First

 

 

Probably one of the most important elements of my daily humanist practice is my morning exercise. I have been doing it for many years first thing every day.

 

I exercise for about 15 minutes every morning before I have breakfast. This is a combination of sit-ups, push-ups, yoga stretches and yoga positions. It is a routine...like a dance routine. In other words, I do the same ritual every day with minor variations which are dependent on my mood or where I feel my body needs attention. For example, if my lower back feels achy or tight, I focus on my stomach muscles and stretches which stretch and re-align the spine. If a muscle group feels fatigued, I focus on those groups which are less fatigued.

 

This beginning to every day is essential to my sense of well being. That sense of well being is a source of energy to attempt mindfulness and compassion throughout my daily life. Whole bodily health is the key to working at living humanist ideals.