Man stretching

Staying Alive, No Matter What

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If you are thinking at all, then I know you will be able to come up with more “ing” words than I am going to talk about here. In fact, let me know what you come up with…all thoughts on “ings” are most welcome!

We were recently with a dear friend in Idaho who has muscular dystrophy. Talk about an inspiration…even as she maneuvers through her days on her mobile chair. More and more energy is expended as her situation worsens, but I so respect her commitment to keep moving, even in pain.

First “ing”–moving:

I’ve heard, and heard, and heard from health care professionals of all kinds, from surgeons to fitness coaches, to keep moving, at any age, will be beneficial to one’s health now, and for all of one’s life. Evidently being sedentary is the gateway to all kinds of physical, emotional, relational, intellectual and even spiritual issues and problems.

When I suggest that to people of all ages, I get looks like I’ve just dropped in from outer space. Excuses of busyness and health and lack of opportunity begin to creep into the conversation. Guilt often begins to show up with, “I know, I should be doing something.”

However guilt is not the goal. Being as fully alive as one can be in all the 8 Dimensions of Life is. And studies show that those who are able to move have more of a chance at being healthy…until something may stop them in their tracks, like our dear friend.

If one can move…

in the best of mentoring

one will get to moving and encouraging others to do the same.

Now, those reading this who know me know I’m no athletic stud. Go ahead and nod a “yes” to that…with a smile, of course. But I am committed to moving…often. To standing…often. To stretching…often.

Yes, this is a major “happening” within the Physical Dimension of the Circle of Life. Daily. Hourly, except when sleeping. For the rest of my days.

When I begin to mentor anyone, eventually we will get around to how much, how often they are moving. Moving nourishes the soul, clears the mind, creates space for new thoughts, encourages added friendships, helps one explore and discover more of their world.

May I help you get a move on, too?

I get nothing from letting you know about the Fitbit Flex. It is simply what let’s me know if I am accomplishing my daily goal of walking at least 10,000 steps a day. For Mister Stubby-legs here, that amounts to 4.5 miles of walking…a great “ing” word! Should you go that route I suggest just the Flex…nothing fancier.  Do not choose the clip on “thing” which gets lost easily.

If you need more instruction or encouragement…let me know. There are other devices out there, but with the Fitbit system, you and I can even keep track of and encourage each other.

Just today, already, 11:36am, I’ve already been moving for 14,710 steps, which my iPhone tells me I’ve covered 7.5 miles. Fairly good for an olde man.

Second “ing”—reading:

Of course, by now you are thinking of more “ings” that just moving. Due to time and space, let’s consider one more that we can all do, if we have our sight…and if that is diminishing, we can even “read” now through hearing, listening to books and magazines being read to us. Amazing.

Moving begins with the Physical Dimension in mind…even though all the 8 Dimensions of Life impact each other. Reading, what you are doing right now, is part of the Intellectual dimension…which is also influenced by all the others.

It is written that those who learn to read and stick with it over the years have a greater capacity for learning, exploring, staying alive more fully. The mind, the brain, what an amazing creation for both animal and man…is nourished by moving, and by what you put into it via words, spoken, heard, read.

Crossword puzzles, the Words with Friends app, other “mind games” help keep the brain functioning. Creating statements with all kinds of art is also a form of reading…keeping that brain healthy and alive.

In this year, 2015, I’ve been going back through my library and re-reading books that have helped to shape my life. Talk about some good visits with old friends. It’s been a meaning-filled exercise for my mind and my soul.

May I suggest a third “ing” no matter your age—get going:

Whatever Third of Life you are in, the potential of you growing older than you are is always with you. Go to our website and look at the 8 Dimensions of Life, scroll over them and do a check on how you are living your own life. Then, take a moment at the end of each day…like even today…and simply ask yourself, “Today, how and where was I at my best in living my life?”

Tomorrow? Repeat.

It is my deep hope that you will keep going and living out the life you have been given. I will welcome hearing how you are doing.

I am here cheering you on!!!

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