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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
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"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.   "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." Albert Einstein
Fall is a beautiful time of the year to find movement outdoors. It is an excellent way to spend a day on a trail surrounded by the vibrant colors of this season. For more information, check out The Bicycle Revolution. It provides information about creating more bicycle-friendly communities. This independent, nonprofit project’s web site has a link to a film about creating bicycle-friendly cites. If you are in the U.S.A. there is a listing of Local Bicycle Organizations. The European Cyclists' Federation has a variety of resources for those interested in helping encourage change in the way people travel. It provides information about global bicycle advocacy with links to a variety of resources. World Bicycle Relief provides bicycles to people in low-income areas of the world. The durable, dependable Buffalo bicycles are designed for the toughest terrains. Users can rely on the bicycles for work, school, and other essential services that otherwise might be out of reach. This nonprofit also supports a local network of bicycle mechanical mechanics who maintain and repair the bicycles. The International Bicycle Fund (IBF) emphasizes the universal benefits of cycling for both people and the planet. A reduction in reliance on automobiles benefits the environment with cleaner air and society with safer cities. The IBF website has links to resources for more information.  “The hardest part about moving forward is not looking back.” Anonymous
Photo of a jet contrail was taken with an iPhone SE on May 29, 2021. Elements are from Canva.  "Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to Yahweh’s law."
Psalm 119:1 WEB This photo was taken with an iPhone SE on May 18, 2023 on the Dunes Segment of the Ice Age Trail, Two Rivers, WI USA. |
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