Yesterday's (and today's) cardio: Chon-Ji. Heaven and Earth. The form signifies the creation of the universe, and is a wonderful physical and spiritual way to commemorate a beginning.
Chapter 9: I forget what 8 was for.
Second of two days off today. Yesterday I was able to really get into a mindful place as far as my eating and exercising was concerned. I got great benefit from both activities, and I had the time to pay attention to what was going on and enjoy it. It's not a luxury that I can find time for every day, so it's important for me to make the most of it when I can. I exercised a lot, ate very little and healthily, and spent a lot of time feeling what the food and physical work were doing to my body. I especially enjoyed the exercise.
One of the long-term rewards I have scheduled myself is a return to tae kwon do training. I really REALLY love it. In the traditional style (as opposed to a style that focuses on competition), it's really spiritual as well as physical, which appeals to me. I'm not even a little bit interested in kicking anyone's ass... as anyone who knows me at all can attest. The Manatee does not wish to fight. However, the Manatee wouldn't mind looking cool and feeling super good while learning and practicing fighting forms. Plus you get to wear a spiffy uniform, earn brightly-colored belts of rank, and yell real loud. And learn to count and follow basic commands in korean. So bad-ass.
I'm getting the jump on going back to class by re-learning my early forms. I have two friends that are into it as well. So, today it's off to the gym again, to get my Chon-Ji on. Maybe even my Dangun, hard to say. I do know this... I'm having fun, and can look forward to getting back to regular training once I have a more set work schedule. Heaven and Earth, on a Tuesday. Why not?
Steve "Big Daddy" Hodgson
February the ninth, 2010
294.8 pounds
Rock it! I'm trying to figure out a good way to get back in the water more often, this is inspiring. I love your blog. LOVE IT. So does my mum. xoxo
ReplyDeleteExercising while doing something you love is KEY. So much better than running on a treadmill. You are making really great decisions. Keep on keeping on. Love you!!
ReplyDeleteHurray! That sounds awesome...it makes me want to get back into Tai Chi.
ReplyDeleteTotally had a Chapter 4 urge today, but I had the WWBSD moment and resisted! Woo hoo!
ReplyDeleteThanks again for the inspiration.
Love, Cheese.
Judy and I have begun dipping our toes into Tai Chi. It's a bit tricky for me, since my superior radio-ulnar synostoses do not permit my hands to go into the prescribed positions and I have to make something up that in my mind approximates the intended posture. But I refuse to believe that I would be denied the benefits of all that chi pouring over and through my body just because I can't turn my wrists skyward.
ReplyDeleteKeep writing. You are inspiring me in ways that you probably can't imagine.
Love, Dad
Frankly, I prefer belly dancing. Billy Blanks' Tae Bo is torture. And...Carmen Electra's stripper workout is...well...let me put it this way....not so sexy. Histerical. A laugh riot, but oh so unsexy. My favorite workout is water aerobics. Good exercise without all the sweating. That's the worst part about exercise...the sweat.
ReplyDeleteJust got a mental image of Steve with a stripper pole.....wow.
ReplyDeleteAgh... gack... gross. What's WRONG with you people?
ReplyDelete