Happy Valentine’s Day, my dear readers! We really appreciate all of you and are so happy to have this community for sharing, crowing, commiserating, kvetching and collaborating on ways to make the world better, one ride/walk/swim/paddle/dead lift/asana at a time.
Although 2021 is showing (sort of) an upswing compared to its ignominious cousin, 2020, I don’t think many of us are feeling like love is in the air. Nonetheless, it’s out there. Here are some ways I’ve found love lately. If you’re feeling game, give some of them a try.
ONE: give and receive stuff
It’s such a nice feeling to give things to people. And, I’ve rediscovered, to receive them. Here are a couple of handy items people have given me recently:
TWO: breathing in and out, for a while, slowly
I’m reading this book called Breath: the New Science of a Lost Art. I’m not sure what to think yet about it– it mixes scientific journalism with what strikes me as cultish devotion to fringe fads. But, I’m trying some of the breathing exercises, and it’s very interesting. Just adding a few into my day makes it seem like the world is a kinder place. That’s not bad, and it’s also free.
THREE: do something funny, or find the funny in what you’re doing
Hardly anything feels as good as laughing. And absolutely nothing feels as good as laughing with another person. Unless it’s sharing a laugh over something completely unexpected. This happened to me last week, while I was on the phone with a staff person at my university. It’s one of those “you had to be there” stories, but at the end of the phone call, we were both chuckling and completely at peace with the world. I recommend this.
FOUR: move with friends, virtually or in person
This one is a no-brainer, but it merits mention. I’ve been walking with my friend Norah, and riding the trainer over the phone with my friend Pata. Norah and I also do zoom yin yoga together, and I walk or do other things with friends as schedules permit. What’s that saying? A workout shared is a workout halved? Okay, maybe they don’t say that, but they should.
FIVE: discover the pleasure of some sensory newness– taste is mine
Last week made a new salad, with new salad dressing (not the same old ones I’ve been making forever). OMG– it tasted awesome! Just eating something that’s different tasting from what we’ve been eating can be such a pleasure for our senses.
SIX: create, or witness/appreciate creation
I’m taking a personal essay writing class, which is exactly what I need to be doing right now. More on that another time.
If you’re in the mood to witness utter creativity, here’s one that leaves me almost gasping– choreographer and genius Elizabeth Streb, whose modern dance company learned to fly for this film. Check out the trailer:
So, readers: where are you finding love these days? I’d love to hear your stories, as always.
Sending you love from our little corner, Fit is a Feminist Issue!
