“Your body is precious. It is your vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care.” – Buddha
Have you ever left home and when you got back you felt like you needed to do a lot of clean up to feel comfortable again? Or have you ever gotten into a new office and you feel like I need to do a few things to help me claim this space as my own? Generally, people decide to do a good clean up, fix or change furniture, or clear up of clusters and unnecessary items stacked up in a corner. There are persons who also decide they need to pray over the space before they claim it or settle into it.
This is simply an illustration of how we also need to claim our body from time to time. As for your body, it is already yours, so you are only ‘reclaiming’ it to feel more comfortable ‘under your own skin’, as it is said.
The essence of this is that from time to time, we need to keep reclaiming our bodies for ourselves, for our survival, for our good health, for our wellbeing and for longevity. Yes, the body is finite, but you and I can always do what we can to give our physical selves the best we can by keeping it strong and healthy. You may not fully control how long you will live but you can largely control the quality of life you give to your body today. And this is where we want to concentrate on.
The first person you have obligation to care for is who? Not your children, now your spouse, not anyone else BUT YOU. This body you carry around is the first home you need to care for. This body of yours is full of life, it has a spirit, it is associated with the Divine, it is created in the image and likeness of God. Your physical being is God’s tool at work in the world. If you make that choice, you become Gods hands and feet in the world. Of course, this is up to you to allow yourself, your body be a tool of the Spirit of God.
Ok, this is not our area of concentration, but this is to point out that your body is both physical and divine and that you cannot afford to be careless with it. You cannot afford to look down on yourself. You are God’s vessel in the world and so this body needs your care.
We do know that some persons give so much attention to their bodies and almost adore the steps on which they walk. We are not talking about taking care of our bodies like gods or goddesses who overindulge themselves, but a basic care that keeps us well, strong in mind and body, and with a happy spirit.
When we nurture the outer body, the inner body gets nurtured too.
Listening to the Signals
Reclaiming your body begins with first, listening to the body and its signals. This signal could be communicated to you through a pain, headache, fatigue, a bodily discomfort, and unusual skin indication, a feeling of unwellness, emotional ups and downs, irritation, and the likes.
Such signals mean we need to take an action to reclaim our body. It usually would point to some need for attention or for some rest. Funnily, at this point, the body isn’t yours. It has begun giving way to some other internal or external pressures. So, reclaim it!
Another way to listen to your body is to pay attention to your inner self / inner spirit / sacred self. This inner self can guide you on your bodily needs. And you can hear this still small voice when you have an attitude of inner silence, take time for morning meditation, and take time to think about how you are leading your life.
Ways to Reclaim Your Body
Sleep: Have enough Sleep. Take a nap. Your body would usually signal you towards this. So, we need to listen to our bodies very often, not only for sleep but for other needs that will improve our health and wellbeing.
Hydration: Drink a lot of water all day. This will help keep your body hydrated. I learnt that when feeling unwell and discomfort, the first thing is to ensure I am taking a good amount of drinking water. Then other necessary remedies follow.
Eat Nutritious food: Don’t hesitate to spoil your body with fresh fruits and vegetables. Generally, our diet tends to be high on carbohydrate. We need to be attentive to the quantity we consume and have a good balance with proteins, fruits, and vegetables every day. Think of something that is not healthy in your diet and remove it.
Exercise regularly: Have a simple routine exercise you are committed to very often. For me, brisk long walks at least four mornings a week does it.
Dental health: We are encouraged to floss often and to visit a dentist. For our kids, we can help them by limiting the number of sweet items they consume and ensure they brush their teeth well daily.
Mental health: Help yourself to keep sane. Take away from your five senses, anything that would become a real disturbance to you. Know what helps you relax and spoil yourself some time. Focus on the positive things of your life. Count your blessings. This contributes greatly to your mental health.
Use positive affirmations: Tell yourself positive words and nurture positive thoughts about your life. Positive affirmations said often keep your thoughts positive and pure. Examples of such affirmations are: “I am a happy magnet that attracts everything I want”; “I believe in Abundance”; “I am not alone. I have Divine guidance available to me at all times”.
Journaling: Writing down stuff works well for some persons. It is great to have somewhere to express what you feel. On paper, you can vent out your feelings generously and get relief.
Morning meditation: When you make morning meditation a daily habit, you find it a great way of restoring your mind and body. You also get ideas and inspirations that support your life and work endeavours.
Keep active; keep moving: Sometimes we tend to see walking or movement as a punishment or as stress. Well, it becomes for you what you define it to be. Nonetheless, we need to be aware that this body needs regular movement, not in excess (which is relative), depending on your stamina and health condition.
Relax: Slow Down. The hustles and bustles of life are endless. Take time to savour the life. Worry not. Everything will take its place with time. Do what you can, relax and leave the rest. A few times during the day, give yourself a break by closing your eyes, and take slow breathes in and out. This will further help you pause, forget the troubles and just relax.
Together We Can Ensure that Reclaiming the Body is a Personal Right!
So what YOU DO… Matters!
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