RevGals Friday Five: Work Out Edition

(Photo of a hiking trail at the Grand Canyon  from the files of mompriest)



Recently I started an assertive exercise regime thanks to my daughter who convinced me to join her gym. Truth be told I've been pretty good at working out most of my life. Usually these workouts include walking my dogs, bike riding, swimming, or a yoga DVD. I thought I was in good shape. That is until I started using the machines and taking classes at the gym with people half my age.

During this same time frame I have spent several nights a week watching hockey. As the oldest child with three younger brothers I grew up with hockey. Then it was played outside on rough ice and in freezing temperatures. Now I have been captivated by the Chicago Blackhawks and their quest for the Stanley Cup. Wednesday night I sat through a nail-biting game that culminated in the win Chicago's been waiting for.


Also going on this week is the NBA playoff and the World Cup Soccer games in South Africa. Lots of sports to distract us from the problems of the day.


As if that weren't enough I am recultivating my practice of silent prayer and meditation. This has been a long practice of mine but one that sometimes goes by the wayside of life's distractions. Sadly though I have also just moved far away from my Spiritual Director and will have to try and find a new one in the future.

There have also been occasions in my life when I have seen a therapist to help me work out one or more issues in my life. Sometimes these sessions have required more grueling intense internal work than any physical workout I've done.


For this Friday Five let's ponder the various ways we work out (or not), physically, spiritually, and/or psychologically. (Crossposted over at RevGalsBlogPals)



1. Do you work out physically, spiritually, or psychologically? (I'll let you define what that might mean to you) Yes....all three, I think. I definitely work out physically about 5 days a week for 75 minutes or more. I work out spiritually when I pray, attended or lead worship, ponder scripture and prepare a sermon, see my Spiritual Director and so forth. And psychologially, well, I've had a pretty brutal workout there in the last few years too...



2. Are you more inclined to join a gym, or a book club?  In the past I would have said a book club, hands down. But now I'd say both. I've fallen in love with this gym I've been going too but I also really like reading and book clubs.



3. Are you more inclined to read self-help books like Gail Sheehy's "Passages" or spiritual books like Richard Rohr or Theresa of Avila? And if so, what is your favorite? I read Sheehy's fist book when it came out a looooong time ago - but none of the others. I also read the Dance of Anger and Dance of Intimacy. But mostly I now read books on Congregational Development and leadership. I also love Richard Rohr and any number of spiritual books. Don't really have a favorite at the moment.



4. Are you a loyal fan of a sports team? Or do you join the bandwagon when the local team is winning? And, if so, which one?  I'm a fan of all the Chicago teams -which means I can go with either the Cubs or the White Sox, but if you asked me on any given day I'd say, da cubs.



5. Or do you lean more toward having a favorite theologian/Spiritual writer or self help author  and if so, who? And, why. John MacQuarrie, Anglican theologian.



Bonus: What was the last play-off series you watched and did your team win? Hockey, Stanley Cup and yes, the Blackhawks won!!!