Sedentary or Sedimentary
Funny story… I recently was chatting with a friend about how tough it is to move my body throughout the day. My job makes me feel glued to a screen at times. I completely botched the word. Instead of saying sedentary, I said sedimentary—like as in rocks.
My friend stopped me in my tracks and made a little joke about how the two words aren’t as far apart as they sound.
Think about it. A sedentary lifestyle is a life defined by inactivity with little intentional movement. Sitting becomes the norm with energy slowly compacting into stiffness and fatigue.
Sedimentary rocks form in much the same way with layers of sediment settling, pressed together over time, and hardening into something solid and unmoving. Rocks just sit there and accumulate much like a sedentary lifestyle. Maybe I was onto something. In a weird, accidental way, I nailed it.
The truth is, it’s a real struggle in today’s comfortable world—at least for me. I dive into work and have a hard time disengaging. Before I know it, hours have passed and my watch is buzzing, reminding me to stand up and move.
Before our modern era, movement wasn’t optional. People had to walk miles to get anywhere. Most jobs were physically taxing. Movement was built into life.
People didn’t worry about going to the gym or going for a run in the pioneer days or in biblical times. They were plowing the fields and washing the clothes, engaging their abs to use the washboard. Jesus’ dusty sandals walked everywhere during his earthly ministry.
I think of the Proverbs 31 woman. This lady was anything but sedentary. She was a mover and a shaker. Her arms were strong for her tasks and she worked vigorously. If she had an apple watch, I’m pretty sure she’d be getting in her step count and getting her “closed ring” award.
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Proverbs 31:10-31
The Proverbs 31 woman is the description that King Lemuel’s mother gave to her son of what to look for in a wife. This proverb may have been inspired by one woman or a compilation of traits of many women. Regardless, I love that this woman is described as being active in her life for the good of her family, her ministry, her husband, and herself.
Nowadays, unless we’re intentional, inactivity is the default.
Why is it important to move? Of course there is the physical health aspect. Moving burns calories and helps with weight management. Strength training helps build muscles. Movement is good for our heart, lungs, and other organs.
But, movement does so much more. It lifts our mood. It allows us to get in nature and take in beauty. Goals can be attached to movement, which helps us feel a sense of taking ownership of our lives. It helps us combat stress and emotional dysregulation. Movement aids in the quality of life. Sometimes the fastest way through a mental block is forward motion with our feet.
I’ve noticed that when I feel overwhelmed, a walk or a run clears my head. Even difficult conversations tend to soften when they happen side-by-side on a walk instead of face-to-face at a table.
Walking is forward motion in more than one way.
When our bodies are still for too long, it can feel like our inner world settles and hardens too. Our bodies are a gift. God designed them to move. They let us experience sunrises, feel ocean water, embrace a friend, serve a neighbor. They carry us through the work He’s given us to do.
The more we move, the more alive we tend to feel. Energy often follows action. It reduces stress, anxiety and allows for greater creativity.
Maybe the goal is simply this: don’t let life turn to stone. Keep the sediment stirred. Choose small moments of movement throughout the day. Stand up. Step outside. Take the long way. Say yes to a walk. Little by little, those choices add up—not just to healthier bodies, but to clearer minds and lighter hearts.
Next Steps: Application
Physical Practices
Try a new physical activity. There are so many fun ways to move your body.
- Take a class or hit the gym (kickboxing, karate, kettlebell, step, dance, stretching, drumsticks, strength/weight-lifting, bootcamp, etc.)
- Get on the water (swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, skiing, surfing, etc.)
- Use a ball (soccer, basketball, softball, tennis, pickleball, golf, etc.)
- Lace up your shoes and get outside (running, walking, hiking, biking, etc.)
- Turn on a video or listen to a guided exercise podcast (Revelation Wellness has movement podcasts called Reving the Word and a variety of exercise classes online for free) https://www.revelationwellness.org/podcast/ https://www.revelationwellness.org/revwelltv/
Spiritual Practices
Pair your movement with connecting with God. I love to do prayer, worship, and gratitude walks. Some of my best times with God are when I’m moving somewhere in nature. One of the things I love about Revelation Wellness is they teach the Word of God while teaching fitness classes. When we are moving, we have can have a greater openness to the things of God.
Mental and Emotional Practices
Moving throughout the day is beneficial for your body, mind, and heart. A rhythm and routine that works well for me is what I call “HMNS.” HMNS stands for “Hydrate, Movement, Nutrition and Spiritual Disciplines.” I try to incorporate these four things in the morning, in the middle of the day, and in the evening.
It could look like….
- Going on a prayer walk, drinking my water, and eating breakfast when I get back
- Reading my Bible, drinking my water with my lunch, and going on a bike ride after lunch
- After dinner (where I’ve had my water) doing some gentle stretching to quiet music and reflecting on the goodness of God
It’s just about being intentional. Taking care of body. Taking care of soul.
Relational Practices
Grab a friend and go on a walk. This is fun to do in person, but I have a friend who drives to work Monday through Friday from 6:40-7:15 am and most days I “go on a walk” with her.
It’s great accountability for me because it is a “date.” She’s driving to work. I’m pounding the pavement and we get to encourage each other and connect. I’d call that a win-win.
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