“Swimming is normal for me. I’m relaxed. I’m comfortable, and I know my surroundings. It’s my home.”
Michael Phelps
I have figured out that there will always be someone who can walk faster, climb higher, run longer, swim faster and jump more gracefully. Exercise is not a competition or a way to prove that you have superior strength, dexterity or elegance.
It’s personal. Exercise is taking care of you. It is doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason.
The fun reason: I joined a belly dance class and ended up dancing on the Vancouver Sea Wall.
The peaceful reason: Learning intricate moves from a Tai Chi master.
The dramatic reason: Tap dancing to hip hop music with kids 20 years younger than me (that didn’t last long).
The friendship reason: Taking my walking polls out for a spin with my friend.
Whatever it is, it is being comfortable with your setting and what you are doing. It is finding a home.
Lady Budd 
🙂
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The vain reason: I head for the gym three times a week to battle time and what its doing to me… 😉
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I do love your honesty!!! Thank you for adding the most probable “real” reason why most of head to the gym. Your visits always make me smile.
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I was strictly talking about myself 🙂 I hate working out but I do it exactly for this reason.
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Actually – I do too!!! Your visits always make me smile. Thank you for connecting – greatly appreciated.
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All of your posts this week have made me realize that I really need to start exercising more. I walk everywhere here in the city rather than take public transport, but it’s not enough…
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A true kindred spirit! I walk everywhere. I know it is not enough, but it is a very good start. I have decided to take up Tai Chi again and look more closely at Yoga in the New Year. My tap dancing days are over, but I kept the shoes – just in case….
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Belly Dancing in the open air, let alone on a wall? That is true inspiration! I shall be smiling about that all day 🙂
And yes, it is all about how we choose to think about exercise isn’t it. I am finding my new-found yoga practice absolutely fascinating – mediatative; strength building; aerobic; pushing the mind and body one’s fears (ie one’s self-imposed limits). I’m starting to think that this applies to all form of exercise, and indeed all aspects of life in one way or another…
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Our scarves were billowing in the wind. There were about 12 of us so it made quite a sight. Our instructor was fearless, bless her!! Now that I hearing about your Yoga experiences, I am going to be looking at it more closely in the New Year. It seems to rejuvenate both the body and spirit.
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Your posts always inspire me Rebecca, but belly dancing on the Sea Wall? Not happening!
Love the photo.
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I laughed out loud when I read your comments, Ed!!! I confess that I stopped at the Sea Wall. The instructor, who was a professional singer and dancer, wanted us to perform with her, as her backup, at special events that would take us on stage at community fairs. That’s when I said, “Not happening.”
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This picture’s very quiet
In french : cette photo respire le calme.
Have a good weekend 😀
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Thank you for your comments – I very much appreciate your visits. I remember the day clearly. It was calm and still with only the sound of a bird singing in the background. “Respire le calme.” That is exactly how I felt.
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