I was a mule in a previous life…

“Exercise gives us health of the body, meditation gives us health of the mind. Each strengthens the other.”                                                                                (Tamara Levitt) 

I was a mule in a previous life...

I jokingly say that because I enjoy endurance activities. A twenty mile hike? Yes, I’m in. Crossfit workout 20 plus minutes long? You bet. Cleaning out an entire house full of furniture and 30 years of family living?  Oh, my favorite – when can I start? 

It occurred to me not long ago that I, like most people, have a well of physical strength that I can tap into when the need arises. However, when it comes to my own mental and emotional health, I feel like a feeble little ant with minimal capabilities.

I soon realized that I need to train my mind to be healthy just like I train my body to be healthy. And just like physical health, mental health needs to be “worked out” every day.

What does that mean?

Well, one cup of broccoli a year or one 3-mile walk is not going to get you to your healthiest physically. Meditating one time or employing one awareness tool is not going to get you to your healthiest mentally either.

 There are many ways to train the mind and improve mental strength.  For example, in physical strength training, the deadlift is a core movement.  In mental strength, a core movement would be deep breathing and present moment awareness.  Building on that and employing additional “movements”, you will find the everyday soul-crushing mental challenges become easier.

Not convinced yet? Ok. First time you pick up a weight or start a walk/run program, that first place you start – at whatever weight or pace – it feels hard. But the more you do the work at that level, the easier it becomes.

As a life coach I think of myself as a personal trainer for your mind health. Are you ready and willing to accept the assist and attain your mental fitness goal?