In a time when we often find ourselves divided instead of united,

Be reminded, there is only one force that overcomes fear and hate,

LOVE makes US great!

The first week of the month, we focus on how we bring more love to ourselves. Last month, I introduced the first element of my GEMS practice. GEMS is the foundation of self-love for me.

As I developed habits to improve my physical and mental health, over a few years, I found a formula that works for me to maintain physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. I started tracking my habits and then realized they created the acronym GEMS – Gratitude, Exercise, Meditation, Sleep. Last month, I wrote about Gratitude. This month, we focus on the E – exercise.

When I was in the dark days, I thought I didn’t have time to exercise. I was at work before dawn and left after dusk. I may have played a round of golf and made it to the gym once on the weekend, but for the most part, there was minimal physical movement in my day-to-day. 

Thankfully, I was reminded that if I didn't take care of myself, how could I possibly take care of anyone else? (Deepest gratitude to @LisaMariePlatske!) The pain that was building in my body could not be ignored.

I started small. Walking back one BART train station. 15 minutes of a Pilates video. Eventually, my lower back pain brought me to yoga. Yoga was a life changer for me. I had to concentrate so much to get my body into new shapes that my brain had to quiet down. It strengthened my body, and it calmed my mind. 

For those who think yoga is either "just stretching" or requires Cirque d'Soliel's level of strength and flexibility, know that there is a level for everyone. 

These days, my weekly routine consists of 5 days of vinyasa or Jivamukti yoga, which incorporates movement, balance, strength building, and plenty of sweat. I can turn my level of motion up or down depending on where my body is that day. 3 days a week, I also walk about 1.5 miles with the dog. 

The laws of inertia don't apply to humans. A body at perpetual rest is begging for motion. Any motion is better than no motion. If exercise is not a regular habit for you yet, start small – a walk around the block, going up and down stairs several times, a 10-minute yoga video on YouTube, bicep curls with cans of peas – there is always something when you prioritize you.

Please share, what do you do to bring more motion into your day?

Love requires participation. Love requires sharing. Love requires action. Love requires commitment. 

For folks who share your experience, I'll send you a LOVEMUG sticker and magnet.

With gratitude,

Joyce Aiko

(yes, love really is my middle name)