Live Long Naturally ©2012

I took up running for the sole purpose of stress relief – I basically ran to feel good (and finish), that’s it. Now I run in appreciation of, and alert to what my senses might encounter – what new sensation might I experience.

I didn’t start out running – I had to walk before I could run. I had asthma growing up – couldn’t run a mile, let alone laugh too much. Yet, I ran my first full marathon when I was 40 and a half marathon 5 years later. I don’t say this to convince you to run or to impress you. Rather, impress upon you that I for one prefer to walk (or dance). Running just happens to be a quick workout that allows me to eat more and weigh less.

The following are a few ways I use my senses to make running more enjoyable:

• Sight – birds, landscaping, children at play, a dog chasing me.
• Sound – birds singing, a leaf blower, weed whacker, a barking dog.
• Smell – trees and flowers in bloom, a fireplace, or my favorite… wet dirt!
• Taste – sweat and lip balm sure beat a bug in the mouth, preferred tastes would be water or sport drink.
• Touch – sweat, goose bumps, rain on my skin… ahhh. Oh, I mustn’t forget a dog trying to bite my shoe.
• Thought – it is while running that thoughts come to me… sure beats racking my brain trying to find them. For this reason, I take my recorder with me.

What senses can you put to use to live long naturally? To entertain your senses, avoid boredom, and make health a habit? We mustn’t neglect our senses. As crazy as it sounds… the possible encounter of smelling wet dirt makes running worthwhile for me. It gets my tail wagging!

Whose making your bed? In the literal sense… as a young child, most likely your parents. As we get older and figuratively speaking… we make our bed. Not liking how your life is shaping up thus far? Not enough leisure time?

I’m a true believer in balance… balance between work, rest, and play, balance of the body, mind, and spirit (your emotional, spiritual and physical health), balance between the amount of exercise and rest you get, balance between what goes into your body and what comes out, not just quantity but quality as well. Even the tires on your vehicle need balancing. Without balance, neither our vehicle nor ourselves would be around long. Balance is the key to your long-term health and naturally good looks.

I am forever a work in progress… learning and growing, and doing my darndest to shine and share complete health, healing and happiness with others… this is my purpose!