Well okay, some of us go for physical exercise and sports to achieve that streamlined body, that wonderful curve in the butt, the to-kill-for abs. We have to be wise and listen to our body in choosing what kind of physical exercise best brings out a wholistic sense of well-being.
However, there are certain forms of exercise that increase the body’s energy. But it is futile if we continue to waste energy by constantly keeping the muscles in a state of readiness when there is no need to do so (which is why I have problems with doing weights). This puts undue stress upon the muscles and they forget to relax. Trying to keep up to the fast pace and complexity of life today results in the unthinking wasting of stored up energy. We must learn to move our bodies in ways and manners that allow the body (and mind and heart, too) the opportunity to recharge. Now I ask, how do you move your body? No, another question precedes that one, and specifically directed to couch potatoes… do you even move your body?
Physical activities that allow our bodies to stretch, twist, bend over, contort and sweat serve a deeper purpose than just sculpting the body beautiful. And even deeper than the healthy reasons (like working out the physical organs like the heart and lungs, releasing toxins through sweating) is the reason of achieving balance and harmony that leads to an elevated spiritual mindset.
Alongside the spine is the central nervous system that controls the "energetics" or emotional and psycho-spiritual state. Eastern philosophy further defines that our astral or energetic/subtle body has the central canal (which corresponds to the spine in the physical body) that has astral tubes (called the nadis) that flow from the right and left nostril and run up and down each of the sides of the spine. In Chinese acupuncture they are called the meridians. On this central vertical axis are located seven energy centers call chakras. While they cannot be seen physically, they can often be felt.
These chakras represent the vibratory level of the astral body and become more subtle as they ascend. Locations of the chakras are as follows: 1.) at the groin area at the base of the spine; 2.) at the genital area; 3.) the navel or the solar plexus; 4.) the heart; 5.) base of the throat; 6.) the "third eye" between the eyebrows; and 7.) at the crown of the head. To psychics or those whose "third eyes" are open, healthy chakras can be described as spinning wheels of light or if unhealthy, dark dried prunes or raisins. When healthy, these spinning centers draw in energy from the universal energy field to continually revitalize our whole being and not just our physical body.
When our body is not allowed to move, meaning go through some form of physical exercise or stretching, the energies in these areas become blocked. Also, when we are caught up with issues (each chakra has an issue) these centers likewise become blocked. When illnesses happen to us, depending on what organ is afflicted, then one can point out the cause of the illness having a connection to the issue connected to the chakra or energy center closest to it. For example: frigidity, impotence or genital related issues (like urinary tract infections, myomas, cysts, etc.) are often due to second chakra issues like relationship, nurturance and creativity. Or constant migraine also means that the crown chakra on the top of the head is blocked so the person is being asked to open this through some spiritual discipline, some centering or meditation. Another a constant sore throat or loss of voice often means the person has an issue he or she cannot express. Or even heart attacks and breast cancers often point to a closed heart chakra where the persons need to express love or love themselves more.
This should make us more aware that moving the body correctly has benefits that are way beyond the physical. The movements are made more potent by the kind of awareness that goes with every breath. So here is good news for the lazybones who refuse to go to the gym or do sports – you must stretch, twist and bend forward while breathing with complete awareness. All such movements wake up the endocrine system, the system that secrets all the hormones that give balance or imbalance in the body.
Twisting motions allow us to see life in another perspective, bring more elasticity and flexibility to the spine and help sluggish digestion, and cure disorders of the nervous system. Twists go deep inside us to dislodge whatever emotions rooted in the liver (often anger) and the stomach (the latter known as the seat of emotions).
Forward bends where one tried to bring the head to the knees while keeping the knees straight (either seated or standing) massages abdominal muscles, and counteracts obesity. It relaxes the nervous system which is why it is the quick downer for those who are hyper, stressed, anxious and insomniac. Back bend meanwhile, stimulates the nervous system and revitalizes. Any backward bend helps alleviate depression.
If you do such exercises and movements 15 minutes daily (can be done anywhere – in the bedroom or in the office) then you begin to really move your body in the correct way towards making it more flexible. This is what the yogic phrase "You are as old as your spine" celebrates. Staying in these poses longer also helps concentration and focus, while allowing for deep breathing to work the lungs.
To really, really be moving the body is to keep all energy centers clean and unblocked. The secret is not so much to aspire to be strong, powerful athletes or chiseled dames. Rather, let us move our bodies with the awareness of going deeper. Simple motions such as those mentioned above pose no threat to the most un-physical person yet it allows the body to continue being young no matter the age.
(E-mail me at jej1@easycall.com.ph)