In Zen, there is a
concept that I really like: beginner’s mind. Because I am a fitness
professional and not a Zen practitioner, theologian, or scholar, my take on
beginner’s mind is perhaps not orthodox or even close to correct; take my
thoughts, as always, with the appropriate amount of salt (not exceeding 2300 mg
of sodium per day to remain within the guidelines for healthy eating).
Beginners have enthusiasm. They’re like puppies, all wiggly and ready to
explore. They have potential, a lot of
room in their skins for growth.
Of course, beginners are
also awkward. Sometimes they seem to
have more feet than are allowed.
Our goal, as we approach
our fitness activities, is to keep that puppy energy even as we learn to move
with more grace and skill.
We all have our own way
of finding enthusiasm. Maybe we like to
go back to the first exercises we learned, the first dance steps. Maybe we go roller skating for the first time
since middle school and remember how much fun it can be to go around in circles
listening to pop music. Maybe we try walking
backward on the treadmill for a minute or two, just to see if we can do it
(make sure it is a nice slow pace…).
One of the things we want
out of fitness is a sense of freshness.
Let’s begin.
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