Gratitude and Motivation
- At October 02, 2013
- By Susan Burlingame
- In Style
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I’m exercising in my home gym. As I lie facing the ground in a modified push-up position, my knees are raised off the floor, abs are pulled in, and my body weight rests on my elbows. My fingers are interlocked tightly in a hands-folded prayer. I’ve been holding this position for what seems like an eternity, but only sixty seconds have passed. My abs are starting to shake.
During this particularly difficult segment of my dvd-workout, the instructor says, “Think of someone who can’t do this right now.” My mind instantly takes me to that person, and motivation appears out of nowhere. I keep holding the position for thirty more seconds, as sweat starts pouring down my face. And then, time’s up! I drop to the floor.
Up until this moment, I hadn’t considered gratitude as a source of motivation. Yet, I pushed myself harder during this challenge because gratitude was involved in the process. I’m reminded of someone who can’t do this exercise because of immobility, or sickness or some other limitation. There’s no room for an excuse or any whining. Ultimately, I am just thankful for my health.
The adage is true that when you have your health, you have everything. Can you think of someone who is struggling with something much more difficult than what you are facing today? When that person is placed at the forefront of your mind during a workout, it helps to remove limiting thoughts and beliefs. Thoughts of compassion and hope for a miracle are sent out on behalf of someone in need. Gratitude can become a motivating force during exercise. Best of all, it can fuel inspiration to repeat the process tomorrow.
How has gratitude been a source of motivation for you? Please share your perspective in the comments section below.
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Mashal
This is great advice because I’ve never found cause to motivate me into liking exercise. For me exercise always equates to pain and uncomfortable extreme exertion that my body dislikes, unless I’m dancing. When I see somebody who’s physically disabled, I feel grateful I have full use of my limbs which also stops me obsessing about my weight
Susan Burlingame
The ability to exercise is a gift, Mashal. I hope more people share your healthy perspective!
Barbara
Yoga practice in the early morning helps me set my intention for the day ahead. Sometimes the intention is for calm, peace or mindfulness. Gratitude has been my set intention for 2013. I’m doing well with gratitude in yoga practice and throughout the days and months of this year! But it’s a work in progress, it’s not a habit. It turns out that gratitude is my joy! Thank you for reminding us to find our gratitude and our joy!
Susan Burlingame
Setting gratitude as a morning intention during yoga is a great way to start the day, Barbara!