What does exercise have to do with the environment or social justice, you ask?
In my opinion, exercise has a lot to do with these issues – in particular, our desire and ability to have a positive impact on the world. There’s a story in Chinese martial arts folklore. A Buddhist monk by the name of Boddhidharma traveled from India to China sometime around the 6th century. When he arrived at Shaolin temple he found that the monks there weren’t able to endure the hours of prayer, meditation, and study that he prescribed. After some time in contemplation, Boddhidharma devised exercises to improve the health and strength of the monks. According to legend, these exercises were the foundation of what later became Shaolin Kung Fu and many other styles of martial arts.
The idea is simple. Our bodies are the vessels that contain our minds and spirits and have a profound effect on how we experience life and the world around us. Ultimately, we hope that we can rise above the limitations of our physical existence. Until that happens, what we do, what we eat and drink, and how we care for ourselves has a great impact on our minds, emotions, spirits, and ability to do the things that are important to us.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of regular exercise. Exercise can prevent or help reduce the severity of AIDS/HIV, arthritis, some types of cancer, depression, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and osteoporosis to name a few. Exercise makes our bodies and minds stronger, more flexible, and more agile. It also boosts our energy, reduces stress, and helps us live longer.
If you don’t know where to start, nearly any physical activity could be considered exercise depending on how you approach it. Gardening, walking, riding bicycle, running, lifting weights, hiking, yoga, tai chi, pilates, dancing, softball, soccer, basketball, fishing… The list could be endless. My point is that there is something out there for everyone and for every level of physical ability.
If you still don’t see the connection between exercise and social and environmental issues, here are my top 6 connections:
6. Group exercise classes foster a greater sense of community and encourage participants to form relationships with others in the class.
5. Outdoors activities like hiking, gardening, fishing, and hunting develop a greater awareness of nature.
4. Once we start exercising, we naturally begin to look for more ways to be healthy such as turning off the television and eating more fresh fruits, vegetables, organic, and local foods.
3. Exercise breaks the inertia of a sedentary lifestyle.
2. Exercise makes us happy (caused by endorphins released during exercise). Happy people promote peace.
1. Exercise energizes us to lead more active, more fulfilling lives.
Can anyone find some more connections, so that we can make it an even 10?
Links:
My martial arts (tai chi aka taijiquan) instructor. His school is in Harrisburg, PA. He is one of the best instructors in the country and trained me to my 2002 National title followed by two more years as one of the top competitors in the U.S. http://www.dowellness.com/ Here's a map:Map of 2233 Paxton Church Rd Harrisburg, PA 17110-9646, US The center also offers pilates, yoga, children's fitness classes, and massage.
A site by the American Academy of Family Physicians with lots of information about physical activity: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/physical.html
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Exercise can ultimately create a way for girls to achieve their goals and dreams. Title IX, starting in 1972, has made it possible for thousands of young women to achieve their goals and dreams. Exercise and organized sports combined w/ Title IX scholarships have made it possible for two generations of women now to go after the careers that will make life meaningful to them.
Post a Comment