As we start

How many of you ever played a musical instrument? Learned your multiplication tables? Participated in a sport? What was the key? Practice.

These are practices, not perfection. That means that you can just try them, without expecting to get them "right" the first time. You can change the way you do them from one time to the next. In order for them to be effective, you need to do them again and again. You will figure out what works for you, just as you did when learning your scales, your throw or swing or steps, or 4 times 8.

I have found that there are exercises that I can do by myself, and then there are exercises that are a lot more enjoyable if I do them with others. As a busy adult, I am a big fan of exercises that I can do in short amounts of time, without much equipment, in small spaces. But there are exercises that I used to do and that some of my friends still love that just need more time, equipment and space. We will explore exercises for emotional, mental and spiritual health that you can do alone or with others, in five minutes or in an hour or a day, anywhere or in a special place.

Because your mind, heart and soul exist in your body, many of these exercises have a physical component, sometimes active and energetic, and sometimes slower and quiet. As with all exercise programs, you should pay attention to any pain and what it tells you.

My hope is that you will find some exercises that you can incorporate into your life on a regular basis that help you reduce the effects of stress and tension,
that in using these practices of reflection, relaxation and restoration you are more fully yourself and whole,
and that in doing these as a group or community that we can support one another and foster an awareness of what is emotional, mental and spiritual health and well-being.