MORNING MANTRA

ABC Wednesday

M is for Morning

I feel deep reverence for the mystic allure of each morning. When my eyes open to the sweet morning light, stealing benignly through the bedroom window, the whole body responds eagerly to the sensation of freshness and tranquility. Even when up and doing, the silence of the morning connects me to my spiritual self, making me feel light and hopeful.

The first cup of tea pours energy into the system and there you go chasing the morning chores.

In fact, morning sets the mood of the day. For me, the most important activity is the morning walk in the nearby park. It is the greatest mantra for maintaining well-being, which I have adopted since my retirement. There are no more urgent household tasks to be carried out before leaving for work.

Undoubtedly, morning walk or some exercise regime is necessary for a healthy living for all of us. There are no two opinions about the belief that the threesome of prayer, meditation and exercise performed in the morning, work wonders for overall wellness, creativity and productivity.

I experience morning walk as a channel for the restoration of mind body connect, which we have almost lost in the fast pace of modern life. Walk in a park surrounded by trees and floras that emit oxygen in the morning, fill the lungs, improving blood circulation. Brisk walk provides muscular strength to the skeletal and lubricates joints and cells, promoting fitness. It is also your ‘me time’ when day’s distractions haven't  yet invaded your mental space.You converse with your inner self. The greenery around soothes the eyes, envelops you with grace and resilience to face the day.

It’s pure joy to watch the frolicking squirrels and buzzing honey bees and other insects flitting around blooming flowers and creating their own music. It is however, the birds, which steal the morning show. They flutter overhead, chirp, tweet or squeak on the branches conducting an orchestra of improvised notes. It is like nature’s lyrical poetry. Nevertheless, the experience is as holy as participating in a sat sang to rejuvenate the soul.

Morning is time for thanksgiving to God for His countless blessings. Also the consciousness of proper planning for a purposeful day happens in the morning.

A light and healthy breakfast is a great beginning to the day. It accelerates your brain functions, and alerts your responses.

Morning exudes vibes of inexplicable sensuous charm and spontaneous positivity. Childlike innocence of an unpolluted mind is the persona of the morning hour.  Sweeping away inertia, it adds swing to your movements and sees you through the good/bad of each day.

Friends, pl. share your thoughts on the subject.

Image courtesy: Google

TREADING ON THE TREADMILL

ONE OF MY WONDERFUL EXPERIENCES IN THE U.S.

walk in progress

For the last couple of days, weather has turned ice-cold outside. The region experienced an early snowfall too. The temperature fluctuates daily. Undoubtedly, winter has stepped in, though somewhat prematurely. It may be sunny but the wind chills the bones. As a result, my regular going out for a walk has ended.

from left elliptical,stationary bike and treadmill

What to do then?  Exercise is a must. For the last so many years, a stipulated and timed walk had been a basic component of my lifestyle.  Minus this ritual, I feel sick, lose my appetite, and become lethargic to boot. I become a dry well for creativity. After engaging myself in exercise, I feel perked up and proactive. I tend to think better and become more productive and happy with myself. Ideas for my blog posts take birth. Therefore, I had to think of a substitute. And that I did.

My son’s basement has most of the paraphernalia of a mini gym. There is a treadmill, a stationary bike, elliptical contraption and all weights. Additionally, there is a table tennis table and air hockey game.  Here in the U.S. most of the young professionals have installed all these gadgets in the basement of their houses. Therefore, I said to myself- let me a make a beginning by walking on the treadmill. I needed to be cautious, for it was my first time. There is something else too. As I gain in years, I keep losing in physical courage. I get easily scared. I am mortally afraid of falls. (My mother fractured her femur after a fall and never recovered) To visualize the aftermath of a nasty fall is terrible.  I shudder to think of being immobile ever. Frankly, I dread that.  I’ve dreams, yet to be realized.

 Well, while all these thoughts churned in my head, I mechanically put on my running shoes. Then consciously made my way to the basement. Turned on a few lights. Examined the contraption. Read the warnings. Switched on the machine. Stepped on the belt and touched the number one speed square. The belt started moving very slowly. I felt okay, touched the next speed square, and found it comfortable for a beginner.  I held the handles for safety and balance. I had a successful walk (not run) for about half an hour. Finally, I got over my fear. I felt so much better. My spirits soared. I slept well that night.

The treadmill is great for 'in home' exercising. Ours has twelve speeds. Every speed has ten notches. You start from the lowest and gradually increase the speed as your endurance level improves over a period. The front panel displays speed, time, distance, pace, calories burnt and Pulse. The controls are easy to operate. It provides smooth walking or running for all age groups. You can do it in the privacy of your home at your own convenience. For vigorous workouts, you have the incline feature and can experience the feeling of going up a hill.

Aerobic exercise on the treadmill is ideal for weight loss. Reportedly, it burns more calories than other aerobic exercises. I've no worry on that count,

though. 

There are enough safety features too.

  

 There are other multiple benefits:

1. It is relaxing as well as energizing. It busts mild depression, anxiety and stress.

2. It facilitates better functioning of the cardiovascular system.

3. It promotes bone health and tones up muscles. It eases stiffness of limbs and takes care of minor aches and pains.

4. It whets appetite and improves the digestive system.

5. It helps the diabetics to stabilize their insulin levels.

6. It promotes overall wellness and reduces visits to the physician.

Moral: Let’s take the first step for achieving a goal which has the potential of rich dividends in any which way? While taking necessary precautions, go for any exercise regimen regularly, and receive tons of healthful gains. It comes out to be the best decision one can make.

 Most of us are wary of trying something new. However, we're like that. Once we muster up courage to make a start, the result is always remarkable. As they say- dar ke aage jeet hai

Einstein has said," Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."

Friends, I’m enjoying this newly found interest. What do you think?