4 Ways to Workout the Mind.

True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, & the world around us.

Socrates

Is this not true? In our own way we are all looking for understanding of why we were put on this earth. Now I know this could be a huge discussion but I'm going to only touch on ways to connect and understand ourselves a little more because for me, my understanding of why I'm here is to Fear God and keep His commands. Through Him I find "peace, which surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). 

So how can we connect and understand our own self more? I've found 4 ways that help me that I would like to share with you. 

1. Connect with Nature

I like suggesting that you go for walks as a way to warm-up for working out for this reason. I want to really SEE what's around me, I want to soak it all in. Maybe in a new way, seeing something for the first time but also maybe in seeing new things when walking the same path you always take. Look at the trees or anything green around you, look at the sky and wonder, like you did as a kid, what's really up there. Take notice of your surroundings and the sounds, work your senses. (This may mean not listening to music while you warm-up). All these things can give you peace knowing your surrounded by beautiful, moving, growing things. 

2. Meditate. 

I've suggested this in previous posts because it really can do a lot for your mind and body. There have been multiple studies showing it reduces anxiety, reduce stress, decreases blood pressure, increase blood flow, slows heart rate, just to name a few. Here's a neat article:

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/can-meditation-curb-heart-attacks/

Meditation not only helps the physical but the psychological more so. You can gain a deeper spiritual 

relaxation, increase self-awareness, give you peace of mind, help you discover self-actualization and

so much more. The benefits are endless. So how can we meditate? 

*Sit comfortably on the floor or in a chair, hands relaxed, close your eyes and do not try to do anything. 

Let your thoughts shuffle around for a minute while you focus on your breathing. Breathe normally but

focus on your breath in and your breath out. You should find your mind relaxing and my best advice 

comes from Deepak Chopra...First think of blessings you have (like family or loved ones, life) then after

a few minute think "Why am I here?" What purpose do you have to serve others? Then let your sub conscious 

take over while you contemplate and breathe for a few minutes.*

Also a side note for Athletes...using meditation and imagery is powerful for pre-game. Sitting comfortably, relaxed 
and imagining yourself playing perfect, making a perfect pass or catch, imagining yourself at your fastest, things like
that can improve your level of play.  

3. Study 

This could mean different things for different people but study something! This could be studying a past 

textbook, studying the Bible, studying a friend who may need help or even "studying" a crossword puzzle. 

You can gain back some wisdom and knowledge you might've let go, which will help your overall sense

of self. 

4. Learn Something New

It's as simple as that. Take a class online, start a new hobby, paint, start a blog, take cool photos, talk to people

and learn about their lives. This will bring about some new understanding of yourself which can only enhance

your life and help to gain wisdom. 

The world is yours! Put a little effort into things of importance to you and try new things. Gain understanding 

so you can also achieve peace of mind. 

Salud.