Many modern writers and executive advisors say the same things: exercise increases our capacity to work, improves both vitality and resistance to stress, and even moderate workouts can improve cognitive and creative capacity. (A plus for me: my workouts are definitely on the moderate side.)

Because the mind and body are so inextricably connected, even moderate physical exercise can increase cognitive capacity. It does so most simply by driving more blood and oxygen to the brain. Exercise is also believed to stimulate more production of a chemical—brain derived neurotrophic factor—which helps repair brain cells and prevent further damage. (Loehr and Schwartz, 2003, p.101)

Taking time for creative activities on a regular basis has also felt good and I really couldn't explain why, except that it was fun and fun is, well—fun. However, Loehr and Schwartz (2003), clarified a relationship between fun and learning for me:

Much like the body, the brain needs time to recover from exertion...it takes time for the brain to consolidate and encode what it has learned.... In the absence of downtime, or recovery, this learning cannot take place as efficiently. (p. 102)

So, in these authors' terms, I've created a positive energy ritual by adding yoga and music to my daily routine. Judy Murphy, one of the VALTA Project facilitators, helped me understand when she said "emotions come out physically; we know that." I hadn't known, but it explains why the activities made such a difference. I played piano angrily, danced for joy, typed furiously, sang with gusto. Those activities felt so good—and they were part of the course. Assignments. I wouldn't have done them, wouldn't even have thought of doing them otherwise. All are physical; even journal writing is physical. I type like a whiz and put my emotions outside me, where I can see them, and face them.