Wednesday, August 19, 2015

I cOuLd LiFt YoU uP!

As a coach, a trainer and a fitness and yoga instructor I often ponder the meaning of health. I ask what health means to my clients, my students and my mentors. It seems fair to conclude that most (if not all of us) are in agreement that our health is not only defined physically, but also mentally and emotionally. Today I am particularly inspired by the power of words and the profound effect that our words can elevate the positivity in our own life and in the environment or community that surrounds us. Not only what you do, but also what you say matters.

Typically I scroll and scroll, enjoying the beautiful and inspiring pictures that make up my instagram feed. Smiles, beaches, tasty food, hugs and the occasional quote that reads ‘On Mondays, my coffee needs coffee’. I’m a fan of this network. It seems to be less drab than facebook and less clutter than twitter. There are a few IG celebrities that I follow, such as @Yoga_girl, who captures glimpses of her yoga filled life on the road, and of course selfies with her dogs. The other day within the caption below an image of her feet surround by a few of her favorite things she includes; ‘And yes, my feet are funny looking. No need to comment on them’. Astounded that she felt compelled to justify the aesthetics of her feet to her more than 1.6 million followers, compelled me to curiously browse the comments below. I didn’t have to search far to witness the tireless banter between bully and public defender, about something as trivial as the look of somebody's feet! I was oblivious to the darkness and silliness hosted in places such as comment feeds but I see now that this goes on everywhere on the net, making it all to easy for bullying and infesting negativity across the globe.

I would be willing to bet that the individuals making negative comments online, would be the last to speak up in person. I also assume that their health is severely compromised by this behavior.

However, just because you may not be a cyber bully, I challenge you to consider the dialogue in your head and with those closest to you in your own life. Is it possible that we could put more love and energy into lifting one another up?

For the months of August and September, our Charity Yin Yoga class, held on Wednesday nights at 7pm, is raising money for the MORElove Project directed by a recently acquired friend of mine, who you will also see in attendance in my yoga classes. The mission of this project is to spread love to the homeless in Seattle.  Whether it be delivering food and water, a new sleeping pad, work boots or an uber ride to a nearby shelter, each act of kindness transcribes as a message of love into some of the darkest shadows in our city. On her facebook page, program director Kristine will share the needs of the people she meets on the streets, then collect the donated items and deliver every Tuesday night. Todays request was a bit different. Rather than toiletries or bottled water (always needed) she asked her facebook followers to write a letter to a man that goes by the name ‘Detroit’. In this letter, she asks that people write to him words of encouragement; lifting him up, telling him he is worth it, that he is loved and can make a life for himself off of the streets. Sometimes we are our own worst bully. Perhaps this is what Detroit needs more than anything else, the reminder that he is worthy of  happiness and love.

With the knowledge that the dialogue in which you engage has a direct and powerful impact on your health, you might feel more inspired to take the opportunities throughout your day to lift someone up! As I am considering opportunities of my own, I think of a senor man I often see on the corner of Kirkland Way who sits on the seat of his walker and smiles as people pass by. He seems fascinated by the world around him. Perhaps he could use a reminder that he is also fascinating, worth listening to and worthy of love. I will stop the next time I see him and let him know that I notice is smile. I will write to Detroit and encourage him in his struggles. I will lift up my friends, my clients, my co-workers, my family and strangers on the street. I will lift you up with my words because this is one limb to a healthier life.

-Jamie