Muscles & Mindfulness: Exercise as Rebellion

"You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."00-Marcus Aurelius. To begin this joysprout exercise, choose a form of physical activity that you enjoy and can realistically integrate into your daily or weekly routine, such as walking, running, swimming, yoga, or weightlifting. Then, set a specific and achievable goal for your chosen activity this week. Before you begin, take a moment for introspection. Describe your current mental state – are you feeling stressed, energized, or tired? On a scale of 1 to 10, rate your current energy levels and mood. During your exercise, pay close attention to the sensations in your body. Notice your breathing, the engagement of your muscles, and any other physical sensations that arise. What do you notice? Challenge yourself to push your limits slightly. Increase your pace, add an extra repetition, or hold a pose for a longer duration. As you push yourself, observe your mental state - are you experiencing resistance, determination, or something else entirely? Tune into your thoughts and feelings as you engage in the exercise. Are your thoughts racing, or can you focus on the present moment? Notice how the physical exertion impacts your mood and ability to concentrate. After completing your exercise, reassess your mental state. Once again, rate your energy levels and mood on a scale of 1 to 10. How have they changed since before you started? Describe the connection you observed between your physical exertion and your mental state. Did the exercise reduce stress, improve your mood, or increase your energy levels? Spend some time thinking about how discipline in physical exercise can translate into discipline in other areas of your life. Consider a specific example of how you can apply the lessons you've learned through physical activity. Based on your experience, create a plan for prioritizing physical activity in your life moving forward. What adjustments might you need to make to ensure consistency? Finally, reflect on how you perceive the relationship between physical resilience and mental resilience, and how strengthening one can enhance the other.