| Does it matter whether you have any protected | | | | 2. Go on a walk for 10 minutes starting today. 10 |
| spaces (pockets) of physical energy? If you are | | | | minutes. Even *I* can fit that into my schedule. I'm |
| wondering about the answer to this question...then that | | | | saying that because I'm a classic example of thinking |
| is the first danger sign! YES, it matters! If you have lost | | | | I'm too busy to exercise. 10 minutes. We can do this. |
| the little extra, the special reserve, the additional space | | | | 3. If you are overweight (and the majority of |
| (metaphorically speaking) of physical energy, then you | | | | Americans are), set a goal to lose 1 pound per month. |
| are either about to suffer or are dangerously close to | | | | My cardiologist (hello?! I had to go to the cardiologist) |
| suffering a malady or malaise in your life - and your | | | | said if we would all lose 3 - 4 pounds/year as we age |
| stress level will be going up. The latter, by the way, | | | | instead of gaining 3 or 4, it would change everything. I |
| tends to remove even more of the pockets of energy | | | | decided that 12 pounds this year would be a good idea |
| we have. | | | | for me. I'm not thinking about it as 12 pounds but rather |
| How do you know if you have no physical energy | | | | as one pound per month. |
| pockets? | | | | 4. If part of what you do in your personal or |
| It's different for all of us but here are some | | | | professional life is physically exhausting (caring for |
| commonalities among human beings: | | | | others, doing back-breaking labor, doing some kind of |
| - We get sick. | | | | repetitive motion work), acknowledge that and make a |
| - We stay sick. | | | | space for the healing. |
| - We are tired nearly all the time. | | | | 5. Get a massage. Or at least get a back rub. Give |
| - We are out of shape and get winded just on a short | | | | yourself this gift. Ask your friends for |
| walk. | | | | recommendations about massage therapists. Like |
| - We keep thinking, I used to be able to... (and it | | | | everyone else, they are struggling right now and you |
| involves something physical). | | | | are likely to be able to get a reasonable price for a 60 |
| - We....you add your own here. | | | | - 90" massage. Have one and you'll be making plans to |
| What do you need to do to create some physical | | | | get your next one. |
| energy pockets? You will have to answer for yourself, | | | | Does it matter? As Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, |
| but may I make some suggestions? | | | | the founder of Buddhism, said, "Inward calm cannot be |
| | | | maintained unless physical strength is constantly and |
| 1. Drink more water every day. Tea, coffee, milk, soda, | | | | intelligently replenished." |
| and whatever other beverages that we down on a | | | | We need a calm "self" so that we can purposefully |
| daily basis aren't the same as water. Drink more water | | | | and purposely create calm and direction around us. Be |
| starting today. Remember, if you are thirsty, you're | | | | a positive leader, Put some pockets in place for your |
| already dehydrated. | | | | physical energy. Please. |