What is exercise?

"A pair of pears"

What do you think of when someone says "I exercise everyday"? Like most of us you probably think gym, running, weights, sweating etc. But we can exercise other parts of our bodies too. Do you read or write daily? Then you are exercising your mind. Do you you draw or sketch everyday? Then it's your hand to eye coordination, plus your creativity that's getting the workout.

This year as part of my New Years resolutions I have chosen to read and write daily, as well as sketch. So far so good. I found a beautifully illustrated Tao de Ching book, that I read a passage daily out of ( I figure I can get through it 3 times in a year) and then journal my thoughts on the reading.  I am also reading 365 Days of Art , a daily exploration of art facts, tips and exercises. (Did you know that Van Gogh painted his Sunflowers to decorate his house in anticipation of Gauguin's visit?) I've got a small sketch book working along with that one.

At first it was challenging to sit daily and complete my tasks before my crazy day would unravel. Then I began to look forward to it. Eventually it became a crucial part to the beginning of my day. Now I can't complete my without those 2 habits. I've noticed that I'm thinking a bit clearer and that ideas into my creativity are flowing a bit smoother. The picture above "A pair of pears" done in pen and ink with pastel, was an exercise in sketching.

Not unlike the person training for a 5k race. At first a mile is hard, it eventually gets a bit easier. Then one day you realize your having fun.  The habit has added to your lifestyle. Let me ask you, what are your daily exercise habits? How do they make you feel and what have they added to your life? Go exercise, take a jog, read a book or pull out that sketchbook. Any way you look at it, exercise can be fun.