Listen to what your body has to say

         Growing up I think we all enjoyed rolling in the grass, climbing trees, and racing each other to see who could run the fastest. So, at what point in our lives did we stop calling it "play" and start calling it "exercise"? Vanity dictates how our culture views physical exercise. We see movement strictly by what we can get out of it, instead of just enjoying it because it's fun. What if we tried to not think about how many calories we are burning or which muscles we are building, and just enjoyed what our bodies are capable of? My challenge for this week is to take time to play with a relative that's younger than you and see what games they come up with (preferably outside). I guarantee it will be not only fun, but very beneficial for your body in many ways (and possibly harder than you think). Let's try to enjoy experiencing movement instead of just making it about how we look.

People think that fear keeps them safe, but does it? Sure, perhaps a fear of snakes may keep us from going outside as much and therefore reduce our chance of getting bit.  But, I have an important question to ask: as human beings, what truly makes us happy? I believe happiness comes from new and original experiences. If the fear of stepping into the uncomfortable is not conquered, we will be at a greater risk of mediocrity or even depression (which is essentially a slow death). So, let's try to get comfortable in the uncomfortable. Go out and seek an original experience, particularly something that you have always been scared of. If you have a crippling fear of snakes, go take a nature hike with a friend. Conquering your fears can give you new sources of joy and a sense of accomplishment. I promise you, it will be worth it.

       Do you ever wonder how some people make it through life? How they got a job? How they are able to drive and vote. Perhaps we are looking at it the wrong way. What do those simple-minded people have that we don't? They have the ability to live in the present and truly get everything out of life. You could say that by being simple-minded you can truly focus on what matters. You don't spend a lot of time focusing on things that you can't change. So, my challenge to you for this week is to go to the lake barefoot and jump in. Be mindful of every sensation your body feels. Focus on the experience: what it sounds like when you hit the water, how your skin feels, what it smells like. Live in the now and you'll truly start living.

    I think it has become the norm in our society to talk negatively about ourselves as a way to escape from who we are. We are much more than what we think of ourselves or what society says we should be. In fact, we have an influence over every person we meet. We are here for a purpose and I think much of that purpose is to connect with other humans and with our G-d-given ability to move. So, my challenge to you is to try for one week (hopefully for much longer) to refrain from negative self-talk. This is something I hear too often at the gym: people thinking that they're not as good as someone else because they don't look a certain way or can't do a particular movement. Just remember that everyone needs to be challenged. So transform that negativity into motivation.

         It should be clear by now that I strongly believe that one positive change in your life will lead to more and more. I'd like you to consider a new perspective on movement. As human beings, we move everyday. We continue to move despite living in a society that is progressively limiting movement with everything from chairs to escalators. For some reason, our culture wants to get away from moving. It is an incredible, G-d given skill to be able to stand, walk, sit, crawl, and climb. So, make use of it because one day you may not be able to. My challenge for you this week is to give yourself an opportunity to move. It could be as simple as crawling on the floor with your kids or parking further from the grocery store. Enjoy what your body is capable of.