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Calming the Mind
The environment and pace of fly fishing can have tremendous effects on elevated stress levels. The serenity and solitude allow more introspection. Thoughts, burdens, and problems, which might seem overwhelming when intermixed in our everyday lifestyle, can be better processed and solved when attention is not distracted by the outside world. And, although the world’s problems aren’t going to diminish cast by cast, fly fishing is a wonderful way to escape and connect with the world around us and with each other. Meditation through fly fishing is yet another component unique to this sport. The practice slows the heart rate, reduces blood pressure, slows the adrenal glands’ production of the stress hormone cortisol, and improves the function of the immune system. On the stream, your focus is solely dedicated to the anticipation of the big one gliding just beneath the surface, and you visualize the cast and the catch. You are truly in the moment, and very much meditating! How wonderful it is that all the required props for the practice of meditation are present every time you walk out to that stream. The beauty of the atmosphere provides the place of serenity, the water is the symbol of rejuvenation, and the gentle flow of the stream is the focused sound. It all adds up to a great family moment.
Strengthening the Body
As a nation, our physical health is not much to brag about. Obesity is the second largest cause of preventable death in the United States. More than 120 million people are overweight in our country; more than 60 million are clinically obese. Why is this epidemic so prevalent? Obviously, nutrition, or lack thereof, is a contributing factor. Low-nutrient, calorie-dense foods have become a common (and overeaten) food source, but mostly our obesity problem is caused by the lives we live. Yes, our sedentary, too-busy-to-exercise, highly stressed lifestyles are making us fatter and more prone to obesity-related diseases. We’re spoiled with computers, elevators, escalators, televisions, intercoms, and remote controls. Who doesn’t search for the remote for 20 minutes instead of adjusting the volume or turning the TV on by hand?
Most of the problem lies in the computer-based jobs or activities we do daily. The average American is at his or her job from 10 to 12 hours per day, and most of us are sitting while we work. The only times we move are to use the restroom, refill our coffee, purchase something from the vending machine, go to lunch, or go home. At which time, we hop in the car and drive home to either chauffeur the children from activity to activity or sit in front of the idiot box for hours on end. We have become a culture of “indoor” people, and it has had an awful trickle-down effect on our children. The popularity of television, computers, and video games has translated into a sedentary lifestyle. Plus, these isolated activities contribute to the breakdown of the family unit. We all have to get moving again.
Some people do not find exercise an enjoyable activity. Finding alternative activities, especially those that can be enjoyed together, is something to get excited about. Fly fishing can burn between 300 and 400 calories an hour, depending on wading conditions and gear (waders). It requires balance and core stability. You are actually engaging muscles at all times to maintain the vertical position in the water. It is a wonderful way to get fit as a family while enjoying time together.
Feeding the Spirit
Spirituality is the way you find meaning, hope, comfort, and inner peace in your life. We are not sure exactly how spirituality is related to health, but the three (mind, body, and spirit) seem to be connected. It is believed that faith in a higher power gives hope. Hope breeds positive thoughts and a feeling of well-being. When you are on the stream, there is a sense that something greater created the beauty around you. (I’ve heard many a “Holy cow!” and “Thank God” when anglers have reeled in a big trout, so there has to be something to this Higher Power stuff, no matter what your faith.) I’m thankful every day to God for the gifts he has given me—especially the gifts of awareness and appreciation.
Eric and I are expecting our first baby at the end of June. I want the best life for my children and family. As small business owners, Eric and I know the struggles, hard work, and endless hours it takes to make it in our economy. Yet through it all, he still brings me coffee every morning and we take the time to chat over our cup of joe. Even if it means waking up a bit earlier than we have to, we make the time to be together.
We laugh when we talk about our unborn child. Our child will ultimately have a dumbbell in one hand and a fly rod in the other. This poor child will experience overkill of the wellness concept. But, hopefully one day when our child is bouncing his or her own child on a knee…the memories, relationships, and quality times we shared as a family will be remembered as the best life we could have provided. Be well…
About the Author:
Tracey L. Stroup, president and owner of Trained By Tracey Inc., has a BS in exercise and sports science from Pennsylvania State University and is a holistic nutritional consultant. Tracey’s success has inspired her to expand the concepts of wellness beyond a studio; now the principles that she lives and teaches can be introduced to a broader base of people. You can find her online at www.trainedbytracey.com.
 This article appeared in Pathways to Family Wellness magazine, Issue #22.
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