#iFit run with #knoxrobinson @firstrun
I was running remotely in Kenya with an iFit trainer when a dozen children joined the run. They were happy and smiling and excited to be running.
My first thought was “Look. How cute. They think this is fun.”
Which got me wondering why I don’t equate exercise with fun. I started thinking about my cultural and familial belief system.
Individual beliefs and actions get passed down through familial lines and become traditions. The beliefs and actions shared by communities get passed down through history and become part of our culture.
From our experiences we develop traditions.
Hygiene-bathing practices, teeth care, shaving
Health-exercise and eating
Financial-how you save or spend money
Style-hair, clothing
Social-how we treat others
The thing with traditions is that we keep on doing them without stopping to question WHY we are doing them.
Some traditions are beneficial and enhance our lives. Others are harmful. But it’s easier to keep doing what we know even if it isn’t serving us. We don’t like to examine our traditions because it can rock our world. Sometimes the most antagonism comes from the people closest to us.
A friend in your circle states, “I’m eating vegan now.” Sit back and listen to the judgment. It’s not easy to break free from traditions. Not only because of the criticism that may come but also from the temptations that come from within when we try to change.
Change is rarely easy.
A General Conference address called “Removing Barriers to Happiness” by Richard G. Scott (April 1998) came to mind as I was pondering on traditions. I remembered him saying that as some members join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints they may need to “evaluate each part of (their) life and make adjustments as needed.” Much of our heritage becomes woven into our identity. Much of our heritage can be a blessing to our lives but sometimes changes need to be made. This is true not only for converts but for long-time members of the church as well. As long-term members we have religious traditions that we adhere to. We see this played out among the Pharisees in New Testament times. We are so right in our convictions, but then Someone comes along and shows us a better Way. We have to decide if we are going to choose it. If we are willing to do the hard work of change. If we are willing to ask the questions to determine if change is necessary.
Why am I doing this?
Do I like my reasons?
Do I like the results I’m creating?
Is there a better way?
Sometimes we just continue to do things because our parents did it that way and their parents did it that way. If doing those things brings long-term happiness, then keep doing them. But if not, ask yourself, “Is there a better way?”
Spanking was the cultural norm in the 1970s when I was a young ‘un needing parental guidance. I began spanking my first born but stopped when she was about two-years-old when I decided putting her in “time-out” was the form of discipline I was going to use instead. That same daughter (now raising three children of her own) just informed me this week that “time-outs” are no longer recommended.
After spanking my daughter several times in anger I had to ask myself, “Do I like the results I’m creating?” The answer was NO. Is there a better way? YES.
Family reunions are becoming a thing of the past. As my mom gets older and is ready to pass on the baton, I have to ask myself if this tradition is worth it. Do I like the results that are created? The answer is a resounding YES.
As a Stake Young Women’s President, I’m in a social media group where questions are asked. A recent post on addressing clothing standards at dances was asked. Is having young women kneel on the floor before they can enter a dance to check the skirt length an appropriate plan? Might there be a better way? YES.
When is a good time to question our traditions? I like to question them when the emotion I’m feeling isn’t in alignment with my behavior. While spanking my daughter I felt angry and afterwards I felt upset. If I was asking a young woman to kneel so I could check her skirt length I would be feeling judgmental. When I think about the family reunion I feel happy.
What about exercise? I’ve been telling myself it’s more of a chore than fun, but when I really hone in on WHY I exercise, I feel desire (for a long healthy life) and motivated (to take care of my body) and happy (emotionally).
In the end we get to decide what traditions to keep and which ones need changing. Choosing a better way is always an option.
