The Vitality Coach: The force can be found if you know where to look

William Now is the author of the Vitality Coach, a feature of the Nevada City Advocate.

The Olympic athlete has one set of feelings; the couch potato has a different set.

So what exactly is vitality? 

There’s that shine in the eye, that spring in the step and that making a difference in the world and knowing it. You know vitality when you see it and you want it for yourself.

Did you notice I’m not defining something strictly physical here? I’m talking about a vital force that inspires us to be vital. It is inextricably linked to how we feel and believe about ourselves. The Olympic athlete has one set of feelings; the couch potato has a different set of feelings.

These feelings and beliefs are like subconscious companions and they drive our subconscious compulsions to spend time doing the things we do. So it’s essential we develop awareness of these activities so we can make a conscious choice about how we live each moment.

Fortunately, our body gives clues. It stores the energetic component of many of our reactive behaviors and beliefs in a stiff neck, tight shoulders or a queasy stomach. Enhance your awareness of what your body is doing with this emotional energy and you’ve found a way to change for the better!

Awareness of our beliefs and of the emotional energy in our bodies is the first of the three pillars of vitality, which will be the subject of my July column “Self-Care 365: How Well Do I Hold This Body?”

It’s not enough to be aware. We also need to break the subconscious habits that keep us in our ruts so we can make conscious choices that express our values and vision. There are wildly successful steps you can take to break your habits in the middle of your hectic day when you most need to be fully conscious and at choice.

Choice is the second pillar. In my June column “Breaking Free and Taking Control (of Your Life),” I will share research and two specific steps that will give you conscious choice in the middle of a hectic day.

Techniques and tools are the third pillar of vitality. I will share a tip in most every column I write.

The acronym ACT neatly summarizes your three keys to vitality:  Awareness, Choice, Techniques and Tools.

William Now has a studio in Grass Valley where he uses massage and coaching to provide you with vitality A-wareness, C-hoice, and T-echniques/tools.  If you have a question for William, call 530-274-8144 or visit www.choosehealth.massagetherapy.com/TheVitalityCoach.htm.