In our conversation page this month we would like our readers to explore the question 'Is gentle exercise good for your body?'   We invite you to share with us your experiences over the years of gym memberships and exercise programs that have, or have not worked, for you both physically and emotionally.
 
The latest article posted to our Exercise Pages, My Commitment to Exercising – Quality not Quantity stimulated much conversation between members of our team.  How often have we been told that we need to exercise harder and longer for it to be beneficial to our body and well-being? Perhaps the tide is turning and there is now more evidence that this need not be the true way of exercising to promote a fit and healthy body in our elder years.
 
Is it worth considering:
      Is it really necessary to go through the pain and stress that exercise programs are
      mostly founded on OR is it possible to enjoy an exercise program, one that has
     all the benefits and results of a hard and fast routine but in a gentler, calmer way?
 
This is a very important topic for everyone, especially for us in our elder years. You may like to visit the exercise page to read more articles from our writers on their experiences with exercise.
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 Let the conversation begin. . .

 In our Join a Conversation Topic we will explore relationships, the role our choices play and the joy of connecting with others in a range of differing relationships.
 
We don’t have to be in a partnership or marriage, to be in a ‘relationship’. In fact, we are always in relationship with others in everything that we do. Most people have a myriad of relationships as they move through the different stages of their lives – with parents, step parents, grandparents, close family members, siblings, baby sitters, friends, teachers, lovers, partners, work colleagues, shop keepers, service providers, etc., not to mention those relationships we have with our pets!
 
Both sides of the relationship come with a set of expectations, learned ideals and beliefs about what the relationship entails.
 
When we look around us, we see very few ‘relationships’ that are true. By ‘true’, we mean blossoming, with each party being full and vital and naturally themselves.
Is it worth considering that in many of our relationships both parties:

• Find themselves holding back and waiting to see what the other is going to bring, before measuring out what each will give to the relationship
• Hold themselves closed and somewhat distant until it is proven that it is safe to let down their guard
• Find themselves not opening up and letting the other see all that they are –  their true essence.

 
It is great to stop and observe – what is it that we bring to our relationships? Is it fair to say that each person really does want to have a genuine relationship with others and to be seen for who they truly are?
 
We invite your comments to start this conversation on:
Making the most of our Relationships - Is there another way to be in relationships, which is respectful for self and others and which allows us to retain the essential ‘me’.
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                                                         Let the conversation begin . . .