We certainly have had an abundance of heat this summer season. I cannot remember a summer where it has been this hot, so early and for so long. We have had temps reaching 99 degrees F on several occasions this year in the Toronto area and it’s only early July as I write this. The heat certainly does impose a certain effect on any outdoor workouts you may be doing. Accepting what you have to work with or in, is better than complaining about what cannot be changed. You could work out earlier in the day or later at night to avoid the midday heat, but this of course is not always possible. So what to do? As always in life, you go with the flow. Do what you are capable of doing, know it is perfect, embrace what is and expect the very best going forward.
Some may use the heat as an excuse to drop their fitness routine altogether. I don’t suggest you take that road. You are strong, committed, you see the big picture. You are aware that like relationships, like life, your fitness efforts have an ebb and flow and you respect that. You realize some days your mind and body are pumped to reach beyond limits and past accomplishments. Some days you take a more relaxed approach to your workout, focusing on form, flow and breath. Maybe you are dehydrated, didn’t sleep well, your eating has been off, or you are just having an off day. Whatever the reason for not having the desire to hit your workout with the mindset of a warrior, is irrelevant. What is important, is that you are aware of what your body is needing in the moment, that you respect it, accept it and be at peace with it. If you tune into, and really listen to your body, and your higher self, it will always tell you what is needed now. It will serve you well, not only in your workouts but in life, to distinguish between what your higher self is asking and what your ego is suggesting.
You know that when you pull back in your workouts, move slower, complete less reps, take longer breaks, a shorter duration overall, it’s because your body is in need of a more gentle, more embracing flow of movements. You listen to how your body feels and know all is well. You don’t allow your mind to push, push, and push some more when your body is asking for compassion this day.
Life is motion and ever changing. Acknowledging and accepting this is key to living a peaceful life. Stop and look at all that your body does for you each and every day without you even thinking about it. Notice how skin, hair, energy levels change based on temperatures, hydration, foods we ingest. Accepting the fact that all things change, will allow you to flow through life with greater ease.
Life is short. Giving up the fight with what is, will go a long way towards creating more happiness in your life. Accepting the current state of affairs does not mean you can’t or don’t want things to be different. It simply gives you opportunity to decide if it’s something you want in your life. If not, take thoughts and actions to create what you do want. Accepting what is, will always make the journey to something new, a smoother ride. Until next month, wishing you great times in the summer sun.
Namaste,
Sandra
Sandra O’Brien is mother to the world’s three most fabulous children. She is also a Law of Attraction Life Coach, Personal Trainer, and Reiki healer. She is creator of the Bootcamp Goddess system, a female fitness program to blowtorch body fat, sculpt sexy lean muscle and empower women everywhere to be the best version of themselves, inside and out. She enjoys the ocean, fire walking, reading, long walks, meditation, men in linen shirts and a full moon.