New Inspiration for Exercise

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xkubzy3XevE

Not Rotting

"You do Have to Age, But You Don't Have to Rot" Chris Crowley

 

I highly recommend this book and the very similar original version for men; Younger Next Year. Both are written in a very humorous down to earth -no holds barred, tell it like it is way. Chris Crowley and his Co-author Henry S Lodge MD alternate between science (Henry) and hysterically funny practical advice and directives.

 

Based on their wisdom and ideas I'm beginning Level One (see The Younger Next Year One-Size-Fits-All Exercise Program way in the back of the book.

 

 My Level One goal will be to do 45 minutes of long and slow exercise 6 days a week, starting with whatever I can do and working up. Right now I walk the dog(but not every day because he is a difficult dog) for about 12-15 minutes. A hill is involved too so maybe I deserve some extra credit. Achieving this goal will require some extra dog work and courage not to mention will power and a little more time. But Chris and Harry say it is vital for the rest of my life.

"Life is an Endurance Event: Train for it" C.C.

 

I totally believe this and hereby pledge to start-as soon as it stops raining...

On to the CORE

There has been a pause while I assessed what I’ve accomplished so far- feeling more energetic and like I can actually get more done-and where to go next.

 In the meantime I have been trying out a weight loss idea in order to lose a few pounds and be able to wear some of my favorite clothes. It has turned out to be the easiest and most successful regimen (for me) that I have ever tried.  Here’s the deal: I eat a modest normal amount of food (around 1400 calories or so) on 5 days of the week and “fast” with 600-700 calories on two non-consecutive days. So far I have been losing a little under 1 lb a week.

The reason it’s easy for me is, I get to eat pretty much what I want on-non fasting days including chocolate, butter, pasta, etc. On fasting days if I see a donut or cookie I want, I don’t have to wait until I’ve reached my goal weight to have it. “Oh, I can have that tomorrow.”

A typical fasting day:

1.      Breakfast:   ½ cup plain low- fat (not 0 fat) Greek yogurt  with a small handful of blueberries and 5 chopped walnut halves.

2.      Lunch: ½ package salad greens, hard boiled egg, a chopped carrot, small tomato, 2T Feta cheese and some non fat dressing.

3.      Dinner: 12 boiled shrimp with seafood sauce and green beans.

If I’m desperate for a snack I might have a tablespoon of nuts.

I don’t actually measure all this except for the yogurt; these amounts are only to give you the idea.

As an unexpected bonus I have found that over time my appetite on non-fasting days has decreased and I get full faster and have decreased some portions without intention. 

Increasing energy will continue to be an ongoing process. I’ve found that it is connected to everything. Time to move on: my next goal and concentrated effort will be Body Strength with emphasis on Core.

The book that inspired this journey-Mentor/Mindset Monday

 

Buy  this Book
 

Deepak Chopra wrote this book published in 2001. In he says that although we cannot change our chronological age, he proposes that we "reset" our Biostat -(your set point in consciousness for your physical and mental capacity and the way you feel and look) between your chronologica age and up to 15 years younger. You will then set your intention to be, feel and look that age.  

 

"The "normal" experience of the body and its aging

is a conditioned response....

a habit of thinking and behavior;

By changing your habits of thinking and behavior,

you can change the experience of your body

and its aging."

 

The idea is that then you will consciously and unconsciously begin to change to the younger intended age. Along the way, you observe how others at your new age dress, act, look (hairstyles, clothing), even their gait and posture.

Clarity I

As part of my Younger Project I've been working with Christine Kane at Uplevel You and reading her blog. Here she talks  about a practice of focus for getting business results.   http://tinyurl.com/m8vtvg9
She talks a lot about clarity and I find this very helpful. Clarity for me is:

• How many by when?
• What exactly needs to happen to do this?
• What are the components of this package, presentation, campaign
• What is the purpose of this activity, conversation, appointment?

As a creative, my mind flits about and sees possibilities, ideas, and shiny new objects. Then I get overwhelmed with thoughts of what to do first, what about this, what about that?   I find that writing helps me to clarify my thoughts about all sorts of things. Here's a quote from Christine's Blog about writing and clarity:

"1. First off, the ritualistic act of uninterrupted writing teaches you how to focus.

2. Clarity comes from writing.  Nope, the many voices that constantly drone on and on in your brain is NOT thinking.  THAT would be noise.  When you write, you slow your mind down enough to acknowledge where you are, recognize what you’ve accomplished, and see what’s challenging you.  This level of clarity is vital."
The complete post can be read here.http://tinyurl.com/m8vtvg9

 

Imperfect Action II

 

Imperfect Action II

My beginning project was to be more active to raise energy. I got my current dog in order to be motivated to walk more and to have companionship and a greater feeling of security when walking. Of course it has turned out to be more difficult than I expected; he doesn’t especially even want to go for a walk (who ever heard of a dog not wanting to go on a walk?) because he is afraid of other dogs and is quite reactive. This has naturally put a pall on my enthusiasm, having to lure him into his harness with a treat, and then spend the entire walk in dread of seeing another dog. I’m sure he is feeling the same way so it is easier to just not go at all. Nonetheless I am continuing to torture both of us and even increasing the length of the walks!

I do think this past month my energy has increased.

·        I have started decluttering. I had a queen size mattress and large bed platform with drawers I wanted to go away. Providence moved and provided a needy woman with no bed and so off it went.

·        I joined a belly dancing class in hopes of reducing my waist and belly; turns out that you don’t actually move your belly but your upper torso and legs. Oh well, it may do some good anyway.

·        I started going back to my Unitarian church and be uplifted spiritually.

·        I joined a coaching program that I have wanted to join since last year but thought it was too expensive for me. Saying “YES” raises my energy!

What I have learned is that all the elements of my whole project are related to Raising Energy.  They get all mixed up and can only be done imperfectly. I just read a blog post by Steven Pressfield in which he discusses the book Improv Wisdom by Patricia Ryan Madson: 13 principles for improv that relate to any endeavor one is trying to advance. (See my blogroll at right.) The very first principle is to say YES.

YES!

Play Dates and Treats

Play Dates and Treats

Julia Cameron calls them Artist Dates, and describes them like this.

“Artist Dates are assigned play.

The Artist Date is a once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore
something that interests you. The Artist Date need not be overtly
“artistic” — think mischief more than mastery. Artist Dates fire up the imagination. They spark whimsy. They encourage play. Since art is about the play of ideas, they feed our creative work by replenishing our inner well of images and inspiration. When choosing an Artist Date, it is good to ask yourself, “what sounds fun?” — and then allow yourself to try it.”

Here is a link to her website and blog:   http://juliacameronlive.com/

To continue with raising energy and throughout the next categories of my projects I am going to embark on some Play Dates. Here are some I have planned but there will be more:

·       Sephora-There will probably be multiple visits to Sephora for various make-up solutions.

·       Dances and dance classes like Country Western, Waltz, Belly Dancing (Pronounced Ballet dancing te he)

·       Personal trainer appointment

·       Pilates appointment

·       Personal Shopper or stylist