The first time I heard someone say, 'No, I won't eat [that], my body is my temple,' it was the 70s and I was about 10 years old. I was struck by the comment, but had no idea what it meant.
Now, I think I’m starting to get it. A temple is where we worship, where we go to find peace and solace, to seek the experience of God however we define that.
I have often gotten caught up, instead, in worshipping the temple.
But lately I’ve come to understand that when I think, My body is my temple, this is not vanity.
My body is my temple in so much as it needs to be a peaceful place through which I can experience the divine. To be peaceful that way, this body needs 9 hours sleep, meditation, good food, lots of walking etc., and also the company of friends, the joy and sorrow of love, the experience of wilderness and all forms of beauty, perceived and expressed.
Seeing myself this way changes the way I look at others too. When I really get into it, I no longer see young or old, slender or fat, distinctions that are all about status and worldly power, anyway.
When I really experience my body as a temple, I get to see everyone else’s body as a temple too. And then, well, I have a really nice day.
I hope you have a nice day too.
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Hi Valerie!
ReplyDeleteI love that phrase "My body is my temple". As I get older, it seems easier to believe it. I know I struggled with seeing my body as a healthy beautiful place when I was younger and self destructive. I feel as though a mantra of those 5 words every morning would be a good start to the day.
Love,
Paola
Hola Paola!
ReplyDeleteYes, every morning... it's a funny thing about these spiritual truths, how we can never learn them once and for all but need to keep practicing and remembering, and remembering and practicing.
Thanks for the visit!
Perhaps... My Body is My Temple means... God Dwells Within.
ReplyDeleteTo: God dwells within
ReplyDeleteYes. Thank you for this simplicity.