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Mornings are a good time for movement. If time is limited and riding an exercise bicycle isn't possible, try incorporating some stretching while sitting or standing. Even a few moments of movement are better than none. This simple practice can encourage more activity throughout the day.  Morning Movement “I have to exercise in the morning before my brain figures out what I’m doing.” Marsha Doble Procreate background with Canva Elements
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 "Whisper 'I Love You' to a butterfly, and it will fly to heaven to deliver your message". Author Unknown
Taken on July 21, 2019 with an iPhone 6s at Ledgeview Nature Center, Chilton, WI. This photo has been previously published on this blog. Please search under "Butterflies" for past posts..  On Eagle’s Wings 2014
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 KJV Sculptor: Carl Vanderheyden Taken with a Motorola Droid Razr HD on the Mariner Trail between Two Rivers and Manitowoc, Wisconsin USA on July 18, 2014. Canva was used to create this post. The photo was also posted on August 28, 2020 with the WEB translation of Isaiah 40:31. The original photo was minimally PhotoScaped and cropped in 2020 when the Scripture verse was changed to the World English Bible which is in the public domain. Another photo of this sculpture was taken with an iPhone 6s on July 7, 2019. and posted on August 28, 2019 with the NLT translation of the Bible. Waterfalls are nature’s way of showing us the beauty of steady, forward motion. On days when moving feels difficult, remember that even the tiniest action--moving your head, fingers, or toes--counts as progress. Celebrate each small step, because every bit of movement matters. Like a waterfall, keep moving forward.  Flowing Movement "Waterfalls teach us: always move forward, even when it seems impossible." Anonymous Cross River Falls, Schroeder, MN USA September 11, 2017
"Walking through darkness with thoughts full of colors." Prajakta Mhadnak Some days movement is difficult, and it feels like walking through a long, dark tunnel. Focus on the brightly colored sky at the end of the tunnel. Oahu, Hawaii USA October 6, 2010 
 These butterfly sculptures inspire me to find more movement in my life. "All creative activity begins with movement." - Joseph C. Zinker Try to find something that inspires movement in your life. It can be an outdoor sculpture of butterflies, an image or photo posted on a wall or mirror, or a favorite inspirational quote that motivates a physical activity.
 Mayo Clinic has suggestions for ways to start walking and stay motivated on Walking: Trim your waistline, improve your health. There might even be a walking club in your area to help you start and stay motivated. Check out America’s Walking Club (AVA) - This non-competitive sports organization emphasizes "Fun, Fitness, and Friendship." An interactive map helps walkers find a local club. If there isn't a club nearby and you want the motivation other people provide, start your own walking group to encourage more walking. Walking is not only good for your health, but it can also improve your mood by increasing positive feelings of happiness and contentment. You may even feel like you are "walkin' on air." Taken on July 2, 2007 with a Canon PowerShot A630 in Alberta, Canada.
 "I bend so I don't break." Anonymous Check out these two online resources to help you bend so you don't break. Stretching: Focus on Flexibility a resource from Healthy Lifestyle: Fitness on the Mayo Clinic website offers many recommendations.. 5 Easy Flexibility Exercises from the Cleveland Clinic offers more suggestions for a more flexible body. Try the following simple laughter exercise as you work to improve flexibility. Laughter can help reduce stress and muscle tension, enhance range of motion, increase blood circulation, and improve breathing. Shaking It Out: Inhale deeply and as you exhale, shake your arms and hands while laughing or smiling. Background is from a sky photo and used with a Canva Element.
Newest Laughter Exercise: Deep or Diaphragmatic Breathing This laughter exercise involves breathing in through your nose and into your diaphragm so that your belly expands. Breathe out through your mouth with the "out breath" lasting longer than the "in breath." Inhale as you raise your arms above your head, hold your breath for 3-5 seconds. Then slowly bend your body from the waist, let your arms dangle, and exhale saying “haaaaaaaaa” and continue to laugh. Repeat a few times. End each time with: “Feeling good, feeling good, YAY.” If at any time, you feel uncomfortable, stop immediately.  Chair exercise is an excellent movement option if you are not comfortable standing. Exercise with others at a community center, YMCA, or fitness studio. If you prefer solo workouts, find a YouTube video for chair exercise and start moving. If standing or walking is uncomfortable right now, ask a healthcare professional for suggestions about ways to move your body. Perhaps you might be able to do simple stretches, flex your fingers or toes, do head circles, or touch your knees while sitting in a chair. Explore the options to just move. Procreate background with a Canva Element.
"A laugh is a smile that bursts." Mary H. Waldrip After a period of inactivity, Be Active. Be Positive. is again encouraging people to be as active as their bodies allow them to be. It emphasizes the importance of physical movement combined with positivity as a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Taking time to laugh every day is an important part of being active and positive.  |
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