Your Body Needs You

I've been reflecting on the body lately, specifically my body and how guilt can arise when I don't care for it properly. We all know that our body is what allows us to be alive on planet Earth, the grand playground, where we learn and grow and evolve. Our bodies are sacred in every sense of the word and I believe it's because of this knowing that guilt arises when we don't put the care of our bodies first.

Your body trusts you to do for it what it cannot do for itself.

This means, at the most basic level, that our bodies depend on us for air, water, food and exercise. Let's explore what this means.
AIR Yes, breathing is involuntary, but do you really breathe? Do you fill your lungs with clean, fresh air? Do you breathe in an expansive, open, intentional way with deep, soothing, diaphragmatic breathing that tells your body you know you are alive? Or is your breathing shallow and collapsed as though you're barely hanging on. It was that first inhale that gave you life - how are you supporting your body and life with your breath?
WATER Not everyone can drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day, but most of us don't even come close. Water is essential to the proper functioning of our bodies and without it the body can only last for 3-5 days. Our cells and organs require water or they start to break down. The body can't supply it's own water, it needs you!
FOOD While the body can go without food for a period of time and survive, the toll it places on bodily functions is serious. The body depends on you to feed it, but we all know that not all food is created equal. What are you feeding your body? What kind of relationship do you have with food? What kinds of thoughts are you feeding your body?
Your body trusts you to do for it what it cannot do for itself: breathing fresh clean air in a deep and meaningful way; drinking water to support our body's functions; eating food that supports life. And of course exercise to support the body's ability to move, remain flexible, and for structural integrity.
Your body needs you to be its advocate. It needs you to honor and respect it. It is after all giving you the sacred gift of life.
 
In love and light,
Deborah