The Age Of Movement: More Age, More Movement

Faster doesn’t necessarily mean I want to run at a rapid pace or win a marathon every year; what it does mean is I want to feel energised. Energy is something I never want to compromise on and in terms of “better, not younger” it is vital. When we feel energised we not only look better but also life is wonderful. Energy is a tonic – it makes me feel on top of the world and as if I can conquer anything. When I am tired and lacking in motivation, it is the opposite. Life becomes sluggish, I achieve far less and I become disappointed in myself. It is not a self-criticism, rather a fact because without energy our day to day is so much harder.

When I move I feel so much better.

Yoga has finally become a permanent fixture in my life. I have dabbled on and off for years but never been as committed to the practice as I am now. Yes, yoga is a slow discipline and requires constant effort to make progress but while the art is slow the results are far from that. Moving through the poses on a regular basis is making me much faster in my everyday life. I am more flexible and certainly so much more energised.

Yoga isn’t for everyone and it is by no means the only way to move faster.

Movement is the key whichever way you choose – walk, run, train at the gym, do Pilates or ride horses. The answer is to move. Working on a computer most days makes me sluggish physically and while I felt mentally alert and “on top of it”, it also has its downside. Fingers, neck and back become stiff and the eyes over-tired, not to mention the overload of information on a daily basis. The reflective nature of yoga has really helped me wind down and switch off – even if it is only for an hour a day. Now when I miss a session I feel it both physically and mentally.

I feel better when I am active, even if some days I struggle to get there. It is easy to find an excuse – no time, too late, too far, I’m not in the mood or tomorrow will do – I have used these reasons to resist many times over and no doubt I will again. What I must remember is 90 % of the hard work is getting there. Don’t over think, over rationalise or fight with myself over what I should and shouldn’t do. Simply go and the rest will take care of itself.

This was the best advice I ever had.

When the myriad of excuses raises their ugly head I make myself get ready despite my inclinations to stay sedentary. I don’t think about the effort ahead of me, I only think about getting there. One step in front of the other and that’s all I need.

I am not unmotivated, rather the contrary and I know you aren’t either but it is so easy to stop moving. A little less activity each month can become a weekly habit and ultimately our days become lazy. There are times our bodies and minds need to relax but on the whole, as we age, movement is by far the most beneficial gift we can receive.

Feel better, move faster and move faster to feel better; It’s up to us. xv