balance

"...everything in balance, including balance".  Now, there are yoga balancing poses, which challenges one to be able to stand on one foot, or on two hands. There's balance in nature with environment and animals. But, then there is the balance of life. All that we think, speak and do must be done in balance, otherwise we could throw off the harmony in our lives and others'. As with all things, there's a give and take. That, too, can be a balancing act.
To me, balance is eating a huge plate of eggplant parmigiana and walking my dogs after, a couple of miles to burn off the calories I ingested. Or better yet, walking 4 miles in the morning, doing Yoga/Pilates/kettlebells in the afternoon, then taking my kids out for a movie with a big bucket of white cheddar buttered popcorn with a big soda and peanut M & M's.  NOW THAT'S BALANCE!!

inspiration

I find that doing any workout (gym, walk in the park, etc.) needs a little flame to get you going. In most cases, it's a goal to reach (e.g. class reunions, weddings, social events, losing weight 'before' the special event, etc.). So when these "special reasons" to workout aren't around, is there any reason to stay on that workout schedule? Besides feeling good, which I think is a pretty nice addiction, it almost becomes a necessity. The need to be healthy enough to get to that "feel good" after a workout should be enough, right? Eventually, the "special reasons" become just little add ons to the necessities of life. Unfortunately, as we get older, that awareness becomes part of the driving force to staying healthy. Besides, who doesn't want to feel good, look good, and spread that vibe of good health wherever they go? It's a pretty nice contagious feeling!

Passion

The depth of any workout success comes from the heart. It is not limited to the cardio-vascular aspect of a workout, but the desire, energy and intention behind a workout. I personally know that after a rewarding workout (long walk, bike, Pilates or Yoga, or even just playing with the dogs ,which can be a workout) the feeling of incredible joy and satisfaction comes deep from within my heart. All of a sudden there is immense love for everyone and everything flowing through my veins. It's PASSION! Of course, there is definitely some sweat involved, but the euphoria is so exponential! It's worth the mental, emotional and physical detox. The best part is it puts my day back on track for success.