Reflections: Morning routine, 91 year-old skateboarder, giving thanks through daily movement
My September Reflection
No amount of movement is too little. That's the concept I have been thinking of this past month - no amount of movement is too little. Meaning, there is benefit for sure to be had by, say, moving your ankle joints through a full range of motion. Further, instead of watching television on your couch or favorite chair, sit on the floor or in my case, I sit on a small yoga block.
Last month I wrote about my morning routine and how it has evolved over the years. One significant reason I even have a morning routine is from what I learned attending former Commander of the Navy SEALS, Mark Divine's training camps. In addition to understanding and practicing a morning routine, I am also coming to appreciate even more the movement for increased functionality and yes, recovery too. This type of movement doesn't always get the big fancy accolades but it does produce big dividends.
Body - Morning Routine - Part II
Last month we went through the first part of my morning routine, the shoulder warm-up. This is what I have my clients warm-up with before we begin our training session. Now that we have that down and you have added it to your morning routine, we move to the next part. I like to call this the gratitude portion with hip and thoracic spine mobility.
Challenge for you:
Same challenge from last month; where can you improve consistency of a movement practice? Start by watching my video.
Mind - "Movement isn't just physical, it's cognitive medicine."
I am revisiting the above quote from Z-Health Performance. If we can build strong habits and press on, we can actually improve our brains by moving. I am really enjoying this video of a 91 year-old skateboarder and how he has set up his life to keep moving. Interestingly, pay attention to how strong his voice sounds.
Challenge for you:
Let's not wait until we are 91 years old to set up our lives to keep moving. Let's begin our practice today. What is one thing you can commit to this week to incorporate a small amount of movement?
Spirit - Offer Thanks
At the beginning of part two of my morning routine, with my arms going up toward the sky, I'm offering gratitude to our creator - Thank you Father for this day, thank you for the blessings of the earth and sky, thank you for life, this life. It is a small way to give thanks and acts as a gentle reminder of the many gifts that I've been given. I can't think of a better way to start the day.
Challenge for you:
Take a moment to think about how you begin your morning. Is there a space you could offer thanks and gratitude?
Quote I'm Pondering
"You can't go back and change the beginning but you can start where you are and change the ending." — C.S. Lewis
To your reflection and health,
Lisa Schaffer
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See my last newsletter Body, Mind & Spirit…
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