I've been skipping my morning meditation time too much of late. I did do it this morning and it absolutely made a positive difference. I don't do a specific practice or type of meditation, although I'm sure it has a name. I simply close my eyes and go back to sleep. I'm kidding. I close my eyes, inhale through my nose and exhale through my mouth and I envision how I would like the day to unfold. I also acknowledge and give thanks for the blessings I've received. I try to stay in this positive mental state for at least five minutes, preferably ten. I rarely mention this for a couple of reasons. It's my personal spiritual prayer/meditation time and I keep these things fairly private and also because I'm wildly inconsistent in the practice. I mention it tonight because I did notice a marked difference in the quality of my day because of this five minute practice.
The more I thought about the difference it made, the more I thought about how many times I've resisted doing something consistently that I knew would help me feel better. Exercise is a big one. The positive emotional and mental benefits of exercise are solid and proven. Nobody argues about it--it's fact: When we workout we end up feeling better. Yet, I know I could do more and I'm capable of a more intense workout. Drinking more water is enormously beneficial, but I sometimes struggle to hit the minimum I should be drinking. Water helps everything, the metabolism is just the beginning--it has a positive effect on our entire body on all levels, from digestion to a very deep cellular level and still, I resist, not giving it the importance level it deserves. I don't mention these things as a way to beat up on myself or to be overly critical of what I'm doing, I'm simply noticing things. The quick meditation time today helped. Why wouldn't I do it every single day if it makes this much of a positive impact?
I had a lunch meeting today that was much shorter than expected. It's a monthly meeting where everyone is encouraged to bring their lunch. I brought mine prepared on a real plate, using a real fork. This gets some looks sometimes. I just enjoy making it special. I'm not opposed to occasionally using paper plates, but when I can, I like to use things I have to wash afterward. I don't know--I guess it adds some kind of extra something to what I'm doing. Or maybe I'm just weird...which I'm okay with that, it's a good thing! ;)
I roasted a turkey breast all afternoon and prepared homemade baked sweet potato fries for a dinner I was eating shortly after 6pm! This is a big deal. I'm the guy who sometimes eats dinner after 9pm, or dare I admit, even later (ouch--truth..) This was one of the things I meditated about this morning. I don't want to continue eating big meals super late for obvious reasons.
I enjoyed a fabulous swim followed by the elliptical--workout this evening. It was solid. Could I do more or something more intense? Yes, honestly--yes. For me, today--it was perfect. The challenge will be to add more intense elements to my workout routine along the way. It's an important consideration because the body adapts and gets accustomed to repetition quickly!
My food Tweets today:
When I first wake up, I don't wanna. It's like I'm negotiating an agreement with reality. "Is there coffee? 30CX2=60c pic.twitter.com/qfGfJUknea
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 21, 2014
Two whole egg double mozzarella omelet with a side of yellow delicious and gala apple. 384 cal. pic.twitter.com/xBRJlgVHW5
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 21, 2014
Guac w/salt, pepper, light sr crm (30g), avocado (157g), rice chips (28g), turkey (1oz), cantaloupe (228g). 534 cal. pic.twitter.com/qFLFTRepfW
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 21, 2014
Roasted turkey breast (10oz), home cut & baked sweet potato fries (200g), fresh pineapple (5oz), mustard. 583 cal. pic.twitter.com/GX1pJnNsII
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 21, 2014
Too much turkey. I couldn't eat it all. 7 ounces instead of 10oz. Revised dinner count: 483 cal.
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 21, 2014
Vanilla Shakeology with small banana and 1.5 cups unsweetened almond milk. 247 cal. #lastfoodofday pic.twitter.com/7J9GHLBnn8
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 22, 2014
Good food day!!
In the spirit of Throwback Thursday or as the hip crowd calls it #tbt--I decided to share the YouTube videos of my very first speaking event about this journey. It was February 19th, 2009 (over 5 years ago!!!) in the cafeteria of our local hospital. I was the featured speaker for the kickoff of the "Lose To Win" weight loss challenge program. I was only 5 months into my initial weight loss. I would have to watch it again or dig into this blog's archives to remember how much I had lost by the night of this talk but I'm pretty sure it was somewhere around 120-130 pounds. It was a fun night. It takes some time to watch all four--almost 40 minutes. I watched some. Great memories.
Thank you for reading and watching! Your continued support is cherished,
Strength,
Sean
