Exercise is great for the body and the mind. Studies have found that walking increases blood circulation and the oxygen and glucose that reach your brain. Moving and exercise increases breathing and heart rate so more blood flows to the brain. Studies have shown less memory loss in seniors who walk regularly. Higher brain functions have been found in those who exercise regularly. All great reasons to keep me moving! But, not the only one.

I have mentioned before that I have a buddy with whom I run or power walk. (Lately, more power walking than running.) When the phone rings to say she is on her way, I have to be honest, my mind races with a million excuses. I groan, but I get ready. When she arrives, we grab our water bottles and we are off for 6 miles.

We begin our walks with catching up on the days news. Limiting that to a few moments. Next, we take turns listing all we are grateful for. It is imperative that we do this. By focusing our thoughts this way, we are creating our mind set for the day. On days it is difficult to feel gratitude, we help each other, by reminding one another just how lucky we really are. After a few moments of gratitude, we begin to discuss our goals and desires. During this process, we set our intent and create our affirmations for the day.

Many times, what we initially think is our desire, we have begun to realize may actually be quite limiting. When we try to control the outcome of every event, we are limited to our perceptions and previous experiences. When we broaden the possibilities, amazing things can and do happen! So we are careful in how we word our affirmations. We finish the walk with a celebration of the accomplishments we have already experienced. We always feel powerful and excited to begin the day.

Recently, I shared this process with another friend. She has been blue and wanted to get out of her funk. She asked if she could join us. Well, after just a few days of walking with us, she has had an amazing turn around. She feels better, stronger and happier. She is aware of all the great things that are occurring in her life. She knows that life only gets better and better!

I work with clients in my office helping them create a desire to exercise. We increase that motivation. I encourage them to put the remote down and get out and move! What a thrill when they let me know the changes that occur after just one hypnosis session. Once they are up and moving how much better they feel physically, mentally and emotionally!