Exercise as Self-Love

I had a great realization this morning at the gym. If you can see exercise as a way of taking care of your body and evidence of self-love rather than as a monotonous obligation or a means to become more attractive, it changes the whole dynamic. I feel like yoga and similar types of exercise are more commonly portrayed in this manner, as a means of self-love and appreciation and celebration of the body, but I believe that this extends to all exercise and well beyond that.

Every time I eat a healthy meal or avoid something full of chemicals and artificial additives, I'm loving myself. I'm choosing my healthy and body over a little instant gratification. It's interesting though, despite this fact, that eating well and exercising regularly are good for us, so many people choose not to do these simple tasks. I know there have been times when these things lose priority for me. But in reflection, those times were also some of the most difficult for me.

My whole world was a little off kilter. My priorities were not where they need to be and as a result I wasn't doing my utmost to honor and love myself. I feel so fortunate to see this now and have direction and influences that lead me to loving myself in the most practical way I know how. By treating my body well and giving it what it needs to thrive. And by challenging it in ways it has never been challenged before.

I find myself drawn to the idea of the mind/body connection. If we can work with both our mind and our body to the best of our ability, I think we and the world as a whole would be a much more enjoyable place. Finding the balance of giving to both your mind and body and being able to tune in to them in such a way that you can see where you are stuck, where you are struggling, and where needs your attention is the key to working with ourselves and loving ourselves completely.

I am feeling extremely grateful and appreciative of my body and my mind and the many insights I find that help be love them better and more fully every day.