We have been programed since we became a living organism and we live day in and day out with beliefs of how things ought to be or how we are supposed to manage ourselves within our surroundings. Out of respect to our dear parents (or my own) I bless their wisdom handed down to me and acknowledge that they gave us the best that they had to offer. However, within my own learning curves I became somewhat of a strategist and the “nature vs. nurture” theory comes to mind.

The nature or in this particular case, the “community” that I have surrounded myself with, forced me to look inward and revaluate if the practices and rhetorical beliefs still apply to me. The answer to most of them is “NO”.

After many conversations with like-minded allies I concluded that sometimes a “shift” in mindset is not only necessary but also transcendental to our emotional and spiritual growth. Recalibrating ourselves to be present and question our values and moral compass could become the spiritual practice that aligns us back to our truest self.

For instance, one of the most rooted beliefs I had regarding exercise was that I had to work myself to the bone in order to feel happy about my body. Exercise was a must and working out meant at least 2 hours in a factory-like facility looking like a hamster. I hadn’t read the fine print of this internal agreement until a few years ago and it wasn’t until 2014 that I was able to realize that not only is working out a cathartic process for me but the therapeutic value behind it lies in ENJOYING whatever movement makes me pour the sweat out.

I redirected my mind into understanding that I can keep myself healthy and align MIND-BODY-SOUL by making my gut my accountability partner. So whenever the crazy old habits try to make their way into my so-called fitness routine, I re-calibrate myself back into the present and evaluate if what I am doing in the present moments serve my purpose: being happy and aligned inside out.