This past year, I have REALLY struggled with eating properly, getting in activity, and just plain finding myself again! We moved from Arizona to Utah and I feel like my life turned upside down. Now, of course, at the New Year, ONE of my resolutions is to get my "groove" back.
When I lived in Arizona, I lost quite a bit of weight with the Intuitive Lifestyle. I was mindful of what I was eating, how it tasted, what it looked like, and how it felt. I included activity into my daily life. And just like magic, I felt better, had more energy, and yes, lost weight. I yearn to feel that way again.
As I pondered my success in Arizona, it occurred to me that praying, if you will, played a HUGE factor in my success. Mind. Blown. What a concept! Now, I'm not talking about asking God to help me to lose weight. I'm talking about the prayer itself. What I prayed for, what I did during the prayer, and how I felt after the prayer. Let me break it down for you.
Morning Prayer
During my morning prayers, I took the time to breathe deeply, ponder my day ahead, and most importantly, share how grateful I was for the ability and strength to tackle what lied ahead. My morning prayers are my "grateful prayers." I find that I do better during my day when I have recognized my blessings. After the prayer, I felt peace, and was ready for the world!Taking time to breathe deeply helps stimulate metabolism and increase energy. Recognizing the things that you have in your life helps us to not take things for granted. Having the ability to walk, run, climb, eat, sleep, and do so comfortably can be very motivating.
Praying Over Food
Slowing down and enjoying the food helps us to not over-eat. Recognizing how the food tastes, looks, smells, and feels is all a part of the eating experience. We are less likely to over-eat or waste the food, when we value the food.
Evening Prayers
I considered my evening prayers to be more of a "one-on-one" with God. This is where I would thank him for my life: my wonderful, amazing, life. This is where I would feel his love for me, and gain a sense of individual worth. This is where I would plead for those that I love. This is where would I feel his arms around me. This is where my happiness came from. I would sleep in peace knowing that I was protected by my Father in Heaven.A peaceful sleep resets the body, reduces stress and Cortisol levels, and gives us the energy needed to tackle our day. It also gives our bodies the energy to function the way that they should. All systems are "go!"
It's been too long since I have prayed like this. My life has been rushed. My activity is rushed. My eating is rushed. My SLEEP has even been rushed! Today, I realized that all of that would change if I took the time to sincerely pray.
I know people that meditate every day. They meditate to prepare their bodies for exercise, eating, work, whatever. They SWEAR that it helps. I'm sure it does! I KNOW it does. Prayer isn't unlike meditation, they are similar in many ways. For those that don't believe in God, all of these things can be accomplished through meditation. I DO believe in God, and I have to admit, that I like having that support. Talk about choosing the right person to be on your team! It's time to start praying again.
I might not pray for God to help me be healthy. He just does it.... because I take the time to talk to him.
**This journey has been awesome, and I have learned so much! As I read previous posts, I found that my definition of "healthy" has changed from what it was when we started. It's not about losing weight and eating right anymore. It's much, much more. Perhaps you have noticed that over the course of this blog as well. Therefore, I will no longer be using the same logo that I used to end my posts with. Instead, I'm searching for another that will fit the essence of my new views and findings. Thanks!**
