MomPriest from RevGals writes:

Recently I started an assertive exercise regime thanks to my daughter who convinced me to join her gym. Truth be told I’ve been pretty good at working out most of my life. Usually these workouts include walking my dogs, bike riding, swimming, or a yoga DVD. I thought I was in good shape. That is until I started using the machines and taking classes at the gym with people half my age.

During this same time frame I have spent several nights a week watching hockey. As the oldest child with three younger brothers I grew up with hockey. Then it was played outside on rough ice and in freezing temperatures. Now I have been captivated by the Chicago Blackhawks and their quest for the Stanley Cup. Wednesday night I sat through a nail-biting game that culminated in the win Chicago’s been waiting for.

Also going on this week is the NBA playoff and the World Cup Soccer games in South Africa. Lots of sports to distract us from the problems of the day.

As if that weren’t enough I am recultivating my practice of silent prayer and meditation. This has been a long practice of mine but one that sometimes goes by the wayside of life’s distractions. Sadly though I have also just moved far away from my Spiritual Director and will have to try and find a new one in the future.

There have also been occasions in my life when I have seen a therapist to help me work out one or more issues in my life. Sometimes these sessions have required more grueling intense internal work than any physical workout I’ve done.

For this Friday Five let’s ponder the various ways we work out (or not), physically, spiritually, and/or psychologically.

1. Do you work out physically, spiritually, or psychologically? (I’ll let you define what that might mean to you.) Physically – I have started regularly participating in a Tai Chi class. Bearded Brewer started going first, and now Reedy Girl and I attend too. It’s both mentally and physically good for me. Although I confess I did take a day off today as a birthday slug. Spiritually and psychologically – I have started a unit of CPE. If you’ve done that, you know what I mean by a “workout!”

2. Are you more inclined to join a gym, or a book club? If you know me at all, you know I’m a bookaholic. A book club.

3. Are you more inclined to read self-help books like Gail Sheehy’s “Passages” or spiritual books like Richard Rohr or Theresa of Avila? And if so, what is your favorite? I don’t really have a favorite book… but I enjoy me a round of Tolkien every few years.  I can also be in the mood for a Tom Clancy novel or just read the morning paper.

4. Are you a loyal fan of a sports team? Or do you join the bandwagon when the local team is winning? And, if so, which one? I am a BUCKEYE FAN down to my toes! I enjoy following them especially during football season. Two years ago, I got to see the OSU-Michigan game in Ohio Stadium. Great fun and a great game. You have to have been at a game to understand the rush, the noise, and the sound of 100,000 people clapping and cheering together.

5. Or do you lean more toward having a favorite theologian/Spiritual writer or self help author  and if so, who? And, why. Since I’m freshly done with seminary, I hope I can transition from equating “theologian” with “research paper” and its accompanying headaches!  I am a very eclectic reader, though. I like C.S.Lewis, Nouwen, Groothius and Brueggemann.

Bonus: What was the last play-off series you watched and did your team win?  I watched the men’s NCAA basketball tournament, and sadly, no, the Buckeyes did not win.