Today has been my first full day of going through the program at Green Mountain at Fox Run. Let me tell you something – I’m tired. I even snuck a little 30 minute nap into my packed schedule but still managed to finish out the day counting down the minutes until my eyes close for the night. Apparently I need to go to sleep earlier! I’ve been busy, in a good way, learning new things and exercising, exercising!
Over the past couple of years I’ve learned a lot about how to live a healthy life and how to not live a healthy life. Despite all the things I know about it I’ve clearly had a couple key elements missing that have prevented lasting success. After the first day of the program I feel like I will find the missing pieces here with all I’m going to learn. The instructors and even other participants have a wealth of knowledge and life experience that I’m already soaking up. They have a lot to teach me and I’m eager to learn.
Yet I feel myself at times pulling back from what I’m being taught. Even though I know I can benefit sometimes a certain thought or concept can distract me from fulling buying into the philosophy. For example, the program here teaches mindfulness. Great thing. Wonderful thing. But the mere mention of cutting the connection to the screen to just be here and exist for three months, had me rebelling mentally against the whole concept. I’m not against mindfulness at all, when I really think about it. Being present in all moments is a great thing to practice. It’s just the thought of cutting out my blogging, my friends online, my only connection to my outside life sounds ludicrous. I know the topic was meant for people who fritter away time online, but honestly the time I do spend on online activities means a lot to me. It’s how I’ve met amazing people, how I’ve made money and found opportunities, and how I’ve shared and discovered parts of myself that were buried pretty deep. Some people journal. I blog. That’s just how it is.
But I don’t want to let the little disagreements like that get in the way of the bigger picture. And there is a fabulous bigger picture to be seen here. The non-dieting philosophy on eating and positive approach to moving more is one that I embrace whole-heartedly. There is so much to experience here. I’m already trying new things like tonight when I went to a Kripalu Danskinetics class. It was all about dancing and expressively moving the body in free ways that we normally don’t let ourselves to get in touch with the body. It’s something I NEVER would have tried outside of this experience. It’s just not something that really appealed to me, but the class was amazing, freeing, and bursting with good feelings. There is so much positive energy here! But like in the real world there are energy vampires waiting to suck it away. Some people just can’t look at glasses as being half full no matter how much is in them. But nothing will suck away my positive energy – not other people, not my own negative thoughts. Nooooope. :) I feel so good I wish I could bottle it up and hand it out to everyone (if you’d like a preview copy of the feeling before I figure out the bottling process, go exercise for two hours for some kickass endorphins).
Speaking of which…. Have you exercised today? What did you do?? Did you feel AMAZING afterwards?
Today I exercised for the first time in like forever!! 30 minutes cardio and 30 minutes upperbody. Felt awesome!!
Glad you made it safely and that your enjoing it. I get what your saying about the online stuff…but you must do what’s right for you. If you decide to go off for awhile, make sure you are keeping notes because I want to hear all about your experience!!
I exercised like a crazy person (stumbling around and muttering gibberish). This lifting weights business is harder than I remember; I’m pretty sure the weights are heavier now for some reason.
Good for you for embracing the new world you’re in. I think you’re ready for some big changes in your life, Mary. I look forward to seeing where you go from here…
I had a migraine today, but I exercised yesterday! Trying to run, legs hurt a lot! I’m glad you’re enjoying the experience and your body, something we can do no matter how big we are if we can get over our self-consciousness. Sounds incredibly positive and fulfilling. I wish fat camp was like that oh so many years ago…
Mary you can do this! We will all be here even if you have to leave for a bit. We will wait in anticipation for your return. I know that is really easy for me to say but it is true. That would be a hard thing to do.
I am extremely jealous that you have this opportunity and I am so excited for you!
Exercise…yes short walk in high altitude that kicked my ass and I felt like I want to get off the freakin’ mountain and go home when it was done. Just being honest ;)
Listen and learn we will all be here no matter where you are or how often we hear from you, so soak it up and enjoy the journey.
Xo
Yes, I exercised today and today it felt miraculous. The sky was beautiful, the sun was setting and I walked 3.5 miles while listening to the radio and dancing occasionally cause I couldn’t help myself. I love blogging and the people around the internet as well. It’s the first time I have felt truly supported in weight loss. I hope you can take alot away with this experience.
Chris
I’m glad you’re enjoying the place so far Mary.
Looking forward to hearing about it all.
I did exercise today. I rode my recumbent bike as usual and danced at a party all afternoon. :)
I know the feelig you want to bottle, and I agree. It’s incredible!
thank you thank you for sharing.
I couldnt wait to check in and read this morning :)
Definitely you would have enjoyed the day very much i think after wondering such mountain place there is no need of exercise.
Mary, it sounds like you are in for a great experience. Like others, I am a bit jealous. I hope you make the most of it and learn all you can. As you have already noted, you don’t have to do everything that is taught, but you should consider all advice deeply, just to make sure you aren’t missing something they are trying to share.
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences up there in beautiful VT. I hope that you will be able to take from the program the parts that resonate with you.
Hey, Mary. Good seeing you this morning! I’m not getting what you’re saying about not being able to be online and be mindful at the same time? Did someone say that? Mindfulness is about being present in whatever you choose to do. It doesn’t make judgments about what you choose to do. (Which is good, because as a staff participant, we’re going to be asking you to do some online work! :)) And if I had to say there is one overarching principle about our program at Green Mountain, it’s that we all have the right to choose for ourselves. We just try to help women understand all the choices they have.
@South Beach Steve
Good point, and that’s what I’m trying to do. I’m trying to take in everything said and not throw any part away without consideration.
@Marsha
IT was good to see you! No worries, it wasn’t something being taught, it was just more of a side discussion from the main issue when something came up. It was more about being able to step away from things that suck away important time. Because on average people spend 7 hours looking at screens for FUN, it was noted that its not a bad thing to give up, even for 3 months. But, like I said, it wasn’t a huge thing in the program, just a huge thing to me. :) I’m a bit of an online junkie. :) And I definitely see the way GMFR teaches choices in EVERYTHING. It’s great.
Amazing to hear of all you are learning & doing! It sounds wonderful!!!!
Yes, I am a VERY EARLY workout person so I am done & my workouts tend to last for at least 2 hours every time anyway so.. I know, I am crazy but I feel good after always.. especially after weights!
Keep on enjoying & soaking it up!
Glad you like it!
Oh I would have a hard time giving up online… especially for three whole months! No I havent exercised today but I hope to after work :)
@Jody
You are crazy, but at least you know it.
@Lisa
Thanks. :)
@Merri
Yeah, I’m an online junkie. It’s okay tho. :)
Go exercise after work! Hope it’s great fun!
I am so excited to be able to read through your journey :)
I decided last night to go out for a run and cranked out 4.16 miles. I was so proud of myself. This morning I decided to give my legs a break, but am going to do abs and pushups with yoga tonight.
I need more sleep. Sleep for me, wouldya!
Michelle
I *did* exercise today–lots of exercise. I’ll probably be asleep before dark. LOL
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the program and the experience so far. Mindfulness, for me, is the equivalent of Anne Lamott’s “be where your butt is.” So if I’m online, I’m focused on whatever it is I’m doing online. If I’m visiting a friend, the iphone is in the handbag and I *visit.* The same thing with exercise or eating or any of the health-related issues, too. I try NOT to do any of those things by rote or habit. Some days are better than others. :)
Hope Day 2 is just as successful as day 1!
I’m actually about to head to a personal training appointment right now. :) Looking forward to the endorphins!
I’m so happy that you’re having such a positive experience.