Do we
need to exercise? I often wonder. I watch my children play, they are
having fun. Are they exercising or just making balance for what they are
eating? When they eat foods outside the macrobiotic diet their play and
behavior changes. When they eat macrobiotic foods they play nicely
together, not much fighting. After sweets at school they fight and whine
more. Maybe they are just trying to burn off the excess. Without concepts,
they naturally make balance.
Everything is
balance. When we are close to the center we are naturally attracted back
to the center to create a balance. However, once we get too far off center
there is a tendency to go to the extreme first before returning to a
balance. I have often observed this in the way people choose food.
People who are too
yang often choose more yang foods rather than the yin foods, which would
return them to balance. The same is true in reverse for yin people, they
like more yin foods. With exercise it is the same. Yang type people are
attracted to more yang types of exercise, which make their condition
increasingly more yang. Yin type people tend to choose more yin types of
exercise and make themselves more yin. When they finally reach the extreme
of yin or yang, they make a radical change toward the opposite to create
balance.
There are three
basic types of exercise:
- Harmonious
or life-related.
Whoever does this type of exercise returns to balance. Walking is the most universal, harmonious exercise. If you are tired, walking will energize you. When anxious, walking calms you down. If you are depressed walking will pick you up. Walking clears a cloudy mind. Cleaning, housework, gardening, singing, social dancing and hobbies are other examples. - Ki-related
exercise.
This type of exercise develops your Ki energy. It is mentally and spiritually refining and creates greater sensitivity and awareness. Martial arts, yoga, Do-In, breathing exercises, chanting and meditations are in this category. They are generally yin but can still be divided into yin and yang. Tai-chi is a more yin type martial art, Karate is a more yang type and Aikido is balanced. In Do-In there are stretching, rubbing and pounding movements. Stretching is balanced, rubbing is yin and pounding is more yang. - Physically,
emotionally related exercise.
This type exercise stimulates blood circulation and muscles. It makes you warm and develops physical strength. All types of sports and calisthenics are in this category. Jogging, aerobics, tennis, golf, baseball, swimming, etc. are a few examples. Exercises you do for fun are more yin, competitive exercise or sports are more yang. Exercises you do in a group are more yang than exercise you do by yourself. This type of exercise makes you feel good physically and emotionally. It’s nature is yang. Jogging is very centering and grounding, tennis is more harmonizing and football makes you very yang.
Diet controls our
need for exercise. The more we eat and the richer the foods, the more
exercise we need to return to balance. Consider your diet before exercise.
This will ensure the best results with the least effort. A grain and
vegetable based diet such as macrobiotics is best.
To get the best
results from your exercise program start with life-related exercise. Make
your daily life more active. In addition choose exercise you truly enjoy.
Exercise should be like good food, you crave it and can’t wait to enjoy
it. Try to choose exercise that is appropriate for your condition.
If you are more
yang and socially oriented try some Ki-related exercises. Stress is very
yang. To overcome stress, harmonious and Ki-related exercise are more
helpful than jogging or sports, which are also yang. If your are a more
yin, mental type person and need to strengthen, try the physically
oriented exercises. Here jogging, aerobics, tennis or skiing would be
appropriate. Choose group type activities to become more socially
oriented.
Your mental image while exercising is also very important. To become more yin keep a happy, peaceful bright image in your mind. To become more yang focus on a goal.
Also consider your
surroundings when exercising. Outside is more open and yin. For
alleviating stress, outdoor exercise where there is grass and trees
produce the best results. Don’t push yourself to the limit though. Stop
at 70-80% of your capacity. Build up gradually and try to be consistent.
Health is natural,
we don’t have to work at it. First, understand your present condition,
then set a direction. Review your progress, are you reaching your goals?
If not, try a different exercise. And most of all have fun.
