Infuse Freshness & Magic Into Your Fitness Regimen

Recently, I picked up some books from my bookshelf that I had not read for a while. One of these books, titled Yoga, Mind, Body, and Spirit: A Return to Wholeness by Donna Farhi, a well-known yoga instructor since 1982 who continues to offer yoga retreats and online classes, attracted my attention.

First published in 2000, the book is one of the most comprehensive and detailed books about yoga that I own. You can find it on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Mind-Body-Spirit-Wholeness/dp/0805059709/.

What I most enjoy about this book is not only its detailed explanations, illustrations, and photographs explaining how to do many yoga poses, but also its myriad inspirational tips and recommendations on how to optimize the holistic value of a yoga practice and how to experience your life more deeply and joyfully.

For example, Fahri says, 

Yoga is a technology for arriving in the present moment. It is a way of remembering our true nature, which is essentially joyful and peaceful. Yoga is a way of living and being that makes real happiness possible… 

What a powerful philosophy to guide your fitness regimen whether it’s yoga or anything else!

Staying mobile and incorporating strategic physical movement into our daily lives is not just a means to get fit or slim. Moving and attuning to your physical body allows you to experience happiness. Especially important, it helps you to be present…in the current moment. That’s a key to profound joy.

I encourage you to approach your physical practice with this mindset, whether it’s yoga, or bouncing on a mini-trampoline, or walking outside. Tap into the pure joy of being alive and being able to feel and move your body moment by moment. 

And to infuse freshness into your fitness practice, consider treating yourself to some cute new exercise clothes or invest in a new, eco-friendly yoga mat or create a playlist of new music to invigorate and enhance the magical quality of your practice.

If you enjoy quiet, beautiful music while practicing yoga, I recommend adding one of my favorite movie theme selections—the ethereal Rachel Portman score from the beautiful film Chocolat (released in early 2001). https://youtu.be/4EHPtNhfuIE?si=qWhE754Q3yC7UsQ5. 

I welcome your comments and feedback on what have done to create more fresh energy and magic in your fitness regimen and your life so you can continue to shine after 50!