I have come to believe that the one of the most important things we can do for ourselves is the simplest one, just move. When we are not physically active, everything changes, everything declines, and physical ability is the least of it.

In the work I do with older adults, it is clear that inactivity is the enemy of longevity. We need to use our bodies, we need to keep our blood flowing, we need to stretch our muscles and flex our joints as well as continue to stimulate our brains.

Many people have illnesses or injuries that limit them, I know that. But I also know, and see, that using what we have, and making an effort, makes a difference.

One of my challenges, and joys, in the last few years has been to become a yoga teacher. I’ve completed a full 500 hours of training and believe that the physical movement of yoga exists as a way for us clear our minds and empower our thinking.

To me, the highest and best use of this training is teaching our elders and I particularly appreciate the opportunity to teach in the long term care setting. When I teach, I have a room filled with mostly wheelchairs and people whose movement is limited because of age or disease or injury. I have people who have suffered strokes and are fully paralyzed on one side as well as individuals living with cognitive impairment. And yet, when we begin to move, I see the effort and commitment to stretch, to twist, to focus on breathing. I see the light that movement brings to people’s eyes, the way they straighten their spines and push themselves to do movements that, while simple, may be difficult for them.

When we allow ourselves to become sedentary, when we choose to sit rather than move, drive rather than walk, take the elevator instead of the stairs, we lose an opportunity and we create a habit and a pattern that is hard to break. The less we do, the less we can do and the more difficult it becomes to restore what we once had.

Struggling with a tough decision? Take a walk and let it clear your mind. Feeling stressed? Find a video online and do some gentle movement and breathing. Use the gift of your physical being, honoring its limitations, to open your mind, soothe your psyche and enhance your well being, all helping to fill your full heart.