This week my girlfriend and I did an evening paddle on Lacamas Lake, followed by a short hike to stretch our legs.
We started down the trail around 7:30 and the sun was going down, so I took off my sunglasses and tucked them down the front of my shirt. When we got back to the car, my glasses were gone. Poof. And now it’s dark. I walked back a little ways up the trail but I was tired and didn’t want to keep going in the dark so I just went home. Cue sad trombone.
The next day, I went back to look for them. I arrived just before noon. It was sunny and the trail was busy with kids, dogs, people of all ages biking, jogging. I thought “no way are my glasses still there and in one piece.” Instead of worrying or frantically searching, I said to myself, “Soften your gaze. If these are meant to come back to you, they will”. About a 1/4 mile in, there they were, folded up on the ground next to a tree as if someone had placed them there. They were a little dusty, but otherwise in perfect condition.
I felt so happy and relieved! These aren’t fancy glasses, but they are prescription, and I love them. I was dreading going through the hassle and expense of having to order another pair. Since I was already out on the trail, I did a short guerrilla-style workout. I stopped at a bench for 5 hip and ankle circles to work on my mobility, and 10 straight leg lifts to strengthen the muscles around my knees. I did a little trot/ old lady jog to the next bench another 1/4 mile up the trail, and did 5 x 5 push-ups and tricep dips. I trotted back, did another round of hip circles, then walked back to my car.
This whole thing (including the glasses search) took less than 30 minutes.
Why am I telling you this?
Often when I meet people and tell them what I do, they will say “oh you must work out all the time”. Or “you must exercise for hours a day”. The reality is yes, I do something most days, either a walk, strength, or mobility work. While I do prioritize daily movement, these are often do 20-30 minute bouts of exercise.
Movement is built into my day because it helps me feel better. It’s not a chore that I have to slog through. Bonus points if I’m moving my body outdoors. Today I noticed the smells of blackberries and the sap from the evergreens. I saw deer, birds, and fish. I heard people playing in the water. I felt the ground underneath me and how the texture felt different walking over rocks, pine needles, or hard-packed dirt.
What is your movement snack?
Do you do these tiny workouts during your day, and if not, could you?
Where could you sneak in a smidge of pleasant movement?
I consider my work with y’all to be primarily stress relief.
When people first reach out to me, they may say they have a tight neck, or want to lose weight or get in shape. 9 times out of 10, once I start digging, what comes up for them is stress and anxiety. They are overworked, stressed, not sleeping, not exercising, and not eating right. Sound familiar?
My hope for you is that you can use the tips I offer you on healthy eating, managing stress, and moving your body, as tools to look and feel your best.
Not because you know you “should” exercise.
Not out of fear of loss.
Not because you hate your body.
Just the opposite. Because you love your body. You are taking good care of you. You are treating yourself like royalty by making space, prioritizing yourself, and saying no to anything that doesn’t align with these values.
LOVE
JOY
PEACE
Can You Find Joy In Movement?
Here are some ways I can support you in reaching your goals:
- Small group fitness classes
- Individual personal training
- Thai massage and Cranio Sacral sessions
- Health and nutrition coaching
Give me a call. I am here for YOU!
503-705-4762
Anne
p.s. here are my next available in person appointments:
- Friday August 29th at 10 am
- Friday September 5th at 11 am or 2 pm
- Friday September 19th at 2 or 3:30 pm