FITNESS AND SPIRITUALITY

If you have a question, Maanya Kohli has an answer. Send us your full name, date of birth and question at askmaanya@ deccanmail. com and Maanya will answer your question in this column

began my fitness journey a few years ago. It started because, like so many others, my naturally high metabolism began to slow down as I hit my 30’ s. I gained around six to eight pounds. I tried various forms of exercise, gym, yoga and the like. But then, about a year ago, I started something really simple. I started walking… Yes, a few miles every day in the morning. The results were amazing. I lost a few pounds, toned up, felt happier and fitter.

Through my fitness journey, I have discovered one powerful truth — physical fitness is integrally linked to spiritual fitness. In the words of Samir Becic, one of the most celebrated fitness trainers in the world, “Spiritual awareness is one of the key components of healthy lifestyle that impacts the whole body and rejuvenates the spirit. Physical fitness and healthy nutrition allow that spirit to flourish to new dimensions and many people experience a closer relationship with God.”

Exercising and being fit acts as an outlet that helps reduce stress. Exercising generates a fresh supply of oxygen to the brain. This clears the mind of stress, anxiety, depression, sadness, and anger, thereby contributing to a sense of wellbeing. A well- functioning brain improves our ability to focus on prayers, meditation, and sensitises us to the needs of those around us. If we indulge in useful physical activity or exercise, it can strengthen our connection to ourselves, others, and nature. For instance, volunteering to mow someone else’s lawn, cleaning a roadside dump, or changing a dumping pit into a garden are just a few ways to make ourselves useful and get exercise at the same time. This useful physical activity gives us a sense of accomplishment and gets us outside of ourselves. It adds purpose to our existence, enhancing our sense of spiritual wellbeing.

My dear readers, I wish that you find the meaning of why you engage in physical activity. It will help you utilise fitness as a spiritual practice. Remember, what makes you feel stronger physically in turn makes you feel stronger spiritually. A strong body is an ideal host for a fearless and blessed soul.