If you've read my book, Abundant Health, you understand that the underlying concept is that for the attainment of true health we must integrate the mind, body, and spirit. A health & fitness program that neglects one is incomplete.
I've got no problem with lifting weights to build muscle, or training to improve your 1/2 marathon time; I just think that time should be spent on the other aspects of the self if the goal of true health is to ever be obtained. This is a concept I touched on in a previous blog post titled "What is Abundant Health?".
When the mind, body, and spirit are developed together true health is experienced which can ultimately lead to self realization. Often when the goal is narrow, for instance exercising for superficial reasons such as appearance, there is a deeper issue that needs to be dealt with-possibly some type of physical insecurity-and even when all the fat has been stripped away from the mid-section the person still is not content. This is why it is imperative to focus on the attainment of true health.
Integrating the Mind, Body, and Spirit
In Abundant Health, I propose a very simple program that requires only one hour a day to perform. I refer to this program as the "Mind, Body, and Spirit Power Hour". Twenty minute segments are allotted to various exercises put together to bring balance to health and self-development.
The first twenty minutes are a series of Qigong exercises that allow for the cultivation and circulation of energy (or Qi); the second twenty minutes are set for more vigorous physical activity to strengthen the physical systems of the body; and the last twenty minutes are dedicated to stretching or yoga and meditation.
I honestly believe that the Mind, Body, and Spirit Power Hour will change the way people approach self-development, health, and fitness.
Mind and Spirit
Most people usually have the physical development in the bag, the mind and spirit are often neglected. My favorite activities for mind and spirit development are meditation, Qigong, and the internal martial art of Taijiquan. These exercises promote energy cultivation, energy flow, relaxation, calming the mind and body, and most importantly encourage the concept of being present and in the moment.
These are the things that I enjoy, however there are other activities that can be applied here, yoga, prayer, spending time in nature, the possibilities are endless!
Body
Most people are fine when it comes to physical development, and most anything will fit the bill. Weight lifting, running and other forms of cardiovascular exercise, core exercise, pilates, yoga, you name it-if it challenges the body and you enjoy it, go for it!
Integration
Once you have your favorite activities and exercises in place, all that is left is to do them! The important thing to remember is do not let one area dominate. Do not expect that five minutes of Qigong or yoga a day will balance out two hours of intensive strength training. The key is to find out how to balance these in your life to bring about the great possible results.
If you need help, I offer a few different options in my book, Abundant Health. If you do not have a copy you can get one here: click here for Abundant Health also, please feel free to leave any questions in the comments section of this blog.
Until next time, be well!
Scott
I've got no problem with lifting weights to build muscle, or training to improve your 1/2 marathon time; I just think that time should be spent on the other aspects of the self if the goal of true health is to ever be obtained. This is a concept I touched on in a previous blog post titled "What is Abundant Health?".
When the mind, body, and spirit are developed together true health is experienced which can ultimately lead to self realization. Often when the goal is narrow, for instance exercising for superficial reasons such as appearance, there is a deeper issue that needs to be dealt with-possibly some type of physical insecurity-and even when all the fat has been stripped away from the mid-section the person still is not content. This is why it is imperative to focus on the attainment of true health.
Integrating the Mind, Body, and Spirit
In Abundant Health, I propose a very simple program that requires only one hour a day to perform. I refer to this program as the "Mind, Body, and Spirit Power Hour". Twenty minute segments are allotted to various exercises put together to bring balance to health and self-development.
The first twenty minutes are a series of Qigong exercises that allow for the cultivation and circulation of energy (or Qi); the second twenty minutes are set for more vigorous physical activity to strengthen the physical systems of the body; and the last twenty minutes are dedicated to stretching or yoga and meditation.
I honestly believe that the Mind, Body, and Spirit Power Hour will change the way people approach self-development, health, and fitness.
Mind and Spirit
Most people usually have the physical development in the bag, the mind and spirit are often neglected. My favorite activities for mind and spirit development are meditation, Qigong, and the internal martial art of Taijiquan. These exercises promote energy cultivation, energy flow, relaxation, calming the mind and body, and most importantly encourage the concept of being present and in the moment.
These are the things that I enjoy, however there are other activities that can be applied here, yoga, prayer, spending time in nature, the possibilities are endless!
Body
Most people are fine when it comes to physical development, and most anything will fit the bill. Weight lifting, running and other forms of cardiovascular exercise, core exercise, pilates, yoga, you name it-if it challenges the body and you enjoy it, go for it!
Integration
Once you have your favorite activities and exercises in place, all that is left is to do them! The important thing to remember is do not let one area dominate. Do not expect that five minutes of Qigong or yoga a day will balance out two hours of intensive strength training. The key is to find out how to balance these in your life to bring about the great possible results.
If you need help, I offer a few different options in my book, Abundant Health. If you do not have a copy you can get one here: click here for Abundant Health also, please feel free to leave any questions in the comments section of this blog.
Until next time, be well!
Scott
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