You are a Peace Keeper!
The heart of a Peace Keeper wants to feel refreshed, centered, and full of vitality. She yearns to escape from the chaos of her world and find a life-giving retreat, whether that is stepping outside for a walk, seeking the solace of a quiet yoga room, or putting in a pair of headphones for a spontaneous dance party. She knows that moving her body can help her both move outside her pain and open up a space for peace within herself.
What causes stumbling
& What spurs you on
Stumbling Spot #1: Measuring performance by feelings. When you go into a workout for the purpose of achieving a certain feeling and it doesn't deliever, you might be left feeling even worse than before.
Be aware of what you need, but first think about what is right for that moment. Are you using exercise as a way to escape the responsibilities of life? If so, no workout will leave you with the peace you desire. Instead of wondering, "How can I feel better?" Ask yourself, "What is the real problem here?" If a lack of exercise is not the problem, it will not serve as a good solution. However, xercise can be a gift from the Lord to think through a problem, burn off anger, or gain perspective and clarity in a situation.
Stumbling Spot #2: Hesitant to try new things. If you know what works for you to produce the desired effect, you may stick with that core activity. As a result, you stay in your comfort zone and miss out on the benefits of variety.
A basic activity like running may be a no-brainer solution to stress, but if it's your only form of exercise, you may be neglecting other areas of your body. Make it a point to take care of every part, even when you don't want to. If you despise lifting weights, find an enjoyable way to resistance train, or better yet, ask a friend who is skilled in an less familiar area to teach you their ways.
Stumbling Spot #3: Inconsistency. If you get bored easily, you're always up to try new things. This may give you a well-rounded sense of movement, but you may be lacking in the discipline needed to keep you on track.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, some Peace Keepers are always looking for fun ways to avoid mediocrity. The trap here is that some movements are not right for your body, season, or stage of life. You may need to reject some movements not fit for you, and establish a rhythm of discipline to keep your body and mind running steady and smooth.
What will keep you centered and motivated long-term
The heart of a Peace Keeper works out from and for this truth: the body is a meeting place of God’s Spirit of peace.
Your core verse:
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” -1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Gifts of the Peace Keeper
- You have a deep awareness of intimacy with God and know how to access it: The Peace Keeper knows she does not need to rely on others or uncontrollable circumstances to be at peace. She uses her own body to move away from the fray and get into a place alone with her Heavenly Father. Cultivate this gift by planning regular times of movement into solitude, trusting that God will always meet you even if you don’t feel Him there.
- She guards her time and space: The Peace Keeper knows her body is a temple, and the clutter of materialism and busy-ness do not belong there. It’s easy for her to reject invitations that may not benefit her, and she makes purity a priority so she can experience more of God’s presence. Share this gift by telling others what you have learned after you spend time with the Lord.
If you're in a season of struggling with activity, here’s a way to get to the other side
- Start with prayer. Ask God what you need in that moment.
- Name the thing you need (ex: to relieve stress).
- Choose an activity that relates to your specific need (ex: hike outside) and as you move, keep your core verse (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) at the center of your intention for the workout so God can move in you and become your joy as you move your body.
Peace Keeper mantra
I am a temple of the Holy Spirit. I will meet with God in the space of my body and He will be my peace.
If you want to learn more about how to connect your relationship with fitness to God and discover the other primary heart motivators, sign up for updates about "Finding Joy In Fitness: Discovering the Way You Were Made To Move For Life” (official title to be determined).
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i want to hear from you!
- What do you relate with?
- What doesn't fit for you?
- What is missing?
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