One of the of the major priorities in my life these days is health. I’m not a naturally physically active person. Some people I know go stir crazy if they haven’t exercised, well that’s not me, I don’t even watch sporting activity. While there have been many attempts in the past, they were not sustained.
These attempts were also undermined by perfectionism and negative self talk which demolished any motivation – “you should be exercising more”, “you should be eating healthier”, “you’re not doing enough”, “you’re not good enough”, “you shouldn’t, blah blah blah..” How frickin’ miserable!
Image from http://www.slate.com
In the last six months, I have set the intention for this to change and to thankfully welcome optimal health. Recently James Clear wrote a fabulous blog outlining a broader definition of health. He suggests health as containing four aspects:
- diet and exercise
- adventure and exploration
- art and creativity, and
- community and connection.
This definition is more holistic – considering the physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual and contextual layers of health.
For me, the quest for better health has been a spiritual journey. Each day, I revisit the intention, to create health in my life. I have consciously shifted into an energetic space of just being and being healthy, and the rest is falling into place. I’m not saying it is easy, as it’s a step by step reaffirmation of this commitment. Most importantly, when there are slip ups, it’s about being kind and self compassionate, rather than harshly judging.
Image from http://www.meditationbenefits.co
Regular meditation and spiritual practice has helped me to become more sensitive and aware of the needs of my body. As we listen to our bodies, they’re incredibly good at telling us what we need. This includes listening to the needs of the heart and mind, and guidance from intuition. If you’re a spiritual person, you can ask for assistance from your healing teams in spirit as well!
Meditation helps to calm the critical voices and self analysis enables understanding. Seeking health has also been a journey into self love, self compassion and kindness. I am so grateful for my health, many dear friends experience compromised physical health and they have taught me, amongst many other things, to treasure this blessing.
As for physical exercise, I find it so much easier doing activities i love – gardening for hours, walking my dog max, dancing to some funky music, moving meditations, walking on the beach or mountains or other beautiful environments etc. When i blend pleasure and exercise, it’s so much easier!
A bit further along the path towards health, my body has started to crave the good stuff. Today there was an overwhelming urge to eat something green, broccoli in particular – go figure! Glad to find this broccolini on the discount shelf at the local fruit shop! Steam it, cover in butter, add a little pepper – yum!
As health has become a priority in life, naturally more time and actions support this, which in turn creates this feedback loop of greater energy and more vibrant life force.
Today I’m making a bone broth recipe from one of my spiritual mentors Nicole Cody. She has documented her inspiring and tough journey towards health whilst living with late stage lyme disease.
Image from http://www.cauldronsandcupcakes.com
This bone broth recipe is a great basic stock that can be used as the base for soups, pasta sauces and loads of other dishes. It’s full of nutrients and juicy flavours. I make it about once every fortnight. Tonight we’re using it to make this Tomato, bacon and lentil soup recipe.
Image from http://www.cauldronsandcupcakes.com
I’ll write more stories about my unfolding spiritual journey and Nicole’s mentoring in future posts, but in the meantime enjoy her gorgeous recipes…
Wishing for you vibrancy in your life. May you know love, connection, creativity, adventure and cherish the beautiful physical body that has been gifted to you. May you know joy and freedom from pain.
Much love
Sarah
Btw – the soup recipe is awesome, very hearty and filling and oh so healthy!! Thanks nicole! :o)
thespiritualhomemaker 
Glad you are finding your way and listening to your body. I hear you on the being kind to yourself angle. I’ve discovered aspects which I know long term are beneficial and even short term (end of July is the 1st Anniversary) I’ve seen it, but it is a long, sometimes hard slog. Remembering patterns that have been ingrained for 30+ years won’t *snap* change in under one year (and as I type that sentence *metaphysical twhack of epiphany occurs*). Enjoy your soup!
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Love to hear some of your tips and experiences Nicky! Getting a regular health routine, particularly the exercise bit is a challenge! love you new photo – very beautiful image! hugs sx
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Thank you re photo. Once I find a stable way I’ll share. I have had good runs and then bad runs – mostly tied to stresses and fatigue (metaphysical naughty corner and overdoing it, not truly listening to my body while living in “survival” mode). This year, I seem to be taking in the lesson of resting a lot, as I’ve been very unkind to my left ankle (and lower left leg). Repeatedly o_O.
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I have just started gentle exercise too after years of not being able to. I am taking coaching from my two dogs who recommend stretching, rambling through the paddocks with frequent stops to check interesting stuff out, more stretching and some sunbaking relax time! I bet Max would approve xx
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That’s such a positive step back into gentle exercise – very pleased!! Oh yes, max would love it, exploring and stopping for all the interesting sniffs. Max is one of my gurus! Enjoy! Sx
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Would you both follow the dog rule of rolling around, especially in scented substances (that THEY approve of lol)? 🙂
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Isn’t that a great broad definition of health. We should teach that tour children. We’d have less body image issues as a result.
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I love it because it acknowledges us on many levels not just the physical. I particularly wish all parents could experience holistic health, as their job in raising healthy children is so important. Especially being nurtured, kind and self compassionate themselves. Thanks sx
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Yes, it is so important. Our parents beliefs and attitudes can impact on our beliefs and actions. We’d be a healthier society if this was practised and taught widely.
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