I am about to use an ugly word. Exercise. How cruel can one be? The other day it was diet, and today exercise. (So speaks the one sitting comfortably in their chair, drinking coffee, and watching the sun rise above the trees while the feral cats eat.) Ah, but the word exercise has more than one meaning. In fact, https://www.yourdictionary.com/exercise lists forty-five definitions. I promise I’m not going into all forty-five.
There is this:
1)Activity that requires physical or mental exertion, especially when performed to develop or maintain fitness.
We can join a fitness organization to help us get physical and improve our health. Last I heard many are reopening under strict guidelines. Allowing the user to improve their health while protecting their health.
We can create our own home gym. We can order some fancy, all the bells and whistles, equipment, or we can use what ever is handy around the house.
We can go hike tracks, walking trails, mountains, or our own backyard. If one doesn’t have a private back yard, there is walking in place in your own living room. Put a nature documentary on the television and imagine you are hiking the wilderness.
Volunteer with organizations that need assistance cleaning up areas. While paying attention to all safety precautions, you can get in a good bit of walking.
Volunteer to help groups who are making repairs or even building homes for those in need. I’m betting you’ll get plenty of exercise there.
I personally can look out my window and see what is awaiting attention come Spring. I did not rake any of the leaves up last fall. My house sits in the woods. I have a job with plenty of exercise to be had soon. Yes, I could be doing it now, but I leave it for the critters that are overwintering there.
So I’m sure we all knew every bit of what I just said-well except for the leaves in my yard. So lets look at exercise, this way:
2) To put into action; use; employ.
Yes, that could describe everything I mentioned above, but, not completely.
It also means casting your vote in a political election.
Gathering peacefully protest. (Not riot, there is a difference)
Gather to worship. (safely in this time of pandemic)
Practicing self control.
3)A specific activity performed to develop or maintain fitness or a skill.
We can exercise our mind. Expanding and increasing our knowledge. Expanding and increasing our focus and attention span. Through reading, through instructional videos or documentaries.
Grow your talents. As I write this, I am listening to a neighbor practice playing his drums. I have listened to them since they moved in a few months ago. They have improved and even picked up a couple other instruments.
We can exercise the heart, growing in understanding and compassion through helping others. Whether by actually performing a task, or simply being a listening ear.
We can exercise our peace of mind, by stepping back from technology, put away the cell phone, walk away from the news, get into a quiet place and reset your peace.
Exercise in a dirty word only if we allow it to be. Only if we see it as torture or punishment. If we change that mindset and see it as possibility with great potential, then it becomes something to enjoy and anticipate. If we reward ourselves with the knowledge that through which ever way we chose to exercise, good has been accomplished it becomes pleasure more than pain.
Many enjoy the physical aspect of exercise. They enjoy and look forward to pushing their body to be better. We can do the same for all forms of exercise. Each use, when exercised properly, can do wonders for self improvement and for society around us.
Words from The Dirt Road 