Gym Think

The start of every year brings an influx of people to gyms and health clubs. Having resolved to lose weight and/or get into shape, some for the first time; though there are many repeat offenders, the intention is genuine, but what usually happens? After a few weeks (sometimes a very few) “stuff” begins to interfere. Work ramps up. The kids start or resume an extra curricular activity that involves travel time and scheduling. The spouse who was supportive in the beginning becomes less so, especially if there are any hints dropped about it becoming a family affair. I’m sure you can add to the list. So with no real thought we give ourselves license to miss a session or two. The idea of everyone else eating pizza while we try to choke down one more Lean Cuisine becomes intolerable. Remember when you said, out loud, they tasted good? Soon the only remnants of the gym are the work out clothes piled in the back of the closet and that automatic deduction from the bank account every month. Oh, and of course that little stab of guilt when we see the charge.

Because modes of thinking are contagious we allow the same thing to happen in our spiritual life. We read a book or hear a speaker which energizes us and we vow to follow a new path. What happens? Gym Think. After a time the old manner and habits of living reassert themselves and we drift back into old familiar ways of thinking and living. Then a new book or teacher catches our attention and the cycle begins anew.

There is a fundamental difference however between physical and spiritual exercise. The day will come for all, when this physical shell will fail, regardless of how many hours we spend working out and/or eating right. However our essential nature, soul if you prefer, is eternal. So decide today to place your feet on the path of spiritual growth and let no future vicissitude shake your resolve and when Gym Think creeps in, and it happens to everyone, reject it by turning to God for strength and guidance. Just for today demonstrate prayer and meditation in your life, be of service to others, as if your life depended on it, for in truth it does. Oh, and a twenty minute walk and a good multivitamin can't hurt.

© Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, Serenity, Enlightenment, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, Four Agreements, Chopra, Jesus, Einstein, AA, McRaven, Healing Path