So you’re interested in starting an exercise program but don’t know where to begin? The first step is an assessment of how you feel now. In order to do this, you have to “listen to your body”. Really listen. Go to a quiet place, sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and breathe. Try to take at least ten deep breaths breathing slowly in and out, concentrating on the breath, with no distractions.

Don’t be surprised if the first few times you do this you don’t hear your body communicating anything. We spend most of our time starting and completing tasks, and we’re not used to really listening to ourselves. But try again, and again, and again. You will feel the breaths moving in and out of your body, and eventually you will start to “hear” what your body is trying to communicate to you.   You will “hear” what parts feel comfortable and rested, and what parts feel full of tension. This communication between body, mind and spirit is an important first step. By learning to truly listen, we can learn to respond in ways that make our whole being feel better.