Karl Edwards presents Working Matters

Tag: exercise

  • Loving Monday: Rearranging the Furniture

    loving_mondayErgonomics has its place. And that’s all I’m going to say.

    Efficiency is important, and yet it is only one factor among many. Variety is another. Neither is the whole story.

    Today I’m going to suggest that you rearrange the furniture.

    I’m going to suggest that you break out of the stultifying sameness of your static set-up. Give your brain the fun and refreshing challenge of seeing things differently. Of not being able to count on the same-ol’ same-ol’. Of being forced to bring to the conscious level what has been in the background.

    Doing things differently simply because the furniture is on the other side of the room from where it used to be, necessitates new perspectives, takes us to different vantage points and can bring to awareness assumptions about how and why we do certain things the way we do.

    Minimally, you’ll give your brains a visual treat and an energizing exercise. More significantly, you are creating opportunities to stumble upon new and better ways of experiencing work even as you avoid literally stumbling upon your work.

    Let’s start this week off by rearranging the furniture.

    On your side,

    – Karl Edwards

  • Loving Monday: Stairs and More Stairs

    loving_mondayI recently discovered a new staircase that took my breath away.

    Literally.

    Several hundred steps rising from the floor of the Los Angeles Basin to a 360 degree view of the entire city 511 feet in the air.

    Los_Angeles-viewWhether you experience the climb as inspiring or intimidating probably depends on how you view heavy breathing and aching muscles. Or how much you enjoy seeing the mountains that surround the city or identifying city landmarks from miles away.

    I may have just discovered a form of exercise quirky enough to bring me back for more.

    For my fellow Angelenos, I refer to the new Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook recently opened just off Jefferson Boulevard in Culver City. Pleasant walking trails once you reach the top complete with nature center. (Yes, there is also auto access.)

    I‘m writing, though, because it felt so good to start the day with an intense climb. Any exercise would probably have a similar effect, but given the fact that I don’t do “any” exercise, this is an exciting discovery for me.

    Vigorous enough to give my heart a work-out. Inspiring enough to get me to the top.

    There are so many “shoulds” out there about health, life, relationships, work, etc., etc. As accurate as the “should” might be, we must face the fact that not all of us are motivated by all “shoulds.”

    We need to find those good things that we can “want” as well. When it comes to exercise, my final list is strikingly short.

    I think I found me a new one! Back to the stairs and then back to work.