Exercise

Unused capacities atrophy, cease to be.
--Tillie Olsen

Those of us who have suffered a broken bone and had to put up with a cast for several weeks know how hard it is to use muscles that have been inactive for so long. They have gotten weak from lack of use, and we have to begin to develop our strength all over again.

The same thing happens if we don't use our other capacities. If we don't constantly use our minds to think and learn, we become dull people, almost incapable of new thoughts and insights. If we don't use our hearts to love, we become uncaring and insensitive--much like Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. If we don't use our creative talents--to draw or write or sew, or whatever it is we're into--we lose the ability to do those things.

On the other hand, like our muscles, our other capacities can be strengthened and developed by daily use. We exercise our hearts by being kind and loving, our minds by thinking, our imaginations by being creative. In this way, we become spiritually powerful, a force for good in the world.

How can I exercise my assets today?

[Ann]

. We exercise our hearts by being kind and loving, our minds by thinking, our imaginations by being creative. In this way, we become spiritually powerful, a force for good in the world.

I love that, Doug. I also believe that as we become more spiritual, our minds, our thinking, our creativity and our hearts each grow in a positive way.

Thanks for this pick-me-upper.

Hugs
Ann

[Gabe]

Great.
I've got spiritual, emotional and mental sit-ups to do.
Thanks Doug.
Are you going to be that annoying trainer who says..."Don't stop there, gimme ten more?"
Probably.
If you're going to make me lift, you're going to have to spot for me.
I'm like that chick in "Officer And A Gentleman" when it comes to upper body strength.
But I swear, I'm gonna get over that wall one day.

[quercusalba]

Thank you, Doug. I have been thinking along these same lines... exercising habits, behaviors, and attitudes can make them real... and strong, just like training muscles, heart, and lungs for athletic endeavors.

Thank you!
--anne

[hopealwayz]

Wow, good stuff to think about. Thanks Doug.