Reflections: Training Mindset, Mediation, Preparing for War

This past month has been one of awareness of thoughts - during training, meditation, and what inputs or information in the world can positively or negatively impact our very being. To that end, here is what I’ve been doing for Body, Mind, and Spirit.

Body

Getting the most out of your training

I was reflecting recently on how I workout; how I go about preparing for the task at hand and where my mind is. It got me thinking that as with human nature, it’s easy to get distracted, not stay focused and wishing time move at warp speed to end this difficulty.

One thing I know for sure, an attitude of watching the clock, wishing that the work was already done will NOT produce results. Having our phones attached to us at every moment can negatively impact our ability to focus and prevents us from being in the present moment.

I will share with you how I go about my training that helps me get results:

Determine type of training I’m doing that day (the night before).
- Is today a cardio day? Heavy resistance? Recovery?
Mindset awareness
- Am I feeling great? Then watch out.
- Not feeling it today? Then I know I really need to focus on the task at hand, be aware of my breath, and count my reps.
When possible, get all the equipment I need set up and ready to use.
- What weights will I need? Machines? Resistance band? Body weight only?

This photo shows me doing a core workout. I have two sets of kettlebells and a resistance band all in a small area so I can easily move from set to set.

Note push-ups on kettlebells and then moving straight to a mountain climber is a great core workout. Just stabilizing on the kettlebells immediately fires up the core muscles!

Challenge for you:

Before your next workout, prepare what type of exercises you will be doing, know what you need to work on, and focus, focus, focus! Oh, and be sure to get your workout gear set and ready to go the night before.

Mind

Training the mind trains the body

To be in control of our body, we have to be aware of and control the mind. The great thing is that we can control our thoughts - we just need practice at doing it. Enter meditation. I have discussed it many times in GreenNoteFitness Newsletters. Let’s talk about it again. The practice of meditation can help us see our thoughts clearly; it helps settle the monkey mind. This practice will also help us in our physical training.

Challenge for you:

Use one of your workouts this week being fully aware of where your mind is. Are you thinking about dinner? Thinking how much you don't like working out? Focus your thoughts on your breath. Count your inhale and exhale, allowing yourself to be present.

Spirit

Peace requires discipline

This past month I've been reflecting on a latin phrase - Si vis pacem, para bellum - which means if you want peace, prepare for war. The context of which I heard this phrase was in a homily that spoke of peace being living a life in Christ. This peace or joy is constantly being threatened.

There is a quote by Halocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom - if the devil can't make you sin, he can make you busy. Hmm...what a distracted world we live in...phones, media, and technology abound. It's important now more than ever, be aware of our thoughts, meditate, take care of our body, mind, and soul.

Challenge for you:

Guard your time, your thoughts, where you spend your energy. Could you spend less time on social media? Could you be less "busy"?

Quote I'm pondering