Work In While Working Out

The jury is not out on the vast benefits of regular physical activity, including reductions in disease, improvements in all manner of well-being and of course, the ultimate prize—a longer, more highly functional life. As we work out or exercise, there are also considerable moment-to-moment opportunities to enhance our current state of being and functioning; we can look inward while we are moving outward. Shifting our focus to the sensations of the body while moving is a brain training activity that not only provides us with important bodily information but also activates the brain pathways that allow us to focus on a specific stimulus or focal point while shutting out other stimuli. This is the same avenue of brain training that we utilize when meditating or praying---we drop into a focused space in our mind through our neuropathways, and we have an experience. People of faith view this as a two-way pathway, one in which their focused thoughts (prayers) are heard and answered by God. It has been said that these neuropathways can become strengthened and well-worn with continued usage. In a meditative yoga experience, it is quite common to drop into this focused experience and, as a different type of two-way pathway, emotions or feelings may be released, even tears shed.  

Dropping in or working in while we are working out allows us to notice our physical ability and strength, and/or areas of weakness or injury that we need to address, while making space for appreciating our body and the lengths it goes to deliver under our demands. What we appreciate, we are more likely to care for and caring for our physical, emotional, social and spiritual health yields spectacular returns. The practice of “working in” for fuller understanding supports the concept that we should and can be the expert on us! Learning to perceive our physical and emotional signals is critical through all of life’s processes, from aging to suffering and loss; we need to be able to step into self-care in the ever-changing climate of life. In this manner, awareness leads to agency as our own self-care expert, and agency supports our ever-necessary resilience and coping. It is quite remarkable that all these outcomes originate internally, through our focus and attention, all towards dramatic, life-enhancing outcomes. So, sure, work out for all of the obvious reasons, but most assuredly do not miss the opportunity to work in while you are at it!