You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere.” ~ Unknown
Suppose we can unlock hidden aspects of our consciousness that sees us imprisoned by the material world. In that case, we can start living without confusing who we are, with whom we feel we need to be in relation to each other. A healthy ego is necessary for self-care.
Egoism was put forward by the Greek philosopher Epicurus (342-270 B.C.E.). He acknowledged that our life should be aimed to fulfil our moral obligation to pursue pleasure and avoid pain. It is fundamental to our evolution as humans and spiritual beings.
“Ego is not a dirty word” (Music band Skyhooks), but has become a dirty concept. It sells the idea that we must have more, to be more. We “deserve” to indulge in the present pleasure without reason and without regard for tomorrow’s pain.
Alan Watts (The way of Zen) says that when we have explored pleasure to its ultimate limit then the only thing left to get pleasure from, is pain.
When I work with people who desire health and fitness in their life, I find, those more likely to succeed, acknowledge the superficial “pain” of exercise is in the moment. Pleasure comes from what exercise provides; the ability to live and enjoy life without the unnecessary pain of aging and ill health.
An active and healthy ego protects our body from harm, allows for growth with a loving sense of self, be resilient, solve problems creatively, develop meaningful relationships, and have a sense of purpose in life. A sedentary ego paves the way for misery and hopelessness.
A great illustration is provided by Nan-in, a Zen Master (1868-1912). He was visited by a University professor curious about Zen.
Nan-in pours the professor a cup of tea, and continues to pour even when the cup was overflowing. The professor exclaimed “It is overfull. No more will go in!”
Nan-in turned to the professor and said, “Like the cup, you are too full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?”
Here is the truth; when our ego is overflowing with our health and fitness opinions and excuses, we will always be “too busy for exercise”. We need to empty our mind of what we think we know about health and fitness to make room in our lives for daily exercise.
Epicurus wrote:
“We recognize pleasure as the first good innate in us, and from the pleasure, we begin every act of choice and avoidance, and to the pleasure, we return again, using the feeling as a standard by which we judge every good.”
Begin your pursuit of pleasure with exercise and download your beginner 9 minute, Cardio, Core and Strength workout with the link below!
Live well with Health and WELLth!
Recent Comments