the body

well, how is your body? does it work well? problems? weight? we can get into these kinds of things later. what i am basically talking about is to use your body through sensible routines such as walking/movement/tai chi or similar that will build strength/stamina as you go along and improve your functions overall.

in a nutshell, for me, it is about a focus on movement in various ways and in different/varied circumstances. as i write this, sitting at the keyboard, i am also moving my body, arms and legs, stretching or doing little exercises that i can do while sitting. instead of just sitting here or allowing yourself to slump, to succumb/give in to gravity. and as i understand it, it is hard on the body/back to sit, especially for too long. and as trivia: remember to fight gravity when you can. and dance everyday. in body, mind and spirit.

and now we are getting into multi-tasking — you focus (mind/mindful) on your breathing while you basically move your body, and you learn the connection between the three for you personally, depending on whatever it is that you are doing.

some people don't care for or avoid exercise. others go to the gym or have their various exercise machines/aids. some like to jog or run. the point here is if you don't devote time and effort in this area, you will lose levels of physical functioning, your body will not work right or develop problems.

for me, on a daily basis, it's about simple/sensible movement, stretching/range of motion. walking is good or simple exercises that i can do anywhere with whatever is at hand for aids if i chose. sometimes i use a chair or a railing. in my world i don't need machines or a gym. i utilize what is around me if i want or just work on simple exercises with no 'aids'. i find that it ties in well with cleaning. there is always cleaning that needs to be done and i incorporate my various exercises into my cleaning routines. much can be incorporated into these and other daily routines/tasks. and when i am done i feel better mentally and physically, and have the feelings that i have accomplished several positive and/or beneficial things. or done at home/wherever while reading, listening to music or even while out and about or walking. one can be creative and discover what works for you. and incorporating/combining this exercise or movement with your breathing. in the now/present.

some may learn to incorporate dance into some of their day/routines. and it can be very beneficial for one's spirit.

i like to focus more on my weaker or as-needed points. for example, if i don't use them enough i find my knees get 'out of shape' and need attention. so i do more squats or stand on one leg or whatever and this takes care of the problem for me. and i can do this at the grocery store or wherever while i'm also using my mind for something else.

and as i do these things, i go up a rung or two on the ladder, so to speak, on several levels.

i think i would add that the mind/body connection has to be gradually added, and that how you think about this is very important — for example, is this a task/chore that has to be done? i say no — it can be/is pleasant and can be incorporated into one's routine and practice. one way to look at it is to think you are adding good habits — in this case merely adding additional body movement into your routine or with your tasks that can make them more pleasant. also, good habits can be used to replace 'bad' ones.

i suppose i should add here that if you are not of average health/shape or have physical problems, you should consult with your doctor before deciding on a plan to improve your body and functioning. what i am talking of here, what i do for myself, is that one does not have to overly exert oneself (unless you are 'into' the extreme stuff — that's your choice) rather in a more controlled manner. again — to gradually build more strength, agility and stamina in sensible ways, incorporated into your daily routines or tasks.

another 'again' — use your mind/imagination — simply, you can make your life/routines more enjoyable or fun, make your walk/jog an adventure… (though we are now getting into the area of the 'now' and becoming more alert/aware — awakening… more on this later.)

one thing that i would add is that i have found more and more that incorporating cleaning into my routine(s) has been most beneficial, both for exercise as well as a tool for meditation or to relax the mind. and there is always plenty of cleaning to be done…

but for now — music

of course, music can be incorporated into your practice in many ways. there is much to choose from or you can make your own — if you do, you can use it with your breathing and/or movement. myself, besides other instruments, i play flutes, both wood or silver. i find them to be a very useful tool for my breathing/movement/dance/spirit. i would add for the beginner who is interested in flute to try the native american type — with that scale it is easy for the beginner to easily express/create on a personal level. and if you find a door there for you, you can always take on a more challenging flute later.

again we are getting into multi-tasking but here is where it gets interesting or sublime — the addition of the connection with spirit, with you. music has always been a good vehicle for this, even more so when you are playing and creating it yourself.

i am not sure if it goes without saying that the best kind of music for these types of works is instrumental — no lyrics or structured theme — you can just flow/soar with your music. (and if you do play music, then you have another possible issue, if not a problem. how does your ego fit into the equation in relation to your music and practice? more on this later, but for good reading/research: eckhart tolle, a new earth — an important book that can give you insights on ego and assist you with your practice.)

an important point for now —

do you think about or have any concerns related to your ego? do you know what 'it' is? basically, for now, it is identifying with the material, even thoughts and especially emotions, and mistaking them for being your 'self'. as you gain clarity and see the ego for what it really is — mostly a construction of wants or needs that make up a persona/image. but the thing to know right now about ego is: once you are more alert/aware and take a good look, be a watcher/observer of your ego, it can fall away… for some this may be difficult if they are much attached to the material/possessions or to drama and the emotional realms.

i would say at this point — why not take a look/observe/watch your ego. see what happens… more on this later.

i have done some reviewing of my work to date, and would add that soon i'll begin the next info page — on spirit and how it connects, or can…