Quiet Relief
After connecting with the 10′amers yesterday, I was able to catch-up with several IC veterans I haven’t seen in recent weeks. First off, from outward appearances you guys have really reshaped your physiques since I last saw you! Even those of you who complained to me about not meeting your weight loss goals should know with absolute certainty that your hard work at the IC is obviously paying off. Jessica and I conversed in private afterward about how cool it is to see your developing triceps, deltoids, and of course best of all, the ‘toosh’ lifts. …and don’t get us started on your athletic achievements, which are nothing short of amazing. Push-ups and pull-ups galore! Nearly every person I spoke to yesterday had the most delicious glow of health beaming off of their face.
The reason I chose this picture however, is because I learned during some of those brief conversations between classes that lots of folks are going through challenging times these days. A few of us are nursing loved ones through their final breaths of life or are already in mourning, others are desperate to conceive new life, some are painfully ending relationships, and nearly everyone is nervous about the financial current swirling the globe.
I know from my own experience that being an ideal weight, size, and shape are big reasons we all work out and care about our health as fanatically as we do, but I also want to remind us of moments like the one captured here, when simply cultivating a brief moment of inner quiet and sharing a collective intention of peace can be just as vital to our wellbeing as improving the image staring back at us in the mirror.
-Maya
Great reminder Maya. I think I could have done a better job parenting this week if I could remember a little calm in the storm. Sorry to have missed you!
Come by the 9am when you get a moment
Right on Maya
Well put, Maya. For me– and this is probably true of most IC’ers, I’ve got so much going on in my life that I have tremendous trouble living in the moment. I’m always thinking about what I should be doing next, or all the things I have to get done each day before I go to bed or how early I have to get up the next day when I don’t get them done. I never was very good at reflecting on the here and now because it took time away from obessing about the future.
When I first started at the IC I found out pretty quickly that I couldn’t do what was being asked of me if I was thinking about something else. I am still learning to leave everything else at the door and be 100% in the present, but it’s starting to carry over into the rest of my life as well.
Jess may not give me many zen moments like the one in the picture, but at least I’m starting to get that the most important thing I am doing is the thing I am doing right now.
I’ve personally spoken to 5 people who had loved ones pass away recently. It’s a reminder that every second is precious.
Thank you Maya for the insightful observations which I am in total agreement. I have been home now for over two weeks recovering from my feet surgery and having plenty of time to reflect while being immobile. Having a healthy body and mind truly ease my recovery and enable me to accept the present reality … thanks for being such great role models, both you and Steve. I miss you all 10′amers