You know you are authentic when . . . you apply what you’ve learned and make choices for your highest good!
Would you describe yourself as vibrant or do you run out of energy before doing all that you wish?
Beyond basic survival is a state of being where we thrive, where we enjoy the many blessings life has to offer. Instead of just checking items off our “Must Do” list, we actually take time to live optimally in the moment. We enjoy life and appreciate friendships, hobbies, entertainment and other forms of pleasure.
At times, I felt there weren’t enough hours in the day to do more than what was required. Work and family commitments led to a negative pattern of self-sacrifice. Obligations led to resentment, frustration and loss of enthusiasm. Only when I started booking “Pamela” into my schedule, was I able to feel fully alive. Then, instead of struggling to just get by, I began to thrive.
Being authentic in the physical realm requires a commitment to learn and grow. To be a radiant example of health and wellness, we first must be aware of what is going on within and around us. If we sense our energy waning, we need to determine where the leak is and plug it. The choices we make either send us spiraling downward or transform us. We either remain victims of a busy life and chaotic circumstances, or we shift priorities and embrace activities that are in harmony with our true nature. It is up to us to nurture and strengthen the body! It is a conscious choice.
What is Physical Vitality ?
Vitality is a characteristic of essence—the divine, dynamic, energetic substance of life. Inherited traits determine a portion of our makeup, but the remainder comes from earthly experiences. While there isn’t much we can do about our DNA, we are more than capable of making decisions about our external environment and daily endeavors. Excellent choices help to ensure that we will blossom and flourish in the garden of life.
Biography, or what we do, begets biology, or what we are. In other words, physical vitality is the synergistic result of self-awareness and self-care. We apply what we learn on a very practical level. Although it requires far more than just treating the body well, vitality begins there. We must change our activities and embrace healthier behaviors. Because it may take up to 21 repetitions to create a new pattern, change is not easy. However, it is possible if we are committed. We must also be patient and not expect immediate results because we cannot correct years of abuse and neglect overnight.
We can greatly improve our well-being by adopting better health habits. In fact, changing behavior is critical if we are to thrive. To achieve a higher level of wellness also requires a holistic approach. The Blueprint provides an excellent, holistic process for integrating healthy behaviors.
Holistic Process for Creating Positive Change
- Visioning (Spiritual Dimension): Create an image and goal of what you wish to experience; e.g. heal from a disease or increase strength and stamina
- Commitment (Intuitive Dimension): Set your intention and align your will with your goals
- Assessment (Emotional Dimension): Become aware of your health status and possible ways to promote health and restore wellness
- Planning (Mental Dimension): Select and test life-affirming activities to determine if they “work” for you
- Action (Physical Dimension): Integrate positive behaviors into your wellness routine, remembering that many repetitions may be required to turn a new activity into a habit
- Evaluation: Assess the impact of your efforts; observe and celebrate when you experience positive outcomes and make additional changes as necessary to make vision a reality
Physical vitality implies that we have more than energy, strength and stamina to carry out our daily tasks, perform at work and participate in sports. However, we need not be in perfect health or be free of disease or injury. People who have physical challenges can live with vigor and vitality. We need only watch the Paralympic games to appreciate the effort the athletes with disabilities put into their sports. No doubt they are stronger and have more conditioned muscles and cardiovascular systems than the majority of us who have all body parts intact.
My Father — An Excellent Example of Vitality
I am reminded of my father who lost his right (dominant) arm in a sawmill accident when he was nineteen. He wore a hook and designed a number of prostheses for different purposes. He also learned to do many things left-handed, including ping-pong. He held the paddle in his left hand and trapped the ball with two fingers at the base of the paddle. As he dropped the ball, he quickly slammed it toward the opposite side of the table and usually beat his opponents. After suffering a stroke that paralyzed his left side, he continued to hunt by placing his gun in a u-joint on top of a fence post or small tree trunk. He always got a deer and we enjoyed venison throughout the winter. Nothing held him back or prevented him from being a successful contractor and building many homes in his rural community. He was the picture of vitality.
To read more about my father’s amazing life and his many accomplishments, visit my website and download the book I wrote about him, “A Wing and a Prayer: Paul Deeter’s Dogfight with Death.” When we make a long-term commitment to our health and well-being, we can enjoy the benefits of a vibrant life and thrive in the physical dimension. By honoring our body and addressing its needs we take a huge, important step in the process of self-discovery and authentic living.
An Affirmation for Physical Vitality
