What are the healthy activities to which we ascribe? Do we breath fully, Do we rest sufficiently? Do we consume nutritious foods? Those consistent activities that support our day to day living . . we must do them. Today’s rush about world would have us gloss over them, neglect them, put them off until . . . . there is (no) more time. The time that we have is now. We must do something, anything, in the present moment. The small things that we do, in the now, can set the stage for the larger things that we wish to undertake. We must be consistent, remain focused and press forward.
So, running a 10K (6.2 miles), bench pressing >100 kg (220.5 lbs.), or doing the 4th Ashtanga Yoga series . . . . these are things that mere mortals dream about. Yet we must realize in looking at these things that they did not or do not just occur. Steps were taken in arriving at those outcomes. There was consistency not only in those specific actions; there was consistency in activities that supported, bolstered and forwarded the progress in the direction of those goals. Before one ever gets to the running, the lifting or doing Bound Revolved Lateral Angle Pose (Baddha Parivritta Parsvakonasana) the basics must be automatic. Rest, Nutrition, Breathing . . . . these are important to all activities.
In eating, there is typically consumption of whatever is at hand or whatever taste good. This strategy will not provide the nutrition needed for day to day activities, let alone exercise. We know that proper nutrition consists of vegetables, whole grains, proteins, fruits. Yet the various combinations and types must be agreeable to each person’s specific constitutional requirements. Within a certain range, a standard diet can exist across the board. Yet there may be need to make specific adjustments (omissions, additions) on a case by case basis.
Rest is one area that is consistently neglected. More than a third of American adults are not getting enough sleep on a regular basis, according to a new study in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC). The cumulative long-term effects of sleep loss and sleep disorders have been associated with a wide range of deleterious health consequences including an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack, and stroke. We need to rest, sufficiently, regularly. Acquiring proper amounts of rest must become a major priority.
Breathing is something that is autonomic . . it occurs without much notice. The body must breath in oxygen and prana. Yeah, there is a large contingent that does not believe in prana. However, an expired person cannot be revived by pumping oxygen into them and electroshocking them. Thus, it behooves us to, during our conscious existence on earth, to maximize the fullest potential of our breath capacity. The are exercises and techniques which can assist us in this effort. Yet, we could begin to increase our breathing capacity if we would just take time out to periodically give full attention to how we are breathing, on a daily and consistent basis.
Before even lying down on a bench, putting on some yoga shoes or stepping into the yoga studio, we must have the basics lined out. Those requirements for good health that we do on a daily basis. There may be a time in which one forgoes the consistency. However, as long as the occurrence is occasional, the body and mind will cope with the transgression. Get your rest. Eat Well. Breath Fully.
Ab-Sutra Wellness and Fitness 