A State of Mind

We are connected to a physical body.  The state of our mind often is in direct correlation to the state of our body.  It was a lesson I re-learned recently while staying at a full amenities hotel.  For whatever reason, we sometimes forget that physical movement is very important.  I had forgotten how great I felt when I was younger, when I was constantly outside either hiking or swimming in the ocean.  I was reminded of that "feel-good" feeling recently, because I actually felt good!  It had been a long while.  It was as if a dear, long-forgotten friend had re-emerged in my life.  I was filled with joy.  My whole being felt energized and happy.

At first it was difficult.  I could barely walk half a mile without panting.  I slowly got up to a mile, and then two.  Then one day we had some clear weather so we decided we would ride the bus into town.  The problem was  that the bus stop was 2.4 miles away!  We decided to do it anyway.  The walk there was pretty easy.  We made it in time with about 2 minutes to spare before the bus came.  We hung out in town and found out that the bus could drop us off a little closer to the hotel, so we only had to walk back 2 miles.

The walk back was nice since we didn't have to rush.  When we arrived back we all were very exhausted and I really dreaded the next day.  I thought I would be a zombie the next day, sore, tired and cranky.  But, the next day, I felt wonderful!  I could NOT believe it.  I felt great!  Energetic, not sore, not tired, ready and raring to go. So I started walking 4 miles a day, 2 miles after breakfast and 2 miles after lunch.  I walked up 6 flights of stairs twice a day and played various games and went on additional walks with various people on various evenings when it was necessary.

My whole outlook on life changed.  I was excited.  I felt good physically like I hadn't felt in what seemed like forever.  I made up my mind to never let myself go back to that place.  I made up my mind to remember how I felt before, during and after.  And now that I am home, I am trying to get myself back to that place.  It has been difficult.  I have so much more to do here.  But I am determined.  I like that place where mind, body and spirit can co-habitate and fulfill each other equally.