Fitness, too, has its foundation rootedin such observations. Our rishis were not merely sadhus, lost to theworld as they meditated on a higher plane. They were practical men whoimbibed the laws of nature by noting the behaviour of animals andbirds. Their evolved minds enabled them to use these practices inpositive ways for humankind.



Those of us who have been fortunateenough to watch the splendorous fanning out of the vividly-colouredfeathers of the peacock in its rain-dance may have viewed it purely asan aesthetic exercise. But our rishis noted the anterior stretching,the compression of the abdominal muscles of the peacock and decided itwould be beneficial for people. Then, they saw cats and dogsstretching, elephants washing their stomachs, tortoises controllingtheir breath, frogs hibernating (read: relaxing), snakes twining theirway to suppleness. In all these postures, they envisioned the growth ofa better, fitter human race. They gave us yoga, where equal importanceis given to both exercise and relaxation. The word 'yoga' is derivedfrom 'yuja' meaning 'to join'. For, that is what our rishis did - theyjoined or combined physical, mental and spiritual elements to make usfitter and healthier.

While we are not really into yoga, we'vepicked on certain important points that illustrate what we'vediscovered for ourselves. We feel exercising is a vital peg, a startingpoint from which you can begin your journey to a more positivelifestyle. Initially, you may see a workout as merely a passport tolosing weight. But if you continue, you will realise it's much morethan shedding a few kilos of fat. It is also your visa to an inwardland which makes you more open, more forthcoming to the world without.You are laying a fertile soil in which seeds of a positive attitude cansprout. That sapling of thinking, however, needs to be furthernourished.

Just as you exercise your body, so you need to giveyour mind a good workout. We've often found that phrases such as 'Ican't' convince you of your imagined inabilities and suppress thepotential within you. Such phrases create mental obstacles and it'sonly by removing them from your vocabulary can you get started on amore comfortable lifestyle. We know some people who complain constantly"I can't sleep. I suffer from insomnia." And sure enough, they are wideawake when the rest of the world is fast asleep. What they don'trealise is that they are setting themselves on a negative obstaclecourse and going against the natural laws. Auto-suggestions are strongpractices that can rejuvenate or destroy you depending on how you usethem. So, why not use them to benefit you? We'd advise such people toreplace the 'I can't' with the positive 'I can'.

For, as we'vediscovered, fitness is also an unlearning process which helps us tore-learn what we've forgotten - to re-tune ourselves to the laws ofnature.

The 'I can' axiom will have far-reaching, positiveconsequences for you too. Tell yourself, "I can exercise." Just as youput aside time for eating or doing your puja, initially set aside 20minutes every day for exercising. As we said earlier in, this chapter,there is a god within you. And for that god, workout is worship. Onyour knees is the start of both prayer and sprint. Sets you thinking,doesn't it?

And like prayer, fitness is a constant process. Asyou put it into practice, you will find yourself becoming stronger,healthier and happier. Positive things will happen to you becausepositive forces will have worked within you. And don't ever stop. Itmay take days, weeks, months. But life will be increasingly beautiful,brighter and more fulfilling. It is nature's way.