How Do We Strengthen Our Heart & Lungs?

Medical experts says that the benefits of exercise are universal. Physical activity significantly reduces a person's chances of suffering a heart attack by increasing oxygen supply to the heart muscle. It also increases blood flow to the heart and reduces irregularities in its rhythm.

Exercise has been found to lessen fatigue. It clears arteries of cholesterol, and enhances the ability of the blood to dissolve clots. This , in effect, lowers a person's blood pressure.

For cardiovascular conditioning, the exercise must be aerobic to promote the use of oxygen. Health authorities say you must bring your heart rate to 60% to 70% of its maximum (low intensity workout zone). Though some push themselves beyond this level, say 80% (moderate intensity workout zone), it is recommended that you consult your doctor first. To estimate your maximum heart rate, subtract your age in years from 220. Your target rate for exercise is between 60% and 70% of that number. Or just simply refer to the table.

The pulse (heart rate) can be taken by placing a finger on your wrist or your neck and counting the beats in six seconds, then multiply it by ten. That means you must stop for six seconds to check your heart rate. You do this to make sure you are doing enough but not overdoing it.

Walking two or three times a week for at least 20 minutes increases cardiovascular strength. By increasing the strength of your heart and lungs, you consequently increase your ability not only to exercise longer and harder but also to perform everyday tasks without tiring.

What's Up in Heaven?

I once asked an old wise man: How do we work in heaven?

And he answered:

You do not work in heaven, it is much of a temple, worship is done there. You work in paradise, it is much like earth, yet even much greater. But you will not work for bread, manna is all around, it is free, and it leaves no residue. They don’t have comfort rooms there, nothing defiles in that place. You will again tend and keep your home garden which had been your noble assignment since the beginning of your great grandfather’s time. Of course, not as a farmer, but more of a landscape artist. The animals, you will rule over them; but you will also have to take care of them because they are your next best friends. You may assign them to their appropriate places to add beauty and impact on the sceneries you have created. The people, the Almighty will rule over them; but, they will be your buddies, you will love their compliments, as much as they will love yours.

Meantime, get to know your mother earth. Know the nature of trees and herbs; know the needs of great and small animals; learn to deal fairly with your own kind, lest you be deprived of that great and noble work.

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"Blessed is he who has found his work, let him ask no other blessedness. "- Thomas Carlyle, Past & Present (1843)

Why Work?

I remember this anecdote which I read from a magazine, though I don’t remember from which that was, my memory has become older than my age… but the story goes this way:

An executive, quite successful in his profession met a car accident. Bewildered by the sight of himself reclining lifeless was approached by an angel and was asked to come with him. He obligingly acceded and was brought to a place were he was to stay.

The place seemed familiar and not different from the usual places that he visited when he was still alive. There were banquets with people, men and women, common in his life. There were much food and wine, and his time was spent in enjoyment and celebration. The same activities happened night after night for there was no day in that place, though there were plenty of electricity, and bonfires.

Nights passed after another until he finally got bored, he called for the angel that brought him to the place and demanded: “If you cannot give me something to work on here, I’d rather be in hell.” And the good angel responded: “That’s where you are!”

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This reminded me of Mahatma Gandhi who points out that the state of indolence, though delightful, is very distressing. Man has to find something to put his hands on to be happy.