In truth, I have always put a lot of focus on my body. I’m just being honest.
I think it was because early on I was labeled as the child with the pretty face but with weight to lose. Before I strapped on my first bra, I knew I was chubby.
I don’t know what family member or well-meaning friend first mentioned my “healthy body.” But I vividly remember shopping with my mom for back-to-school clothes in the “chubby girl” section of the department store. And I also can’t forget the aunt who put me immediately on the bathroom scale to see if I’d lost some weight after coming home from two weeks at Girl Scout camp.
Indeed, for most of my life I have had a preoccupation with my physical body.
Now, at 70 years old, it seems my body has become an even bigger deal.
I think about my DIET. What should I eat to support my bone healthy, to say nothing of my heart health, intestinal health, and mental health.
And then there’s EXERCISE. We all must exercise but we’re advised to make that exercise moderate; habitual but not too strenuous. Strength train, but not overtrain. And then there’s fall prevention practice. . .
I really shouldn’t mock any of this. I know the importance of paying attention to the body as we age. And I know the importance of regular doctor visits, checkups, dental and vision care, and vaccines.
But I also wonder, WHEN IT COMES TO MY BODY AND MY SPIRIT, AM I JUST A BIT OUT OF BALANCE?
I know some people are really good carving out time to focus on their spiritual connection.
Physically taking in religious services, making time for morning/evening prayer, consciously practicing gratitude, delving deeper to form a richer relationship with Spirit.
Honestly, what would my life look like if I spent less time on the physical body and more time on the spiritual soul?
If this post resonates with you, I guess it’s all about creating balance. If it’s something of value, then creating the habit and integrating time in our schedules to live more spiritually is worthwhile.
If we want to create the habit, there’s a pathway for us to follow. There are some great books that help with habit formation.
James Clear, Atomic Habits
Charles Duhigg, The Power of Habit
BJ Fogg, PhD, Tiny Habits
But if you feel ready to make changes in your life immediately, these five steps from mindbodygreen.com might be helpful.
Make time for meditation
A daily spiritual reading
Practice daily gratitude
Take a walk. Spend time in nature
Expect blessings
And as always, we’d love to hear from you. What do you think about DIET VERSUS DEVOTION? Are they sometimes at odds in your life? Talk with us in the comments
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