As a kid, I was uncoordinated. (Translation: clumsy.) I envied people who sailed over dodgeballs and darted through a soccer field like those gazelles on National Geographic specials. I never bothered asking why I couldn’t do it–I just knew I wasn’t one of them.
Flash forward several years, and life is a chaotic muddle. I’d long since given up on getting in shape–not enough time or money to spend on it. But I needed to find some grace in my life. I put on my old shoes and started running down the block. After an hour of the wind singing in my ears, and my arms and legs pumping in rhythm, I felt life was worth living again.
The research says that athletics were originally intended as a form of “performance art.” When we pursue workouts in the form of graceful and entertaining activities, we are more likely to work out on a consistent basis.
Our engagement with art is an act of passion. Find a way of healthy movement that stimulates your passions. It could be dance, swimming, surfing, boxing… And embrace that healthy passion.
For five points, tell us about what physical activities make you feel graceful, beautiful, fully alive.
Remember, thought into action = grace
To learn more about the intersection of sports and art, click here.
Comments (4)
Walking near a body of water with my camera and a friend.
Other than tipping a fine pint of amber ale? (kidding). I love to hike the mountains here in the Phoenix area – a hard 25-30 minute climb with a lot of vertical push, listening to my iPod and enjoying the weather and views at the top!
My absolute favorite form of physical activity is snorkeling. It is the only time I can honestly say that I’m completely relaxed. Being able to drop my head forward and have my body supported by the water as I float face down is a luxury for me. Coordinating my breathing and movements to balance and locate my position in waves or currents or temperatures requires a singular focus, which lets me then observe… Quite the metaphor for life. That singular focus leads me to a meditative state and lets me fully relax and just breathe. It then becomes a dance of grace, me and the water and the world below the water. Perhaps it is art after all, as each moment is a living canvas.
That sounds great shamashe! What is your memorable snorkeling location? Mine was in the Cook Islands.