From The Daily Dialogue
From The Daily Dialogue
Broadcast of 8/25/98
Subject: [DailyDialogue #237] Recreational Intimacy
"Studies from the Russian space program have found that young cosmonauts subjected to the forced inactivity of space flight fall prey to depression; when put on a schedule of regular exercise, this depression is avoided. The brain mechanism that controls depression appears to lie with a class of neurochemicals called catecholamines. In depressed patients, ...catecholamines are abnormally low...Exercise sends chemical messages back and forth between the brain and various muscle groups; part of this flow of biochemical information stimulates the production of catecholamines."
- Deepak Chopra, M.D.
Refreshment of our mind and body through activity and play with others, is a form of intimacy. Marty and I enjoy playing tennis and racquetball without rules and competition. We find ourselves joking about our level of skill and the exertion lifts our spirits.
The word sport comes from Old French desport meaning pleasure and from desporter, to divert. I am tempted not to divert my attention from work for twelve hours at a time, with the only pleasurable sport activity a short walk alone, in the middle of the day. Then I wonder why I feel depressed about my work.
Experiment: Participate in a pleasurable activity with your mate that requires physical exertion. Dialogue about how it maintains your physical and mental fitness as well as your intimacy.
Affirmation: I am enjoying pleasurable exercise with my partner.
The Daily Dialogue is published each day of 1998 by e-mail. Copyright 1998, Eddy Brame and Marty Crouch, All rights reserved.
