“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions” —Oliver Wendell Holmes
Truth be told I sat down to write this blog about two months ago, and only got as far as the quote above (I typically start writing about six per month 🤷♀️!). My idea was to write a blog about challenging yourself to try new forms of exercise — some of my closest friends and I did an Aerial yoga class for the first time... and LOVED it, but more on that later…
The quote above has such a bigger meaning now living in our 'new world.’ As humans we thrive on routine and currently our normal routine and comfort levels are being tested to their limits. The uncertainty of today and what our future will look like can cause extreme stress and anxiety-- understandably so. With today's required orders to self quarantine, it’s foreign to think about giving a friend a hug, thanking an employee at the grocery store in fear you or him/her will spread something, or stopping by a friends house just to say hello. I miss those days, and I know we all do. The power of human contact is immeasurable and truly necessary. Let’s be sure to remind ourselves this is only temporary and we’ll all be able to return to our hugging days at some point… hopefully very soon!
This is even more the reason why self-care and a whole lot of forgiveness of yourself and others is most important. We don’t know what the future will bring, and to be honest, we never have. So believe in yourself and do your best to take advantage of this forced 'slowdown’. Somedays will be better than others — but that's just life — pandemic, or not.
Another quote to bring this full circle is from one of my favorite books call The Choice. The author, Dr. Egar said: “We don’t know where we’re going, we don’t know what’s going to happen, but no one can take away from you what you put in your own mind.”Searching for at least one happy moment or event that came out of each day will help you get through this uncertain time. Science shows that we do have the ability to re-train our brain, now is the time to test this. As the first quote states, expanding your brain grows your mind and as my last quote states — it’s totally up to us what we store up there!
Now back to that Aerial yoga class! I absolutely loved trying something new and challenging my comfort zone. Since public gyms/studios are closed for the near term, there are plenty of in-home workout options. Pick a type of class/workout that you have never tried and go for it! Find a spacious spot in your home or backyard if weather permits, recruit any willing family members to join (forced family fun is the best— all may not agree, but truly it is!) and have fun! We are all adapting to a way of life that goes against human nature, so be kind to yourself, challenge your brain and please stay healthy! Below are a couple of my favorite on-line workout options! Message me with questions!
