“Practicing yoga will cure 98% of all of your problems.” Wow, that would be nice, but it’s not true. “Practicing yoga will guarantee a 98% return on your investment retirement account each year.” Nope, that’s not true either.
However, “98% of the atoms in your body were not there a year ago”, according to Deepak Chopra. Now that’s true. So what does that mean? It means when you look in the mirror you are looking at this year’s model of yourself.
If you look closely at the Springs Yoga logo you will see a fluid-looking image of a human body coming from water like a brook or spring. The human body is similar to a spring in that when you step in a small spring or brook of water today, it may look exactly the same as yesterday, but it’s not made up of the same molecules of water.
Your body is similar. It looks the same but when a year goes by 98% of the atoms are replaced. It means that the human body is constantly changing with each breath, each meal, each drink, etc.
The change is determined partly by us, meaning the input we give it. For example, if we decide to do a pushup, the body’s response is to make the muscles stronger. If you walk a mile, the body makes the heart and lung capacity greater which in time will help decrease your chance of heart disease. If you practice downward facing dog, the body will lengthen muscles around the shoulders, backs of legs, etc. If you don’t do these activities the opposite response happens: the muscles get weaker, shorter. If you lay around on the couch and skip walking your heart and lungs get weaker, potentially increasing your risk of heart disease.
The outcome is based on the input you give your body. Each cell is always waiting for an instruction. All we have to do is tell our bodies what to do by being active, and it will respond accordingly.
The Springs in Springs Yoga is a reminder that it’s never too late. Go take a walk with a friend, do some squats, take a yoga class, ride a bike, and let your body do the rest.
Which activity is best? The one that you enjoy!
Thank you for the information!
Hi David,
Great article… neat to know that our cells are always changing! I definitely want to give my body the best input available. Guess that’s why I love yoga!
I really enjoyed this blog and I’m looking forward to you sending more.
Love this! More great motivation to mindfulness and intention in everything. A little gratitude for the inherent “do-overs”, too 🙂
Thanks, David.
I always appreciate your perspective. I have an even greater appreciation for the logo, you & RuthAnn .
Looking forward to your next post!
Nicely said, thanks!
Great perspective…thank you for sharing.
And… what a great class tonight! I am so thankful for You, RuthAnn, Josi, Madison and Caroline and the community you have created at Springs Yoga. You always make me feel so very welcomed every time I step onto my mat. Thank you for providing an enriching experience and supportive environment.
Nice blog post David! And what a great picture to remind all of us of our plasticity. Now I’m feeling really guilty about that cookie I had for dessert. But tomorrow I will remind myself it’s a new day and those atoms are probably gone!
Great post David! I loved learning about the why behind the logo and what that means to those in the Springs community. I will appreciate the mat even more the next time I place myself on it…. tomorrow!
See you soon!
David…thank you for taking time to post your perspective. You made an important imprint and I look forward to more from you.
So nicely written. Chemistry and Physiology I knew, but did not see from such a lovely, really poetic, perspective. Please keep doing these blogs! Alan and I love all of you at Springs Yoga. You have helped us grow strong and peaceful as we walk through life!
Love this community and all of the teachers. Everyone’s perspective is always thought provoking.
Thank you for this special community.
I love this! Thank you for sharing!! So thankful for yoga and my Springs family XO
It’s fascinating to learn that there is a “new” me each and every year and that I get to decide which new me I want to create. Powerful and relevant. Thanks David!
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