Fitness Tips from Fitness 2J2: How physical activity can help achieve overall balance
- Joel Pedersen | November 08, 2015
November in Saskatoon, Functional Fitness and Self-Defence at no cost to community. Continuing with learn to run 5km Run Club into Dec. Looking forward to be going to the community of Beauval Sask for a week of 2J2 programing, then end of November into December we will be in LaRonge.
I had the privilege of attending a weekend seminar about resilience and the importance of physical activity to balance mental health and overall happiness. It seems that the academics in psychology, physiology, and kinesiology recognize the teachings that we as Aboriginal people have known for centuries, the importance of the medicine wheel and holistic ways of living.
The keynote speaker was Olympic winter and summer medalist Sarah Hughes. Sarah was a dynamic speaker and told her story of growing up in the rough core Winnipeg neighborhood that many of us can associate with. Her story of domestic violence, alcohol and drug’s and the challenges she went through and still goes through is also a story many of us can associate with. She has a strong appreciation and understanding to Aboriginal culture, and is very supportive to the challenges that Aboriginal people face each day. The take away message for me was, she was able to find a holistic approach to life, and a large part was the physical portion through fitness and sports. Her journey like most of us is finding the balance with the other parts of life, the medicine wheel. Grateful for the opportunity to listen to Sarah’s journey, and the opportunity to meet her in person.
Some of us have had the good fortune of having a Moshum or Kokum that were able to show us a way of positive thinking and healthy lifestyles. Some of these principles and teachings have been passed onto us in non-traditional ways, or have confirmed what we have learned through family and community. If we apply them in our own life, we will see changes start to happen.
Similar to a new fitness program, a conscious effort to focus your thoughts upward, gradually we will develop a mind-set of thinking in this way, with the intent of leading to a lifetime of happiness and joy.
People pay thousands of dollars every year in trying to change their thoughts and to find happiness. The newest Books, DVD’s, therapy, counseling, fitness program’s are all usefull. However like the stories and teachings that have been passed from generation to generation, true happiness will occur when we learn to change our thoughts.
I recently spoke with an Elder, it felt like Yoda was passing on Jedi knowledge! Here are some suggestions that seem so simple when she told me: We control our emotions, we decide to be happy; When we start wandering into negative thoughts, we need to quickly return to the positive; Visualize your future then go one step further hear the sounds, smell the scents, feel the joy you will have; Use positive statements out-loud, reinforce your goals; Don’t hold on to grudges, practice forgiveness; Focus on the future not the past; Believe it will happen, anything is possible, set your mind and never give up.
This month is a time to remember our veterans who have served our country during times of war and peace. Make a point of thanking a veteran, as their service provides us many opportunities. It will be a good start for your journey in happiness.
I honour them each day, and remember the sacrifices my friends have made. RIP: Sgt.Chris Bourque; Lt.Justin Boyes; MCpl.Josh Roberts; Cpl.Mike Pridel; Cpl.Shane Keating; Pte.Aron Weinberger. CEDE NULLIS.