Physical Well-centeredness.
I saved Physical well-centeredness for last because it can easily be the dimension that gets the most focus—often to the detriment of the others—in our personal growth plan. We can easily become more abs-centered than other-centered. Physical well-being, is nonetheless important. I consider it to be the foundation, along with the Spiritual dimension.
Physical well-centeredness is more than diet and exercise. It is all things related to one’s physical being. On a very quantum-physical level the Physical and Spiritual become as one. Among the dimensions of well-centered fitness, it is possibly easiest to see how the physical dimension is affected by the other dimensions and , likewise, affects the other dimensions in profound ways. There is little we can do well without being well physically.
As an exercise physiologist, I write most often about exercise and diet because that is my focus area. I have a tendency to lean toward these being of greatest importance for physical health because regular exercise/physical activity and diet can go a long way toward combating most disease. It is also important, however, to consider the role of the physical environment—e.g., air and noise quality, living conditions, lighting, etc.—plays in our health. Thus, Physical well-centered fitness is living our lives to the best benefit of the physical self—doing all that most positively affects our physiology for health, performance, and physical appearance.
I emphasize exercise over physical activity because exercise is intended to improve one’s health, performance, and physical appearance. Physical activity is essential, and we must move as much as possible; however, physical activity alone does not necessarily move one toward that asymptote of Physical well-centeredness. Thus, we should exercise to become and remain functional. The impact will ultimately be seen in our Spiritual, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social well-centeredness, as well.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!