Move

It may just be the ten years that I spent in the fitness industry, but I think there are many parallels in our physical and spiritual maintenance. I often have people ask me questions about working out, and I also hear the difficulties and struggles people have with sticking to a workout routine or eating properly. I have always been pretty pragmatic in that I really think people should find something they enjoy, preferably with someone they enjoy doing it with, and the follow up will be easier.

If you love music and dancing, I think you should start by trying to find a class that incorporates those elements, and find a friend that likes that too and ask them to join you. If being in the woods really restores you and you look forward to it, again make that part of your routine. You can walk, you can jog, or you can run. If you are a no nonsense kind of person that wants to multitask or get it done quickly, you can figure out which cardio equipment allows you to read while moving your legs, or figure out a 30 minute strength training program that is efficient. I think for a lot of people there is this fear that they are going to do it wrong. Or it just loses its place in our priorities when there are other items vying for our time. Or sometimes it just gets overwhelming. There are 100s of books on ‘this is what you should eat’ or ‘this is how you should work out’. If you are not a ‘gym person’ and you go into a gym there are again 100s of choices of ways to work different muscles- cardio machines, strength machines, free weights, workout balls, bosu balls, steps, etc. You could spend months just researching and trying to figure out what to do. But you would miss the most important part-, which is to simply do something. Move.

Likewise in spiritual disciplines, there are 100s of books. There are 100s of different ways to worship, to serve, to grow. There are different denominations, different styles, and different theologies. I think for a lot of people there is this fear that they are going to do it wrong. Or it just loses its place in our priorities when there are other items vying for our time. Or sometimes it just gets overwhelming. But I wonder if perhaps we sometimes over look the basic premise that God made us and loves us. We can find the things we enjoy and still worship, grow and serve. It’s no secret that I love to sing (whether or not my talent matches that desire is debatable). I find that to be a great way to worship. It ushers me into praying. Journaling is a newer path for me to worship. I have found in the last few years that as I write a letter to God it helps me stay focused and tuned in. Maybe in 5 years I’ll have a different way that is helping me worship. At my church alone there are 100s of serving opportunities from working in the nursery, helping park cars, to foreign mission trips, and everything in between. If you want to grow there are bible studies, pod casts, and a library of books among other resources. I suppose it could be overwhelming to look at all these choices and try to figure out where you fit in. You could spend months just researching and trying to figure out what to do. But you would miss the most important part-, which is to simply do something. Move.

Find something you enjoy, preferably with someone you enjoy doing it with, and the follow up will be easier. As you progress there will be times when you need to challenge yourself with something harder. As you adapt there will be times when you need to not be so comfortable both physically and/or spiritually. That is how you make improvements. But if you have gotten to that point, you’ll be ready for it. You will have reached a plateau where you need more. Until then, just move. Do something.

By the way. I know it's hard. But as I have told my spin classes- we work hard in here so that everything out there is easier. Life is hard so why wouldn't you want to 'train' physically and spiritually for it?