Inward first...

A good friend once told me, "inward first; outward second". On a spiritual level, I understood what he meant. But, in my new living situation, I am finding that getting "mindfully fit" is key to being "physically fit". 

My new morning ritual, since I moved to the Caribbean, is to get up at 5am to sit and listen: hearing the coquis, the birds, the trade winds blow, the waves crashing on the shore. Then, watching the sky change from dark, starlight to indigo blue into sunrise glow, smelling the scent of the Caribbean Sea. 

Once, I've awoken my senses, then I am set to start moving my body; my yoga practice can now begin, followed by my Pilates practice. My new ritual has more rewarding benefits than when I would run out the door to dog walk 4 miles at sunrise.With a calmer mind, my workouts are more conscious, therefore my body is more responsive.

"Inward fitness first; outward fitness second!"

working out in the dark

I am finding my new groove, now that I live in the Caribbean: working out before the sun rises. I am so fortunate to be able to go outside to the sound of waves and coquis (frogs) each morning, watching shooting stars from my back porch. But the serenity of my family and neighbors being asleep is something I am appreciating more and more. It becomes "my time".
I get my yoga blanket and mat outside and start my practice before the sun rises. It's the greatest connection I have with myself.....before the troops awaken.
My yoga and Pilates workouts have gotten gentler, yet stronger, with greater results. No blasting music, no instructor yelling at me.....it's only me, listening to me (what?!). The calm I have found during that time has kept my metabolism strong and steady. In other words, my stress free time is not draining my adrenals.
So I look forward to 5am everyday to "my time", and I think my family likes me better for it.