can think more clearly and it's easier to believe in the possibilities. And yet, so much of the time I have found it difficult to honor myself and reach for something bigger. Is the missing piece spiritual? I would love to hear from others on this topic because it's time to make a positive change.

[Paul Randolph]

Hey cousin,
I read this when you first posted it and didn't quite know how to respond, but it brought up some questions that I had trouble with and so I let it go. It seems to raise more questions than answers in my mind.
What is fitness? The definition has changed for me as I have changed and I'm not sure that there is a real answer to this question.
Is fitness a proper goal or is there something more that we are after? Perhaps an alternate definition of fitness is to become more at one with our own true nature, honor your self, as you mentioned. This type of fitness goes far beyond the physical, but is somehow connected, as our bodies are intertwined with our spiritual nature.
Early this morning, I went running along a narrow, winding path through the woods in the pre-dawn darkness. I had to focus all of my attention to follow the trail along a soft river bank, avoiding the occasional roots, fallen trees and wrong turns. I started out in a small group of friends who wore headlamps, but slowly pulled away as my eyes began to adjust and my feet found their wings. It was like meditation, as the darkness of the woods shimmered with a soft glow. The trail revealed itself in sections barely long enough to catch my forward momentum. This practice made me feel as if I were truly living in the moment, fully being in my own purpose for that short time. It helped me to start my day with a clarity of mind that carried through as I went into the world.
Perhaps it is more likely that spirituality can be achieved through the practices that we associate with fitness.

[Martha Randolph Carr]

I'm so glad I started this discussion and that it began the same moment I finally started running again. The beginning was so difficult and at first I could barely make a quarter of a mile before I was walking most of the rest of the way and heading back home. And yet, I still felt like I had accomplished something. Part of it was that I had gotten over the fear of looking stupid running so slowly with two big knee braces and being overweight. And part of it was I was breathing hard, working hard and knew this was progress of some sort.

But the unexpected part was that so many people in the little park near me in the Bronx where I live started waving or giving me the thumbs up or even saying they were thinking they ought to be out there. Same people I had passed hundreds of times walking to the subway who had never looked directly at me.

Then, somewhere in the past 6 weeks it got easier and I found I could not only go further, I was breathing deeper. My clothes loosened up and I rose out of chairs more easily. A neighbor in my building, Charles, who I had never met before, walked me to a track (I'd been looking for one for months) that was hidden behind Yankee Stadium.

My cousin, Paul is right. There is a meditation that goes along with running and a clarity that I achieve not only from clearing my mind to make each step, each breath, but also from seeing everyone at a different angle and realizing I can go farther than I had previously thought possible. And, I've only just begun at 49 to find out what that means.

[Danger Dave]

I don't understand fitness for fitness sake. I've tried running, it's not for me. Too boring, and just trying to get fit is not a good enough motivator for me to keep doing it. But good for both of you runners. I think you're both on the right track. I do get the idea of doing something physical that you enjoy. For me it's surfing, and there is definitely a spiritual aspect to it, and I can see how that would be true for any solo sport. Playing hard outdoors can be a soul cleansing that you come to need. The fitness part is a nice side effect.

P.S. Happy Birthday, Paul.

[Tym Moss]

I agree. I think fitness is a part of the mind, body and soul combination.

I feel Dave is right. That one must find a physical activity that is enjoyable. When an activity is enjoyed, its not viewed as work or obligation. It is looked forward to with pleasant anticipation.

This is a good subject for me. I have been overeating again and I need to loose weight by finding an enjoyable form of exercise. I always enjoyed running/jogging, the alone time to forget and sort things out. However, tendonitis in both my feet, legs and right arm, currently prevent me from jogging or lifting any weights. My current budget does not allow membership at a sports club.

I'm open for suggestions!!

I know its a spiritual and psychological change I need to focus on. I have been working diligently for several years on developing the mind and the soul. My body is telling me its time to work on the body now, as well.

I know, without doubt, that all will be well. The universe and God will help me to change. God has always helped me through necessary changes in my life. This is just the next.

I could just use some suggestions on what activities I may be able to participate in.

I know I need the mind, body and soul to emerge as one with God. And it WILL happen. And so it is.

Tym

[Paul Randolph]

Martha,
It is inspiring to hear about the changes you are seeing in your body as you enjoy your new routines. Fitness does not have to be on the order of Michael Phelps to be an important part of our lives.

Dave,
Thanks for the birthday wishes. I have never been bored with running, or swimming, or biking, for which I am grateful. I don't know how to surf but maybe someday. You are right, we need to each find our own thing.

Tym,
If your body is telling you something then you have two choices. Listen or ignore it. It sounds like your body has also spoken about running for now. Swimming is a great activity if you have access to a pool and some basic skills, but it might not be for you. Also, biking is something that you can do almost anywhere. You can probably find a used bike that will meet your needs for little expense if you look around. It does not need to be anything fancy. Walking might be a good place to start as well. Of you enjoy running, but can't do it right now, you might get similar benefits from walking. For me, it is all about doing something that takes you somewhere. In the process, there is a transformation, and when we return we find ourselves to be changed.

I don't think the specific activity is important, but it is important that we are aware of our bodies, and be comfortable and honest with where we are now. I see many people try to start running and give up after a short time. They stop because it is too hard or they push themselves to the point of injury. I find that improvement comes when I find the edge, back off and stay in that zone for a while. Gradually, this edge shifts and I find new abilities. Rest and recovery are as important as the workout. Without it, injury is almost a guarantee.

This topic means a lot to me. It hits on my passion. I hope I can share that here and it helps others to enjoy their lives the way it has helped me.

PR

[Danger Dave]

Hey Paul, after I posted I sorta realized how that must have sounded. Didn't mean to imply that running was boring. The few times I've even tried didn't turn out so well. I just haven't given it much of a chance.

I guess karma didn't like my post. When I went out surfing the other day and my board hit me in the face. Ten stitches and two fractures is sort of the opposite of fitness. I'd try running again, but I could just as easily break something doing that too.

That being said, Tym, I wish I had a recommendation for you. Most water sports are pretty low impact, despite my recent misfortune. But it doesn't necessarily even have to be a sport to provide exercise. Even yard work or walking a dog could be enough, as long as you enjoy it.

We're supposed to get a good swell this weekend. I'll be back out there, just more cautious this time. My soul needs it.

[Paul Randolph]

Ouch! I'm really sorry to hear about your mishap. 10 stitches and 2 fractures sounds pretty nasty. I hope you recover quickly.

I understand that most people don't enjoy the things I get energized by, and that's OK. I hope I didn't come across as judgmental. The point I was really trying to make is that it is important to find what works for us and then take it to the edge, where we will start to see the changes. It's about finding a delicate balance in a changing world, kind of like surfing I guess.

You made an interesting statement about karma. I appreciate the humor, but it has a note of truth in it. Do bad things happen to us because we deserve it, when we are not living the way we should, or is there more randomness about it? Alternatively, are the bad things that happen merely a part of something larger that we can't possibly understand?

Good luck this weekend finding the swells. I'll be swimming a mile in the ocean tomorrow as part of a triathlon. I was kind of hoping for calmer seas, but swells can be interesting.

[Martha Randolph Carr]

Paul - I loved what you said about finding what your passions are and then taking them to the edge where changes happen. That really means so much to me right now because it's becoming apparent to me that I'm at the edge of what I've known. I've never pushed beyond this point - doesn't matter what category - this is the place for me where in the past I have always panicked and looked for some other 'solution'. It was where my beliefs in God or myself completely failed me. And I have the oddest sensations going on of grieving and optimism rolled up together. They aren't even doing battle with each other, just both present.
By the way, my past was completely ruled by 'shoulds' which made me subject to others whims and judgments and it wasn't until I realized God had no shoulds other than honoring first myself and then others that I understood everyone is always offering me the best they have for that day, and so am I. And in that thought I have the right to simply turn down what's offered or accept and move on. Tomorrow I can make a different choice.
The running is still going well and I'm surprised what structure it gives everything else for me. I am in such unknown territory that all I can do is float, feel grateful and approach with optimism.

[Danger Dave]

Thanks Paul, you're a tougher man that I am. I do a lot of paddling, but I'm on a board. I seriously doubt I could do a mile without it. I have a huge amount of respect for Triathletes.

You struck a note with me in your last post. I honestly don't believe in Karma, or fate, or The Force, and I'm not sure I buying 100% of what organized religion is selling. It all has it's place, and it works for a lot of people, but just like finding your own physical path, each person has to find there own spiritual path.

But I don't think it's all completely random either. It's very human to search for patterns and try to make sense and give explanations to things. But I haven't heard many people actually state what I really believe in, and that is the frailty and weakness of the human mind to truly see the big picture. I'm not giving up on my own personal spiritual quest, but I recognize my limitations. I think I have as much chance to understand everything as I do to teach my dog algebra. He's a smart boy, but he just doesn't have the capacity for it. And I don't think we do either. Tough thing to admit, given our egos.

[Martha Randolph Carr]

Both Paul and Dave love what they do and it isn't about exercise - you go out there because of the activity and the fitness is the happy by-product. You push yourself because you want to see how far this activity can take you. I haven't really found that yet. I hope I do. I'm not sure if it happens when I get better at it or not. I'd love to hear what you two think about that topic or anyone else who 'works out' by accident because they love what they're out they're doing.

[Paul Randolph]

I agree with that. I would like to do everything in my life because it is a passion for me. It does not always work out that way, but it helps to keep that type of focus. Exercise has always been a part of my life and I don't know how I could live without it. In some periods I focused more on running faster and paid more attention to the clock. I always kept it fun though. More recently, I have paid less attention to the clock and have focused on feeling good. Interestingly, I seem to still find improvement in my times. I also find more enjoyment in the activities.

By the way, we ended up not being able to swim on Saturday. The swells were 10 feet and it was too rough on the shore break. It would have not been good to send 700 people out there, so they changed the swim to a short run in the sand. I did OK on the biking and ended up with the second fastest run time. I had no idea until I saw the results yesterday. It was fun to see my friends at the race.

[David Octavio Gandell]

For me its a lifestyle, the one thing i will always share with everyone is, that in order to change your life you have to make choices. First change your mind which includes your way of thinking and having a spiritual understanding. Second change your body by what you eat and what you do with it. And lastly change your life by doing all of the preceding changes. It starts with choices, commitments, and wanting to change. To overcome what life brings, one has to be as strong as possible before the battle. If you are not strong in your spirit, mind, and body, the battle will take longer to overcome. It starts with knowledge in all areas. For me spiritual strenght comes from the bible. Being a professional fitness trainer helped me with the other two, continue to learn about nutrition and different workouts to keep my body strong. God healed my cancer, i made the choices to continue to take care of my body inside and out. Just start by getting knowledge and then make the choices.... God Bless
David Gandell