What is the relationship between your spirituality and your body?
Usually most people think of the physical body and the spiritual self as separate things. But what if we were to focus on the relationship between the two?
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin said,
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”
In scripture (KJV) it tells us that our bodies are created in the image of God (Gen 9:6). It also calls the combination of the body and the spirit the soul (Gen 2:7)
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul teaches about our bodies by comparing them to a temple. This was a way of teaching about the sacredness of our bodies and how they should be cared for.
In many religions, temples are places that are treated differently than other places of worship.
If our bodies are temples how should we treat them differently?
How do we think about them differently?
I did write about this a little bit previously when I was expressing the gratitude I have developed for my body over the years in a post back on November 27th of last year.
I have recently been able to teach a class about improving your physical and mental health to a few different audiences and we discussed the relationship of the the spirit and the body and the mind.
These are all parts that make up who you are, but they are not necessarily who you are. That’s confusing I know!
You ARE your spiritual self. That spiritual self has a body, and part of that body is your mind and thoughts.
I believe that one of the reasons we are here on earth is to learn how to manage and work with our physical body and mind as we come to know and recognize more and more of our spiritual selves.
Coming more into alignment with our spiritual selves gives us a greater ability to be grateful for and take care of our physical bodies. And being grateful for and taking care of our physical bodies helps us to come more into alignment with our spiritual selves. It is a symbiotic relationship.
The way we think about our spirit and body and the relationship between them is the foundation for the way we treat those bodies.
So if you are struggling with the relationship you currently have with your body start by getting curious.
What are the stories I have about my body?
What do I think would be better if it were different?
How did others around me talk about their bodies as I was growing up?
How has the way I have been thinking about my body been helpful or not so helpful throughout my life?
Our bodies allow us to “feel” the sensations and vibrations that are the physical signals of our emotions. I believe we are meant to learn through our emotions. Those lessons that have stronger emotional resonance for me have a more lasting effect.
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
I’m Michelle. I am learning how to minimize my overwhelm, perfectionism, and people-pleasing and I am ready to help you do the same. I’m a certified Life Coach and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Come with me and learn how.
You ARE your spiritual self. That spiritual self has a body, and part of that body is your mind and thoughts.
I believe that one of the reasons we are here on earth is to learn how to manage and work with our physical body and mind as we come to know and recognize more and more of our spiritual selves.
Today’s post is a little shorter because I want to go take care of my body. After being out of town for several days I came home and ended up not feeling well. I don’t get sick often, but I am finally learning that when I am sick I am allowed to take the time I need to rest and recover rather than pushing through or “soldiering on”.
If I stop and give myself time to care for my body my family will be okay…..the world will keep on revolving around the sun…..and I can let my body do what it is designed to do in taking care of itself.
That is just one way I can deepen the relationship I have between my body and my spirit. And it helps me come to better understand who I am. I hope to keep learning and growing as I continue deepening that relationship even more.
Tell me what you think about your body and its spiritual nature. “Contact Me” and send me a quick email. If you prefer, you can “Schedule a Conversation” for a free session to discuss what you want to work towards and how to get started.
Remember…..It’s ALL good!!