Seven Keys

                                              

The first of July. The seventh month of the year was named for Julius Caesar. Today I want to share with you seven key ideas to practise for July. Firstly, ignore other people's judgements and drama. Julius Caesar said that men are quick to believe what they wish to be true. Everybody has an opinion, and they are allowed to have one. However, we so easily get caught up in their viewpoint that we start doubting ourselves. We even start questioning who we are. People are quick to judge others because it makes them feel better about their own lives. It is also easier to judge than to take the time to be open-minded and trying to put ourselves in the other person's shoes. Do not waste your energy trying to prove to them that their judgement of you is unfair. You are not going to change their mind. Just keep being who you are. The people who are of value in your life will be the ones who appreciate you for who you are.

Secondly, learn to talk less and listen more. Often we do not listen to understand, but we listen to answer back. Ironically, good communication is not about talking but about listening with attention. When we listen we give our brain a chance to make sense of the words and the nuances behind the words. It helps us to understand better and to get clarity about how we want to respond. It allows us to collect our thoughts.

Next, how about taking the time this month to learn something new. Maybe you have always wanted to learn more about astronomy or take up woodwork. Start learning about our beautiful galaxy this month. Go for a woodworking course. We are never too old to learn a new skill or discover more about the world around us.

The fourth key is laughter. Laugh more. Once a week, make a comedy date. Laughter is said to be the best medicine. A good laugh can help to lower our blood pressure and reduces stress.

Key number five, let us extend a helping hand. There are many areas where we could be of service. Maybe volunteer at the local pet shelter, or offer to buy groceries for a housebound person. My friend has started to read to her sight-impaired neighbour, and they have both benefitted from the arrangement. Reach out to somebody in need. Giving of your time is often far more valuable than giving money.

Next, get active. Join a gym or your local running club. Take your dogs for a daily walk around the neighbourhood. Walk to the shop instead of driving, or walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator. Physical activity is not only good for your body but is beneficial for intellectual and mental health as well. It improves your blood circulation, lowers your blood pressure and stress levels. It releases all those feel-good hormones we need for a feeling of well-being.

Lastly, count your blessings. It is so easy to get caught up in a negative mindset. Complaining about our circumstances, the state the world is in, or the collapsing economy can become a destructive habit. So, instead of talking about all that is wrong, start to talk about everything that's good. Talk about your blessings. Look for the good in everything. It is all a matter of perspective.

Contemplate these seven keys, and then implement them. They are sure to open the door to a happier mindset. Have a great July!

Run Along

Recently, on one of our visits to our granddaughters, the elder of the two, four year old Rose, invited me to go run outside with her.  She explained that she has to run to get fit like her mom and dad.  A few laps into the run (around the mulberry tree), she suddenly gave a loud sigh and exclaimed, "Nana, this is so boring, What can we do to make it less boring?"  So we started singing.

Since this is Rose's birthday month I thought we could have a look at the sport of running.  The myths and facts about running, the history of running, the science of running and the strange attraction of running.  Why would we, as sane and logical people, want to do that to our bodies? There has to be some explanation as in South Africa alone there are over a hundred thousand registered runners and in the UK it is estimated that there are over two million runners!

I myself have been fascinated by running from a very young age.  The first time I saw children running in one direction around an oval, I watched in wonder.  I wanted to do it too, but was too shy to try it.  Eventually, when I was 8 years old I gathered some courage and entered a track item, but I had hardly covered the first two hundred meters when I got such a terrible pain in my heel that I limped off the field.  I tried it a few times more, but every time with the same result.  My parents took me to the doctor, but there was no answer to the problem and I conceded that there were obviously some people meant to do it and others were meant to watch.  And watch I did, and cheered.

 Strangely, I was never fascinated by any other sport.  Rugby and Netball or even Hockey held no charm for me.

I was never a sporty child, but I could spend hours on my bicycle and when an ice rink opened up in our town, I basically lived on the ice.  Later I turned to Karate and loved doing Ballet as well.  In 1987 I watched the Comrades Marathon for the first time on television and I was absolutely hooked.  I sat the entire race nailed to the screen and no one dared interrupt me.  That year I decided to try again to  run.  I got myself a pair of running shoes and set out diligently every afternoon.  Or tried to.  After running two kilometers flat out, I returned home utterly despondent.  However, the next day I tried again and a few more days after that.  Finally, after a week of running, and it becoming more and more difficult instead of easier, I decided that it was just as I had feared.  Some people were meant to be athletes while others were meant to be spectators and supporters.  I was obviously meant to be the latter and that was what I did.  When my brother started running a couple of years later, I was an avid supporter and would be there to cheer him on as he did his finishing sprint.  I also continued to watch the Comrades Marathon every year from sunrise to sunset.  I buried my secret dream in my heart.

So why do people run?  Well, Forest Gump's reason for running was "I just felt like running".  One of the reasons why people start to run is weight loss.  Running burns quite a decent amount of calories and it is easy, as well as cheap to start.  Some people claim that it helps them to get rid of work stress and gives them a feeling of freedom.  

For  many people the element of competition is a wonderful incentive.  Joining a running club has the added benefit of meeting new, like minded people.  Runners are usually a friendly bunch and are always eager to welcome new members into their group.  

Running is a great way to boost your over-all well-being and improve your health.  It is known to help lower blood pressure as well as the risk of contracting diabetes.  Taking a jog out in the fresh open air does wonders for a person's mood and reduces feelings of depression.

Clearly there is much to be said about the benefits of running.  Are you a runner?  Or have considered taking it up as a sport or pastime?  Please tell me more and watch this blog for more running related stuff during the month of April.