Kristen Henderlong

Holistic living seems unattainable sometimes or just downright unrealistic.  The expense of healthy food, the extra time it takes to exercise, the motivation… not to mention the shaming we do to ourselves.  The weight of the problems we face in life can be unbearable.  How on earth could there be time to think about “holistic living” or “holistic practices”?

What if I told you it’s more simple than we make it out to be?  What if I told you it’s just a small tweak in perspective?  What if I told you one little thing can make all the difference?

For example:  Meditation… some people think it has to be this elaborate, drawn out thing where you set aside time and space to meditate…“It has to be this certain way.”  Some people also think meditation is a joke or it’s weird; they associate it with ‘rituals’ and guru, voodoo, fluffy nothingness.  But the truth is, you can meditate anywhere, anytime, for 1 minute, 5 minutes or 30 minutes!  And it’s only what YOU make it.  It can be from a place of whatever YOU believe.  It’s only a ‘ritual’ if you make it one.  It’s only weird if you believe it is.  But the fact is, meditation has proven to help people focus, relax and process life in the present moment.  Something as simple as focusing on your breath for 2 minutes in the car before you get out to walk into work could make all the difference.  Start small and see where it takes you!

Another example:  Fitness… there’s a stigma about fitness and physique that’s intimidating to some individuals.  They don’t want to be judged, for one, but society throws all these perfect airbrushed images of athletes, models and celebrities into the media and they hypnotize us into believing “that’s how I should look; that’s the only way to be beautiful or attractive.”  LIES!!!!  Fitness is about health and wellness.  It’s about feeling good in your own body.  It’s connected to your mental and emotional state as well.  You don’t have to go crazy.  One brisk walk can do wonders for your body, your mind AND your spirit…Especially if it’s outside in the fresh air!!!

A few weeks ago I passed my Personal Trainer Certification Exam through NASM.  It was a challenge, but I did it.  When I started being more intentional about my physical fitness 5 years ago, I never imagined I would be here.  I just wanted to fit in my clothes better and I wanted to look lean and toned.  But after some time passed, what motivated me most to really commit was the realization that “getting fit” was such a shallow goal.  I realized my longings were deeper than that.  I wanted to feel good.  I wanted to feel free.

Once I came to the conclusion that my goals were so much deeper, I started to imagine all the ways I could inspire and empower others to begin their own journey in holistic living.  Not just in fitness, but true HOLISTIC living.  How is your mind?  How is your soul?  How is your heart?  How is your body?

I believe God gave us bodies for a reason.  Not only are they amazing, intricate and delicate masterpieces, but they are strong and oh so capable.  You are capable.  You are strong.  You can overcome.  He didn’t create us to be in pain or live in captivity.  He wants you to be free.  He wants you to feel healthy and strong.  

Our bodies are literally made for movement.  Every joint, tendon and muscle is alive.  So get out there and move.  It doesn’t have to look any certain way.  Don’t limit yourself to worldly expectations of “looking” a certain way.  Be you and exercise to feel good.  Do what empowers you.  Do what excites you.  

And remember: You are loved.